Jack and the Beanstalk is a huge hit at “Chilltenham” Playhouse

Cheltenham Playhouse’s 2024 pantomime has enjoyed a towering opening weekend, with capacity audiences enjoying side-splitting humour, edge-of-the-seat action and singalong  - all in the historic setting of the town’s oldest working theatre.

Jack and the Beanstalk is directed by Kieran Mortell and features a cast of eight professional actors alongside two troupes of ten local youngsters from the local Theatre Studio drama school. It follows the adventures of Jack and friends in the frozen town of “Chilltenham” as they do battle with the giant and his henchmen.

“It’s so much more than a panto,” said one audience member who attended the opening weekend. “That was proper theatre! We’ll be coming again.”

They weren’t the only playgoer to enjoy the show. Capacity audiences each night also noted the show was “stunning”, “hilarious”, and “absolutely amazing”. 

“The show was brilliant,” said another happy panto fan. “Absolutely spot on for families – and plenty of humour for us oldies, too!”

The critics agree. In a five-star review, Glos Info wrote: “Jack and The Beanstalk has succeeded in being a firm favourite with pantogoers this Christmas.”

The success follows last year’s panto at the Playhouse, which saw 90% of its shows sell out. “It’s such a pleasure to open the pantomime each year,” says Kieron Milsom, the Playhouse’s Chief Executive. 

“Audiences love the festive fun, and as a community theatre we put on a professional show yet keep ticket prices accessible. It’s a Christmas present for everyone!”

Suzanne Segura, Artistic Director of the Theatre Studio drama school, said: “The quality of this year’s production is incredibly high, and the young people are so excited to be part of it. It’s great to see the community thriving here at the Playhouse this season!”

Gloucestershire audiences will want to snap up tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk while they’re still available – or they risk being left with just a few beans.

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Cheltenham Playhouse until Monday 5 January. Tickets are available here.