Jack and the Beanstalk at Salisbury Playhouse Review
Written by Charlotte C for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Does anyone else feel like it has only been days since the last Christmas panto season? It’s here again, and as usual, Wiltshire Creative have pulled out all the stops with this year’s trip to the panto land of Salisburyshire in Jack and the Beanstalk.
When happy-go-lucky Jack and his mum Dame Caroline Trotter’s dairy farm is at risk due to a lack of money, Jack has no choice but to sell their cow Dolly. But when they realise she could be at risk, Jack sets out on a daring mission to save her from the music-hating giant, bring music and dancing back to the land of Salisburyshire, and win his best friend Jill’s heart.
The writers (Plested, Wilsher and Brown) and designer (Katie Lias) of last year’s Sleeping Beauty have returned to bring a bit of panto magic to this classic tale. And just like last year, the writing and design are both very strong, with the story not feeling too dragged out to fill the time, and the design wowing audiences with its explosion of joyful colour. As you’d expect, be prepared for lots of audience participation — and a bit of a surprise if you sit in the side sections in the auditorium. (No spoilers, but you might want to bring a hood or a plastic poncho…)
The performances of the cast are full of energy and talent, from the leads to the junior ensemble. It was particularly great to see Nic James as glittery Elvis impersonator Fairy Fabulous, as last year, Nic was an audience plant who only really got to shine in act 2 — so this time, he got his starring role! Other standout performances came from George Olney and Isabella Mason as Jack and Jill, Dan Smith as Jack’s mum Dame Caroline Trotter, and Thomas Sutcliffe as Jill’s dad Pavarotti Perkins.
(While mentioning the parents (minor spoilers ahead), can I just mention how strange it is in pantos that the parents always get together just before the heroes too, making them technically step-siblings when they confess their love for each other?!)
One of my only bones to pick with this production is the lighting design, specifically the bright lights that point towards the audience and roam over them throughout a lot of the show. These lights are so bright and when they hit you right in the eyes, it can be distracting and at times a little too much. From an accessibility perspective, I wonder if this could affect anyone with light sensitivity – I had to look down at my lap a few times until the lights passed.
With the bold performances, design, and song choices that will make you want to sing along, even those who aren’t panto lovers should add a family trip to the Playhouse to their Christmas schedule this year!
At Salisbury Playhouse until 11th January 2026.
★ ★ ★ ★
