Review: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Stephen Joseph Theatre (Online)

Photo credit: Tony Bartolomew

With the uncertainty of everything this Christmas there is no need to worry that you’ll miss out on panto, because the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough have filmed theirs and you can watch it online from the comfort of your own home with all the family.

It’s a slightly updated version of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Adapted by Nick Lane, in this story, Jack somehow manages to grow a weird looking beanstalk in his garden and after accidentally spreading some pretty wild rumours about Giants, he seems the perfect choice to climb up this beanstalk and destroy the beast at the top of it.

Leave the most unpopular kid in school and return a hero …. right?

With a small but talented cast of five performers, everyone has their moment to shine.  Directed by Gemma Fairlie, there are some lovely moments between characters, in particular the dance between Jack and Janet (the Giant’s hen) when they first meet at the top of the beanstalk.

The songs are likeable and will have you dancing along before you realise it!

So, if you want to discover if Jack defeats the Giant, what secret his friend Jill is hiding?  And who exactly controls the weather? Then get your tickets online and get comfy with a hot chocolate and be ready to be entertained!

A fun, easy and entertaining watch.

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Jack and the Beanstalk is available to watch online until 31 January 2022, with tickets available here.