Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – A Giant of a Panto

2025-12-10T09:26:30Z

Last night I made my way to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre to catch this year’s festive pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, and it’s safe to say it more than lived up to the hype. Billed as their most spectacular panto to date, this production seamlessly blends classic tradition with modern theatre magic to create something genuinely special.

If you’re planning a festive theatre trip, I’d strongly recommend adding this one to your list. Tickets are available at ATG Tickets , and judging by the buzz in the foyer yesterday, they won’t hang around for long.

A Familiar Story, Told in a Fresh Way

Joe Sleight as Jack and his ensemble I hadn’t been to a pantomime for quite a few years, but as soon as the house lights dimmed and the music kicked in, I felt right at home. There’s something so exciting about a packed theatre ready to boo the baddie, cheer the hero and shout back at the stage.

We all know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but this version felt like a complete reimagining rather than a simple retelling. The script was sharp, fast-paced and loaded with witty one-liners, clever innuendos and brilliantly timed pop culture and local jokes. The show managed to balance the pantomime nostalgia with fresh ideas, keeping the attention of both the kids and adults throughout.

A Cast That Carried the Show

EmmaCrossley, LeonCraig and AndyCollins in character The entire production was brought together by an incredibly talented cast who clearly relish every moment on the stage. There was a real sense of playfulness in their performances, with Jack and Silly Simon enjoying causing chaos in one of their musical numbers. That energy is infectious, and it’s what elevated this production from being very good to truly memorable.

Andy Collins’ return as Silly Simon was a real crowd-pleaser. He constantly broke the fourth wall, pulling the audience into the action and making everyone feel part of the show. Whether he was joking with the front row or reacting brilliantly to the children shouting out and doing the unexpected, he had the whole theatre on his side.

Nigel Harman as Fleshcreep Nigel Harman was brilliantly menacing as Fleshcreep, delivering the convincing villain every good panto needs, and commanding the stage whenever he appeared. Leon Craig, celebrating his 20th year as a panto Dame, brought endless glamour and comedy as Dame Trott, with quick costume changes that became a running joke in themselves. Keep an eye out for a strikingly glittery, pantry-inspired costume in Act 2, which was a real visual moment on stage.

The 12 days of Christmas at Jack and The Beanstalk Alongside the acting, the music played a huge part in the show’s success in my book. The live band added real depth and excitement, and the vocals were consistently strong across the cast. There were plenty of big, sing-along moments, but the standout musical sequence had to be the chaotic and heartfelt take on “The 12 Days of Christmas”, which escalated in the best possible way and left the audience laughing and soaked in festive spirit.

The technical production was genuinely stunning, pushing far beyond what you might expect from a traditional pantomime. The surround-stage lighting fully immersed me in the story, shifting in colour and intensity to mirror the battles between good and evil. The 3D effects in Act 2 were unlike anything I’ve experienced in a traditional panto before, adding a whole new perspective to the beanstalk adventure. The way the cast interacted with these effects was clearly carefully choreographed, creating moments that felt cinematic rather than gimmicky.

Joe Sleight and Andy Collins preparing for a water fight One of the biggest joys of this production was how much it involved the audience. From classic call-and-response moments to the water fight in Act 2, the show constantly blurred the line between stage and stalls. Kids being brought on stage and performers reacting to audience antics made it feel lively, inclusive and unpredictable – exactly how panto should feel.

The finale of Jack and The Beanstalk Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is a brilliant example of how modern panto can evolve while still truly honouring its roots. It’s polished, professional and visually impressive, while never forgetting that its main job is to be fun.

For a couple of hours, you’re given permission to be silly, shout along, laugh loudly and forget about the outside world. If you’re looking for a festive treat that works just as well for adults as it does for children, this giant adventure is well worth the climb.