Jack and the Beanstalk - Nottingham Playhouse Review

The Nottingham Playhouse has had a dazzling year, and their 2024 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, cements their reputation for delivering top-tier festive fun. Under the expert direction of Adam Penford, this production is a masterclass in pantomime perfection — a joyous blend of riotous comedy, glittering spectacle, and heartwarming storytelling. Forget the Z-list celebrities and Love Island rejects; this is pantomime done right, and it’s glorious! 

The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo by Pamela Raith.

The plot sticks to the classic story: Jack is down on his luck, thanks to the extortionate rent charged by the fearsome Giant. Living on a farm with his larger-than-life mother, Dame Daisy Trott, his brother Silly Billy, and the ‘udderly’ charming Pat the Cow, Jack is forced to sell their beloved bovine to make ends meet. After heading to Nottingham Market Square, and bumping into a mysterious character, Jack swaps Pat for a magical bean which eventually grows into a beanstalk. Cue Jack’s chance to save the day, reclaim his family fortune, and prove himself a hero. Traditional? Yes. But in the hands of this cast and creative team, it feels as fresh as morning dew on a bean leaf. 

The script is a laugh-a-minute triumph. Packed with classic gags topical humour, and local digs (take that Nottingham City Council and your arts funding cuts!), the writing keeps adults chuckling while delighting the kids. The jokes may be as old as the hills, but they land every time, with some glorious moments that toe the line just enough to keep the grown-ups smirking without scandalising the little ones .And sure, every single pantomime trope that ever existed is crammed into the two and a half hour spectacle (Oh, yes it is!), but that is what we want from a panto — that and super localised jokes about the roadworks on Maid Marion Way! 

John Elkington, Alice Redmond and the Youth Chorus in Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo by Pamela Raith.

Cleo Pettit’s set and costume design are a visual feast. From sparkling backdrops to Dame Daisy’s outrageous kitchen cupboard of outfits, the stage bursts with colour, glitter, and ingenuity. And the songs! How have they managed to put so many songs and medleys into one show, the music ties the madness together beautifully, thanks to a fantastic live four-piece band. Though I will say that I was sick of Old McDonald after the sixth rendition, I can’t imagine how the band will feel by the end of the run! 

Let’s talk about Dames. John Elkington, is, quite simply, pantomime perfection. Elkington’s Dame is a comedic tour de force, delivering every quip, pun, and innuendo with impeccable timing and flair. His improvisation skills are second to none, and his ability to make the audience feel part of everything he does elevates every scene he’s in. It takes a special sort of actor to embody a dame, it takes a very talented actor to master a dame, but it takes a genius to do what Elkington does. Trust me — Biggins better watch his back, we have new pantomime royalty coming through. 

Tom Hopcroft and the Youth Chorus in Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo by Pamela Raith.

Bradley Judge’s Silly Billy is another highlight. His infectious energy, cheeky smile, and knack for audience interaction makes him an instant hit. Alice Redmond’s Pat the Cow is a surprising scene-stealer with brilliant comic timing — though I will say it was a little weird to hear a cow with a thick Brummie accent be so defensive of her ‘home’ of ‘Nottingham.’ Tom Hopcroft as the villainous yet oddly endearing Fleshcreep deserves a special mention, He balances the classic baddie traits with enough charisma to win over the audience by the end — not to mention his quick-thinking one-liner during a wardrobe malfunction that was easily the gag of the night — even the cast were in stitches. 

Finton Flynn’s Jack is a steady and confident anchor, keeping the chaos on course and ensuring the cast return to that all-important script. Jewelle Hutchinson’s Jill makes a big impact despite limited stage time, and Caroline Parker as the Fairy Godmother completes the cast. Parker’s inclusion of British Sign Language (with help from BSL consultant Emily Howlett) is lovely, bringing inclusivity to the forefront in a way that feels joyous and seamless. Further adding to the fun is the luxurious voices of Sir Ian McKellen as Blunderbore the Giant and Julie Hesmondhalgh as the Talking Harp — though every one of the harps pre-recorded gags fell flat. 

Caroline Parker and Finton Flynn in Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo by Pamela Raith.

This is everything you want from a pantomime and more: hilarious, heartwarming, and brimming with festive cheer. This show makes it three out of three mega-hits for director Adam Penford this year. So, whether you’re looking for a family outing, a date night, or just an excuse to laugh until your ribs hurt, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Nottingham Playhouse is the show to see this Christmas — honestly, I cannot remember the last time I laughed this hard. John Elkington is at the top of his game, and every moment he’s on stage is comedy gold. This is the must-have ticket this festive season — Do not miss it. 

Jack and the Beanstalk runs until Saturday, January 18th, 2025. Grab your tickets now before they disappear up the beanstalk!

The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk. Photo by Pamela Raith.