Writer and Director: Andrew Pollard

 It’s typical to see the Dame of a panto steal the show, but this is absolutely true in the case of Victoria Scone (of Drag Race fame) in this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk at Islington’s King’s Head Theatre.

Following last year’s Cinderella, Andrew Pollard is back with another family panto, again with the interspersal of ‘Adults Only’ evenings alongside family-friendly ones. But unlike last year, the ‘adult’ element seems to be woven throughout this production. Not just the odd swear word; it’s dirty jokes, naughty call-and-response, and filthy innuendos that follow Jack (Elliot Baker-Costello) from his mother’s ice cream shop – the Pink Coney Club – up the beanstalk to save his crush Jill (Priscille Grace) from the giant and his evil accomplice Nightshade (Joseph Lukehurst).

Mia Ito Smith as Fairy Flick-My-Bean (Fairy Fullobeans, for the children’s shows) offers encouragement to Jack and Jill and some excellent vocal leadership as the cast sings through some of this year’s hits, as well as some classics. Smith even managed a solid performance of Golden from KPop Demon Hunters – a difficult sing but performed well by this cast. How many pantos across the country include shaky renditions of this song? Possibly most of them.

But it is Jack’s Mother, and owner of Pink Coney Club, Dame Trott, who steals the show. Storyline in a panto isn’t the most important thing, and this iteration of Jack and the Beanstalk particularly neglects it, but it doesn’t matter when Victoria Scone is on stage. Although not the greatest vocalist in the ensemble, the crowd work, the stage presence and the energy Scone brings to each scene were hugely fun to watch. And not to forget the many excellent costumes; Eve Oakley’s work shines on stage for all the performers, but particularly for Dame Trott.

There are parts of the family-friendly show that slip through to the adult audience and are completely lost on them. For example, a ‘chicken jockey’ reference (which this writer had to Google) is met with complete silence, but encourages a funny ad-lib about the age of the audience, bringing the energy back. It seems it’s hard to find the family-friendly balance, even when you divide up adults’ and children’s shows.

It’s festive, fun and has something for everyone. What more do you need from a panto?

Runs until 4 January 2026

The Reviews Hub Star Rating

70%

Something for everyone