“A sparkly spectacular splendour to behold from start to finish!“
A sparkly sensation with a phenomenal cast and ensemble to boot – if you weren’t feeling Christmassy before you absolutely will be after Crossroads Pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
This show has something for everyone. Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young take to the stage again as the dynamic trio strongly and effortlessly supported by Clare Gray as Pat the cow, with her quick-witted charm and well-timed comical moments. Gail Watson makes for a fun-loving Spirit of the beans adding feistiness and a sprinkle of magic with every entrance. Amber Sylvia Edwards delivers real power and passion as princess Jill with great show stopping vocals.
Ed Curtis, the director, delivers an extravaganza of colour and pomp including many laugh-out -loud moments with Young, Stott and Stewart showcasing their professionalism and skill. Including aptly chosen and relevant for all jokes written by Stewart and Harry Michaels with additional material by Stott and Young, these moments land well with an Edinburgh audience. There are also hilariously planted mishaps written in to deliberately “rile” up an enthusiastically engaged crowd of all ages.
At times it feels a little more royal variety show than panto, however it never deters too far from the classic tale of Jack who sells his cow Pat for a bag of magic beans where he then finds, with the help of the Spirit of the beans, they have transformed into a large beanstalk leading to the evil Giant in the sky.
Accompanied by the well-orchestrated band conducted by MD Andy Pickering, cleverly crafted familiar songs range from all eras and are delivered excellently by all the cast. Most memorably Grant Stott opens the second half with a fantastic parody villain song “Fee Fi Fo Fum” to the music from Rocky Horror picture show’s “Sweet Transvite”. Stott just gets on with making a brilliant pantomime villain using his height to tower over and create the right level of menace. He has successfully encompassed the role of the silly baddie side kick named Fleshcreep, the Giant in the sky’s evil henchman.
All the production splendour couldn’t be better driven by anyone other than pantomime dame, Allan Stewart, playing Aunty May, Jack’s loving albeit larger than life mother. Stewart well versed in panto traditions gives us a nostalgic trip down memory lane in his song “Tea and medals” where we see how he progressed from the hero to the dame.
Stewart creates high energy fun with well executed gags and physical comedy from start to finish. He and Jordan Young playing Jack are highly experienced and hugely entertaining as a son and mother duo. Young enhances the well-timed comedic moments with Stewart, and they bounce of each other seamlessly even when things go wrong.
The set designed by Mark Walters is a sight to behold with everything expected for a traditional pantomime of this magnitude including incredible backdrops, props and puppetry. Nothing is simply left to imagination and the level of mastery and breathtaking craftmanship is truly impressive.
Rory Beaton lighting designer executes all the lighting and sparkle one could hope for as it encapsulates the vibes for a Christmas pantomime. Richard Brookers sound design is slick and well timed for the slapstick moments adding a great level of energy to the performance. Not forgetting Karen Martins tight and incredibly executed choreography by the ensemble. Martin gives us many impressive moments of acrobats and stylistic movement delivering the “wow!” factor one hopes to see from a skilled ensemble.
Costume designer Teresa Nalton creates beautifully crafted costumes with lights threaded throughout for the most immersive sparkle during those key big moments and turning points within the show.
“Jack and Beanstalk” delivers on every level of magic, laughter and fun. If you manage to see one thing before the end of 2025 or you are needing a good idea for treating someone in the new year, then make it this, “Jack and the Beanstalk, The Giant PANTOMIME spectacular” at the Festival theatre. Running from 13th December 2025 to 11th January 2026- it’s one not to be missed!