Jack and the Beanstalk
What a Whopper
If you're looking for a hilarious and raucous night out, Jack and the Beanstalk, What a Whopper is the adult panto that delivers on every front. Christmas isn’t Christmas without the British tradition and if you haven’t got any kids or want a night to yourselves, Book Now.
The traditional story of Jack Trott (Keanu Adolphus Johnson), the bean seller turned reluctant hero is flipped on its head here. While the familiar plotline is still intact, Jack selling his beloved cow in return for some magic beans, this version is packed with innuendo and contemporary references that are anything but family-friendly. When ex-soap actress Dame Dolly Trott (Matthew Baldwin) invites the local Reverend (Joe Grundy) over for tea, introducing him to her son Jack, did she ever imagine in her wildest dreams of the comedy chaos that would occur? Think less "storybook fantasy" and more "adult comedy night at the theatre."
Writing duo Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper have undeniably done it again with another Christmas smash hit on their hands. The script is snappy, fast-paced, and unapologetically bold, with jokes aimed squarely at an adult and LGBTQIA+ audience. Never have I ever felt so guilty for laughing when the humour pelts below the line. The visual gags and slapstick comedy are in full force, but it's the clever wordplay and sharp wit that stand out.
The script is comedy genius, but it’s the performances that truly elevate this production. The cast dive into their roles with unrestrained enthusiasm. Jack (Keanu Adolphus Johnson) has great chemistry playing opposite Joe Grundy, the sexy horny Reverend Tim. They work really well together and the audience are silently routing for the unlikely couple. Laura Anna-Mead (Simple Simone) is cute, funny and charming with a beautiful voice. Chris Lane (Dale) the incredibly camp Fairy keeps the story moving along and is very funny. Jordan Stamatiad (Lady Fleshcreep) is deviously vile and the audience love to hate her, it’s great to see the gender reverse on both the fairy and Fleshcreep, you see the characters in a new and exciting light, and both characters shine.
But the true star of the show has to be Matthew Baldwin as Dame Dolly Trott. Expect some absurd costume changes and some uproarious moments of audience participation whether you like it or not, no one is safe! Baldwin is great at thinking on his feet with the unscripted banter played with perfect comedic timing. The show thrives on interactions and the audience is pulled into the absurdity of it all. Matthew Baldwin has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand from start to finish.
This cheeky, off-the-wall take on the classic fairy-tale will leave you feeling festive. With a colourful, fun set, camp costumes, outrageously crude and larger-than-life characters and musical theatre references for days, you won’t find another show like it.
This show was reviewed on the 28th November 2024 at Charing Cross Theatre, London where it runs until the 11th January 2025. Tickets available here: Charing Cross Theatre
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Photo credit: Steve Gregson
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