"Jack and the Beanstalk" - A Great Show

Playing to delighted audiences in the Opera House this week, the pantomime, "Jack and the Beanstalk", presents Gisborne with a show polished up to professional standards. Written and produced by Eddie Martin, veteran actor of stage and screen, it shows at every turn the touch of his skilled hand. From the prologue to the final scene, the show bowls merrily along with a zip and a zest which will set a standard for local stage presenta

Because "Photo News" must go to press a week before publication date, the pictures presented here are of dress rehearsals. Accordingly, little is seen of Mr Martin, who remained in "civvies" during rehearsals, but in the public performances he reveals himself as very much the star of the show in his role of Mother Grundy.

The finale of the circus scene.

Jack (Lois Ballantyne) and the giant (Shandy Hart).

Mary (Helen Godwin) and Jack.

The Blue Bird Ballet: Margaret Schollum, Margaret Brennan, Sylvia Lane, Shirley White, Valerie Penny, and Trilby Johnstone.

Peter Keiha's rendering of the song, "The Green-eyed Dragon" was one of the highlights of the show.

Mayor Puddleduck (Howard Cairns) with Eddie Martin.

The King's Bailiffs, Tweedledum (Garth Clark) and Tootlembuck (Paul Pollard,) arguing with Mayor Puddle duck.
The Pantomime is being presented in aid of the Gisborne Ross Sea Committee's appeal and should benefit the fund considerably.
Presented in two acts and 13 scenes, it is handsomely mounted with decor by Mr Martin.

Jack meets the Giant's housekeeper (Edna Heighway) in a tense scene from the second act.

A scene from the Gypsy Tarantella.

Another of the attractive ballet scenes, "The Emperor's Waltz".

From the "Springtime in Vienna" scene. Soloist. Peter Keiha.

Farmer Giles (Shandy Hart) bargains with Jack for the cow.

An attractive shot of Jack and Mary.

Jack is the central figure in this scene. Others prominently featured are Garth Clark, John Hounslow (the Demon King), Niomi Hudson (Rainbow Fairy). Edna Heighway, Suzanne Elsmore. Ean Boyd Paul Slessor, Helen Godwin, Norma Wood (Johnny Horner), Francie Poole, Shandy Hart, Peter Keiha, and Paul Pollard.

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 35 : May 30, 1957

"Jack and the Beanstalk" - A Great Show