We sat down with Elliot Baker to talk about their latest show Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only. It’s a full-on, no holds barred spectacle packed with show tunes, slapstick and a cheeky twist on traditional pantomime fun! King’s Head Theatre returns after 2024’s five-star Cinderella for North London’s most scandalous panto.
Tickets here.
Elliott, congratulations on taking on the role of Jack! What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be leading the Adults Only panto this year?
I was delighted! I’ve never worked at the king’s head before and knew how much of a success last year’s panto Cinderella was, so I couldn’t wait to get started.
Jack is often the heart of the story – brave, a little naive, but full of hope. How are you putting your own spin on the character this year?
Well everyone knows Jack and the beanstalk so well; in a way I don’t want to break tradition too much- people have a pretty standard expectation when they come to watch panto of who and what the character(s) should be, so I just hope I’m balancing his naïvety and growing sense of bravery enough to read for the audiences and the kids especially
Panto is such a uniquely British art form. What does it mean to you personally to keep that tradition alive in such an inclusive and modern way?
I love panto, so getting the chance to create one ground up with a group of genuinely lovely creatives and cast is so much fun. I feel grateful that I can go through the festive period essentially just joking around, whilst also bringing joy to kids and families. Plus, our writer/director Andrew really strikes a fine balance between the traditional panto gags everyone knows and loves, whilst also staying up to date in terms of trends & jokes, as well as social awareness and inclusivity.
There’s such a strong sense of community in panto – onstage and off. What’s the vibe like in the rehearsal room?
Fantastic. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a rehearsal process, which is what you want in a panto. For what can sometimes be a stressful period (what with such a short rehearsal time and lots of lines/music/choreo to learn), my cast mates have made this a genuinely enjoyable and hilarious experience. Vic especially (who plays my mum Trotty) is literally a laugh a minute, whether they’re acting or not.
Finally, in three words, how would you describe Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only?
Hilarious, heartfelt and relevant.