Lady Theresa Cow (or Tesscow for short) is determined to ruin the traditional food economy of Mere by imposing her superstore into the town centre, in place of both the famous clock tower and the market.
But she has reckoned without. the determination of the villagers, led by Jack Rumble, his brother Simon and their mother Tummy.
That's the basis for Chris Wood's version the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, performed last week on the stage of the Lecture Hall in Mere.
All the usual suspects are here, and this wittily political script lets them milk the lines as well the remarkable expanding cow, Butt Her Up.
Chris, who also directed, threw in a council officer for good measure, and had the enormous giant (Bob Modlen) terrified of his bullying mother (the wordless Ann Carpenter).
Mere Amateur Dramatic Society is very lucky to have young James Wakeling, who made such an impression as the Dormouse in 2007, as Jack.
Eric Kincaid is always a loveable dame, but he illustrated the MADS need for an autocue.
Mary White had a terrific time as the villain, archly crushing her opponents with the rising of an eyebrow and Angela Kincaid and June Hewett continued their double act excellence as Bodget and Scarper.
Particularly impressive were the chickens; Lawrence Brodier, Charlie Hill, Daniel Cooke and Henrietta, Philippa and Sarah Murrison. They really behaved like chickens, with well observed movements and noises.
It was story that really mattered in this pantomime, the last of the 2008-9 season, and musicians Alan Benson and Mike Durkee moved it on with fine accompaniment to the songs, enjoyed by the participating audience and the company.
And the message was clear. Buy local and resist the multi-national supermarkets that ruin the regional economy.
GP-W
Taken from the Blackmore Vale Magazine, March 13th 2009