Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk is only the second annual pantomime at the The King’s Head Theatre, Islington and already they are proving themselves to be a growing powerhouse for the development of the pantomimic genre.
Andrew Pollard the writer-director, has found a way to take the best or much larger productions and condense all the best bits into depicted in a six-strong cast. The script has contemporary relevance - but still plays set pieces, such as the balloon dance, to perfection and has the audience in uproar.
Introducing proceedings is Mia Ito Smith as Fairy Fullobeans (although at the adult version of the show that we saw her name is suitably adjusted!) Her vocals are strong and she holds a clear narrative line. She is joined by Elliot Baker-Costell and Priscille Grace (Jack and Jill) who manage a fine balancing act between staying true to the narrative line and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The glue between them is Pat the cow (Pavanveer Sagoo) who is much more than a pantomime skin. This is a fully developed character. Pat is down with the kids and most of their youthful patter lands well. Returning to the King’s Head for a second year is Prince Charming turned Villian-Charming: Joseph Lukehurst. His East London accent is highly appropriate for his Nightshade character.
With such a talented cast you might think it impossible for someone to shine. However, Victoria Scones as Dame Trott does that. From the moment she enters the stage you can’t take your eyes off her. Every entrance is well thought out and delivered with spot-on timing. Every minute is tight and full of laugh-out-loud moments with every ad lib adding rather than detracting from the show.
The King’s Head is limited by its space and some might suggest that they are crazy to even attempt a pantomime. It obviously has a fairly low production budget but the talented cast don’t need expensive effects to keep the laughs coming. Indeed they wring every penny out of the limited set to the point where you wonder if they really needed a set at all!
Last year we declared that their Cinderella was the “must see panto of the season”. Now we state boldly that they are on the road to Pantomime perfection. Or as Pat the Cow, might say of this contemporary pantomime “they’re on the mooove”. It’s not yet perfect; there were a few sound issues that could be sorted if someone from the crew listened from the audiences perspective and the sound operator either opened the mics quicker or didn’t close them when the character was on stage! Still, since this is the season of good cheer we’ll trust this will be sorted.
We saw this show on an adults only night which had the right amount of naughtiness without being boringly crude. This allowed the writing and acting to shine through.
We recommend this panto to our London audiences.
This show was reviewed on the 28th November at the King's Head Theatre, London where it runs until the 3rd January 2026. Tickets available here : Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only — By Andrew Pollard | King's Head Theatre
Review written by Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Charlie Flint Photography
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