Last Christmas, posters advertising various pantomimes appeared throughout Exeter these last few weeks. One of these was Jack and the Beanstalk, which took place right on campus at Exeter Northcott Theatre. With its great location and cheap prices (available for people under 26 for specific nights), the play offered the perfect opportunity for students to celebrate in full Christmas spirit. With the concise nature of the original story, I was unsure how the play would remain entertaining for two hours. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Le Navet Bete comedy company added their own twists to their play, expanding on the cast of characters to include Jack’s sister Jill, his parents, the giant’s accomplice, “Silly Billy” and some farm animals. These all gave a more comedic tone with their fun antics, perfect to make everyone in the audience (regardless of age) laugh. The play’s addition of many classic songs and pop culture references helped delay the action without being boring.
From Silly Billy teaching the goats to dance to Jack and Jill going up a hill, the audience could really bond with the newly added characters. There were even mishaps with a giant ice cream machine! Thus when, unlike the original tale, the new characters go up to the giant’s castle to save Jack, we were all rooting for their success. Both hilarious and deeply entertaining, I truly recommend Jack and the Beanstalk as a great pantomime to watch during the holiday season.
