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Review: Jack And The Beanstalk (King's Head Theatre)

Updated: 13 hours ago

Review by Matthew Plampton


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Pantomimes can be a great source of family friendly entertaining, but not all of them are family friendly. If you are seeking a more adult alternative this panto season, look no further than Jack and the Beanstalk at the King’s Head Theatre. Gone is the traditional wholesome family panto, instead you’ll be in for an evening of raucous ‘holesome’ entertainment. 


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Andrew Pollard’s Jack and the Beanstalk delivers endless humour spanning innuendo, dad jokes, pop culture references, political satire, and outright smut, ensuring there is something for everyone to laugh at. Including all of the elements you could want from a panto, you’ll find yourself shouting “he’s behind you” as a mythical Grinch-esque monster terrorises the heroes - but with added adult-oriented flair, as you’ll also have the opportunity to shout out four-letter words on multiple occasions, before getting squirted after a vigorous milking sequence.


A balletic romantic balloon dance has never made so much sense or left audiences in such stitches. Soon after, you'll be offered the chance to pelt the villain with balls, before competing in a YMCA dance off with other audience members. Needless to say, you're in for one heck of a fun evening where it’s impossible not to let go and have a joyous time.


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Victoria Scone as Dame Trott leads an excellent cast with a masterclass in comedic timing. Through scripted material and improvisation, you’ll revel in her endless wit and roasts of Jack and whichever unsuspecting gentleman she picks from the audience that night. Joseph Lukehurst as Nightshade gives the audience ample opportunities to “boooo”, delivering a villain with equal parts biceps and camp. Meanwhile, Priscille Grace as Jill provides the perfect contrast to the rest of the cast with her deadpan delivery and sharp one-liners that completely won me over.


With a rotating series of guest stars playing the Golden Harp, each audience experiences something unique. All I can say is thank you to Kate Butch for bringing the noughties nostalgia back with her number.


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A special mention as well has to go to the costume, designed by Eve Oakley. I was in awe of the rotating wigs and outfits Dame Trott had. From ice creams to eggs, from Cruella to Katy Perry in space, there's always another outfit to marvel at.


As a self-professed panto humbug, I have to say this production completely won me over. It’s a wit-filled script delivered by a cast with excellent comedic instincts. The adult panto at King’s Head Theatre converted me into a fan who danced, sang, and shouted along in full panto spirit—it’s a blast of an evening.


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Jack And The Beanstalk plays at King’s Head Theatre until 4th January with adult and family friendly performances throughout the run.




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