Jack and the Beanstalk

Does everyone now reach December and say ‘where did the year go? I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas again?’ The years seem to fly past and once again we find ourselves in panto season, to really put us all in the festive mood.

This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Waterside Theatre, delivers everything audiences love about the tradition: a witty, fast-paced script, show-stopping musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and for the first time, breathtaking 3D special effects that bring the gigantic beanstalk adventure to life like never before.

Fronting the show with his usual blend of comic capers and mayhem is BBC Three Counties Radio Breakfast Show Presenter, Andy Collins as Silly Simon.  This year marks the fourteenth year at the Waterside for Andy and we couldn’t imagine the panto without him.

Renowned for his portrayal of Dennis Rickman in Eastenders, a role for which Nigel Harman won Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards, Nigel now plays the panto villain Fleshcreep. Wearing a flamboyant red and silver costume, Nigel, with barely a trace of menace or evil, looks as though he’s having a great time as the singing and dancing henchman to the giant.

Joe Sleight as Jack Trott, is the perfect foil to play Simon’s ‘brother’ with his wholesome good looks and all-round entertainment skills.  As his ‘best friend’ Jill Pickle, Emma Crossley brings us a strong, contemporary female lead.  Shanti Cantor also has good stage presence as The Spirit of the Beans, who helps to save everyone from the evil giant. Leon Craig is the caustic, gurning Dame Dot Trott, whose colourful, outrageous, costumes and quick changes delight the audience.

The first act is slow and plodding and the audience and cast (with a long and tiring run ahead) would benefit from cutting out some of the songs, to focus more on the storyline.  As we move into the second act though, this is what people have been waiting for as the audience participation and the energy moves up several notches.

During the interval we were given 3D glasses to wear and the scenes when the giant came to life in front of our eyes and creatures flew towards us from the haunted forest, were absolutely spectacular.  Even though we knew they weren’t real everyone jumped and ducked to avoid being hit!

Jack and the Beanstalk is directed by Chris Nelson, with musical direction from Alex Williams.  With energetic choreography crafted by Adam Scott, the ensemble of Molly Lewin, Charlotte Day, Lily Cushway, Anna Lakin, Billy Medlin and Samuel Ashall, give their all to the routines. Local junior teams from Allstars Academy and Castielli School of Dance, support the ensemble.    

The festive season wouldn’t be the same without an annual family visit to panto, so book your tickets at:www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.*

*Booking fees apply .  The panto runs till Sunday 4^th January 2026.

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

9/12/25