Jay Worthy
CRACKER JACK
10 December 2005
Christmas has officially arrived in Aberdeen. Last night the curtain went up on His Majesty's panto ... and it's a cracker.
From the excited babble of busloads of kids arriving in the foyer, to the last blast of applause for the final curtain call, Jack and the Beanstalk cast a spell on the audience.
Even from the moment the giant boomed out the traditional "Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum," this audience could smell fun.
And Jack delivered, living up to its billing of being a riot of colour, music and spectacle.
It was slick too. From the dancing to the singing, to the special effects - including a very clever portrayal of both the giant and his beanstalk.
But the thing that kept this panto ticking along was the cast.
Marti Webb was in her usual excellent voice as Fairy Daffodil ... her wee burst of her signature song Memories earning a huge round of applause.
The Evening Express's own Cameron Stout made for a giggle-worthy King Crumble, while Michael Howell and Michelle Potter were likeable leads as Jack and the princess.
But the show was almost stolen by Jay Worthy's fantastic villain Fleshcreep. He worked for those boos and how we loved to hiss him.
But the true stars were Alan McHugh as Dame Trot and Miles Jupp (Archie from Balamory) as Simple Simon.
They delivered a nicely judged and superbly timed comic double act that was the mainspring of the panto.
The jokes might have been as old as the theatre itself, but who cares?
And what of the most important element of any panto ... the audience?
The opening night crew were superb - cheering, singing, clapping and "oh yes it is-ing" in fine style. Just all part of the magic.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at His Majesty's until January 7.
© Northcliffe Electronic Publishing Ltd.
STARS' SUPPORT FOR SICK KIDS WON'T CRUMBLE
14 December 2005
King Crumble and his chums have been delivering festive cheer to sick kids in Aberdeen.
The stars of His Majesty's Theatre's pantomime visited the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital yesterday.
King Crumble, played by Cameron Stout, was joined by Princess Apricot, aka Michelle Potter, Jack, played by Michael Howell, and Fleshcreep, aka Jay Worthy.
Bedecked in their full costumes, the cast took time out from their hectic schedule to wow the kids.
Cameron said: "It's my third year at the kids' hospital. It makes a big difference to them. It's one of my favourite things about being in the pantomime.
"The kids never seem to be down in the dumps. The staff really make a big effort to look after them."
Among the lucky children meeting the cast was two-year-old Joe Adams.
Mum Kaye, 30, an auxiliary nurse from Blackburn, said: "The characters looked great in their costumes and have been very good with the kids.
"It's nice for them to get the opportunity to see them."
© Northcliffe Electronic Publishing Ltd.
