Jack and the Beanstalk

Synopsis

Jack, a dim boy, sells the family's cow, their last remaining possession, for some 'magic beans', his mother is furious and throws them out of the window. Next morning there is a magic beanstalk, which Jack climbs to the land of the giant. There he rescues the love interest, and the goose that lays the golden eggs and runs away as the giant returns booming 'fee, fie, foe, fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman!' and occasionally 'Be he alive or be he dead I'll grind his bones to make my bread' depending on how bloodthirsty the panto is! As the giant follows Jack down the beanstalk Jack grabs an axe and chops it down thus killing the him.

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 11 December 2012

Production values along with some twists to tradition's tail are standard for the Cambridge Arts Theatre's annual foray into pantomime. This year it's the turn of Jack and the Beanstalk and writers Michael Fentiman and Matt Crosby (who also plays Dame) among other innovations have brought in the Giant's Wife in Fairy guise (Emily Tierney) to be mistress of ceremonies.

Dame Trott may have two sons, but one's adopted. Jonny Weldon is Jack, red-haired and a trifle under-sized as story-book heroes go. Strapping Rolan Bell is Billy, fleet of foot if not of wits and with a singing voice to match. Sweet Jill, the daughter of that villainous landlord Squire Nastee, is Sophie Isaacs, petite in form but remarkably big voiced. Nastee lives up to his name – and then some – as Stephen Beckett first invites and then revels in the audience's boos and hisses.

The cow exchanged for that bag of magic beans is a two- rather than four-legged ...

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Latest User Review

Sam Ronayne - 10 January 2013:

Absolutely fantastic show, My daughter (9) loved it, lots of interaction, gang land style, usual panto banter, water shots, e,i,e,i,o and names read out at end, so no idea what 7/1/13 reviewer onn about ! Have not laughed so much in ages, just what I needed, Loved Matt Crosby and Rolan Bell, Hilarious, 12 days song and ice cream van best bits, Loved loved loved it !! Well done x...

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