Grey, cold January getting you down?
Broken your first resolution?
This news story I spotted might just put a smile on your face. An audience member who attended a performance of “Jack And The Beanstalk”at the Neeld Community & Arts Centre, Chippenham, Wiltshire described it as…”Awful!”.
You might think that was just one person’s criticism of a professional pantomime company, until you consider that promised in their advertising were ”Sparkling sets and glittering costumes to bring festive joy!” when in reality, there wasnoscenery, sparkling or otherwise.
There were only three cast members – and according to another audience member “None of them could sing or dance!”
Makes you wonder why they weren’t auditioning for The X Factor instead of spending December in Wiltshire.
But it gets better.
Apparently, to make it appear there were more than three people in the cast, the trio on stage occasionally spoke into the wings and backstage staff whispered their answers.
Excuse me while I wipe these tears of laughter from my eyes.
It reminds me of the Morecambe and Wise sketch set in a Foreign Legion fort. Eric and Ernie walk in dressed as Legionaires and just before he closes the door, Eric looks outside and says “You two hundred men stay there and we’ll call if we need you!”
Another ”Jack And The Beanstalk” audience member remarked “It was pretty terrible. My kids were bored. Luckily I found the bar”.
Amazingly the show completed its three day run, but there were so many complaints that all 651 ticket buyers who’d paid £7 each were given a full refund. A loss of £4,557!
To be honest, the show sounded so hysterical, I’d have willingly handed over seven quid to have seen it.
I wonder where the same panto company – who you’ll notice I’ve not mentioned the name of – will be next Christmas?
If I find out, anyone want to organise a coach trip?