Jack at the Festival Theatre

Jack & The Beanstalk shows how spectacular a pantomime can be with a lavish set, established cast and stunning effects.

Currently running at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh, this production from Crossroads Pantomimes sets the standard for what a stage presentation should be with an explosive entrance, the stage lighting moves, flames leap into the air, babbles rise from their suspended positions while the dazzling dancers appear to the full throttle of the Andy Pickering Orchestra. Written by Harry Michaels and Allan Stewart with additional material by Grant Stott, Matt Slack and Jordan Young, this production is directed by Ed Curtis. It is impressive and fitting for this large stage in this their last ensemble in the Festival Theatre before returning to the traditional home of Edinburgh pantomime, the King’s Theatre, for next year.

All this before the ‘turns’ appear but soon we meet Fleshcreep (Grant Stott), comically evil but endearing with it and a full minute passes before of his darling Hibs FC, and topical enough to acknowledge Hearts at the top of the league. The major welcome though is reserved for Allan Stewart as Dame May McTrott, who is forever young and leaping around with his songs and impressions. Jordan Young as Jack still has youthful energy and a signature catchphrase (Hya pals!) and a major contribution not only with his amazing memory monologues but to scaling the beanstalk high above the stage. In support Clare Gray is quite limited as Pat The Cow, Gail Watson as Spirit Of The Beans spreads some fairy magic and Amber Sylvia Edwards as Princess Jill should have more stage time. The giant is impressive and must be a thrill for the youngsters and at each performance Allan Stewart’s ad libs are put to the test with some primary kids brought on stage.

The atmosphere is fun throughout this large space and when footage of the Scotland/Denmark World Cup Qualifying game appears a huge swell of recognition and celebration occurs. Also seen on screen, a collage celebrating Allan Stewart’s fifty years in Panto has some wonderful fleeting moments of posters of King’s panto from years gone by with the legendary Andy Gray, very joyful but touching at the same time.

The production values here are the best in the business and the universal applause for The Grand Finale not only means audience full approval but a boost for 2026 ticket sales as The Adventures Of Pinocchio are already on offer.

Until January 11, 2026, tickets: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/shows/panto-2025-jack-and-the-beanstalk/