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:

Chris Snow - 8 December 2012

South Hill Park’s offering for the panto season this year is a fun and colourful take on Jack and the Beanstalk written by Bart Lee and South Hill Park’s Ron McAllister. It’s sweet, endearing and often very funny but, most importantly, makes fantastic use of theatricality, bursting to life on the stage of the Wilde Theatre.

The best elements of the production are Victoria Spearing’s spellbinding design, and Alan Valentine’s fantastic lighting. The set is amazingly flexible, taking the audience from location to location smoothly and with style, and creating fabulous backdrops, memorably for the giant’s house, the farm and for the obvious centrepiece of the giant beanstalk. Valentine’s lighting complements Spearing’s set perfectly, and includes a number of lovely touches, such as a flashing light alarm effect, which is installed in the corners of the auditorium.

Julian Hirst, who b...

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Latest User Review

Derek - 22 December 2012:

Jack and the Beanstalk at South Hill Park Art Centre is an amazing show. from start to finish the atmosphere was electric, with adults and children alike joining in and enjoying the festive fun. It was wonderful to see so many people having a great time and some of the children coming to a theatre for the first time. The performances are engaing and funny from start to finish you cannot help but laugh and smile . the set, lighting, sound and costumes are incredible and really help create Jacks world and tell a terrific story. The Front of House staff were also very welcoming making this a wonderful evenings entertainment....

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