Written and directed for the second year running by Andrew Pollard – it’s helmed by the glamorous Dame Trott, Victoria Scone, sporting an array of gravity-defying wigs that look like she’s been dipped in candy floss and extreme-hold hairspray.
The updated fairytale is full of inventive, rebooted sub-plots.
Dame Trott’s Islington ice-cream parlour, the Pink Coney Club, risks closure because of extortionate taxes. The rumbling mutterings off-stage from the greedy Ogre, their villainous landlord, are impossible to ignore.
Jack [Elliott Baker Costello] wants to save the day but lacks the courage despite his nifty ninja moves [cue physical comedy].
The Ogre’s henchman, toxically macho Nightshade [Joseph Lukehurst], pays regular threatening visits. After Jack mistakenly sells Nightshade their prized cow Pat [of course, puns aplenty], brilliantly conceived as a bo-vinary influencer [Pavanveer Sagoo- utterly charming] replete with an udders bum-bag and sparkly horns, Jack steps up.
With the help of Fairy Fullobeans [Mia Ito Smith], Jack must climb the beanstalk, especially if he wants to win over his beloved Jill [Priscille Grace].
Set designer Jake Evans makes the most of the three-sided bare stage with a semi-circular, proscenium-arch style backdrop that frames twinkly lights and a ruched curtain that is pulled back to reveal pink clouds, the pastel parlour, and an impressive animatronic plant.
Musically, the ensemble is strong and embraces the fast-paced medleys that segue from 80s rock and queer anthems to KPop Demon Hunters.
A knowing handle on the Traitors and this season’s Strictly are woven into the script. The ‘it’s behind you’ sequence felt more drawn out than usual despite the pleasing appearance of a ghostly Grinch, but the kids in the audience certainly couldn’t get enough of the interaction.
Some digs at Farage and an upbeat rejection of a world intolerant to difference are a bonus.
This is a fresh, fun, anarchic show. I imagine the ribald humour – simmering away for the family friendly audience – must be off the charts for the adults-only performances.
I’ll just have to return.
Jack and The Beanstalk runs at the King’s Head Theatre until January 3.
