10/01/2026
🎭 Review is in! Thank you Encore Reviews for coming to our opening night! 🎭
🎭 REVIEW 🎭
Jack and the Beanstalk
📍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A Spectacular Production"
Otterbourne Theatre Company has delivered a giant-sized hit! This year’s pantomime was a masterclass in community theatre. It was a whirlwind of fun, frolics, and family entertainment that left my jaw aching from laughter and my heart full.
Maddie Thirlby anchored the show as a perfectly heroic Jack, matched by Poppy Lucas who was excellent as the spirited Princess Charlotte. The Royal Court was in safe (and hilarious) hands with Matthew Rowe’s King Crumble and Sue Parsons, who was brilliant as Queen Apricot.
The comedy was non-stop. Nicky Stringer and Elise Gibbs made a fantastic comic duo as Snatchet and Scarper, while Richard Daniels (Rancid the Rat Man), George Lucas (Rodney) and Nex Gibbs (Piccalilli the Witch) gave us villains we loved to hate! Jack Hobbs was a total crowd favourite as Simple Simon, having the entire room roar "Don't be silly, Simple Simon!" Every time he appeared.
While Hannah Bishop brought the grace and fairy dust, it was her husband Ryan Bishop as Dame Dotty Dimple who truly stole the show. Ryan was absolutely born for this role; his talent shone through the hilarious chaos of forgotten lines and prop mishaps. His audience participation was hysterical and kept us all in stitches.
A huge mention must go to the ensemble of children. These talented young performers truly carried the show with their energetic dancing and acting. Their talent was matched only by their smiles. It was clear they were having the time of their lives, and that joy was infectious.
For a local production, the technical crew surpassed all expectations. The set design and special effects were incredibly impressive, providing a professional backdrop to the onstage madness.
I was grinning from ear to ear throughout. A massive congratulations to the entire company for a spectacular production.
Reviewed by Jordan for Encore South
