‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is the classic story of Jack and his magic beans with a new twist, written by Plested, Brown and Wilsher, directed by Gareth Machin and produced by Salisbury Playhouse.
This new musical version of the classic tale will be colourful and lively with music, dance, comedy and plenty of moments for the audience to join in. Set in a rural village called Salisburyshire, which has lost all its music and joy, we find Jack planting the magic beans he has exchanged for Dolly the Cow. Climbing to the sky on the newly grown giant beanstalk, Jack finds himself in the gloomy world of the Giant, where music is forbidden. With help from the Elvis-styled Fairy Fabulous, the Fairy King of Rock and Roll, Jack finds himself on a mission to steal the Giant’s treasure and restore the joy of music to Salisburyshire.
A host of characters inspired by famous musicians bring this panto to life: Jack Trotter - a happy-go-lucky milkman, Jill Perkins – a sassy singer with Amy Winehouse vibes and Pavarotti Perkins – Jill’s Dad and Salisburyshire’s famous, if reclusive, opera star. No panto is without its villains. Alongside the Giant who hates music and has banned singing in Salisburyshire, we find fun-hating villain Fleshcreep, as the giant’s right-hand woman, who is making life miserable for everyone. And Dolly the Cow - A Dolly Parton style talking cow on two legs who is larger-than-life, just like her country music idol, with rhinestone hooves and big golden hair.
Set and Costume design is by the award-winning Katie Lias, with choreography from Julia Cave, lighting from Nic Farman and sound by Michael Scott. New this year, adult-only performances of the panto will also be offered.
We caught up with Nic James who will play Fairy Fabulous and designer Katie Lias ahead of the run.
How does it feel to play the Elvis-styled Fairy Fabulous this year?
Nic James - After years of playing the Prince and Dandini in pantomime, I didn't really ever expect to get to play the fairy. It feels amazing to be able to step into this magical role. No pressure!! As a big fan of the King himself I think I actually might reach a panto peak getting playing Fairy Fabulous this Christmas.
Nic James - After years of playing the Prince and Dandini in pantomime, I didn't really ever expect to get to play the fairy. It feels amazing to be able to step into this magical role. No pressure!! As a big fan of the King himself I think I actually might reach a panto peak getting playing Fairy Fabulous this Christmas.
Can you tell us more about the characters inspired by famous musicians?
Nic James - It's not just Fairy Fabulous that is inspired by Elvis Presley, but Dolly the Cow has been inspired by the one and only Dolly Parton and there's also Pavarotti Perkins the opera singing father of Jill. The wonderful writers of Jack and the Beanstalk, Plested, Brown & Wilsher have managed to incorporate some absolute musical royalty into this year's show.
Nic James - It's not just Fairy Fabulous that is inspired by Elvis Presley, but Dolly the Cow has been inspired by the one and only Dolly Parton and there's also Pavarotti Perkins the opera singing father of Jill. The wonderful writers of Jack and the Beanstalk, Plested, Brown & Wilsher have managed to incorporate some absolute musical royalty into this year's show.
How do you think the addition of music and comedy enhances the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk?
Nic James - Everybody loves a fairytale, and by adding some pop songs and modern references it brings the tale bang up-to-date. The story will keep the audience on the edge of their seats, while the glitzy numbers and comic skits will have the theatre-goers howling, clapping along and yelling for more. It's the perfect combination for a couple of hours of care-free, Christmas fun!
Nic James - Everybody loves a fairytale, and by adding some pop songs and modern references it brings the tale bang up-to-date. The story will keep the audience on the edge of their seats, while the glitzy numbers and comic skits will have the theatre-goers howling, clapping along and yelling for more. It's the perfect combination for a couple of hours of care-free, Christmas fun!
Can you tell us about your background and how you got involved in set and costume design?
Katie Lias - I’ve always loved theatre and wanted to work in the industry, but it wasn’t until I was at university that I learned more about Set and Costume Design as a career. I took modules in this as part of my English Literature and Theatre Studies degree and discovered that I wanted to further specialise in this area. I went on to complete a post-grad in Theatre Design at RADA, before being selected to work as a Resident Assistant Designer at the RSC.
What was the inspiration behind your designs for 'Jack and the Beanstalk'?
Katie Lias - Initial inspiration came directly from the script: the writers have given us this brilliant world of Salisburyshire, a rural idyll where singing and dancing has been banned but is very much longed for. I was inspired by natural colours and textures to create this world, but the characters are surrounded by hugely bright and colourful portals which create a fantastical musical realm. This is the world that they aspire to but is currently just out of reach – that is until they enlist the help of Jack and his buddies!
Katie Lias - Initial inspiration came directly from the script: the writers have given us this brilliant world of Salisburyshire, a rural idyll where singing and dancing has been banned but is very much longed for. I was inspired by natural colours and textures to create this world, but the characters are surrounded by hugely bright and colourful portals which create a fantastical musical realm. This is the world that they aspire to but is currently just out of reach – that is until they enlist the help of Jack and his buddies!
What are the biggest design challenges you've faced this year?
Katie Lias - How to grow the beanstalk on stage! We want it to be a really magical and powerful moment and leave the audience heading out to the interval with the excitement to come back for more.
You picked up the Best Costume Design Award at the Pantomime Awards this year, how special a feeling was that for you?
Katie Lias - It really was amazing – it was a strong category with many brilliant designers, so it was an honour just to be nominated. We had a brilliant team at Salisbury and every single member worked so hard. It was such a lovely recognition of this collaborative process and a very proud moment.
Katie Lias - It really was amazing – it was a strong category with many brilliant designers, so it was an honour just to be nominated. We had a brilliant team at Salisbury and every single member worked so hard. It was such a lovely recognition of this collaborative process and a very proud moment.
How do you prepare ahead of the pantomime season?
Nic James - The panto schedule can be an intense one, although there's nothing not to love about the Christmas tradition. In order to go into panto season ready with the necessary stamina required I make sure I'm well rested and vocally and physically fit. I can't be panting away in a dance call when the rest of the cast are match fit!
Nic James - The panto schedule can be an intense one, although there's nothing not to love about the Christmas tradition. In order to go into panto season ready with the necessary stamina required I make sure I'm well rested and vocally and physically fit. I can't be panting away in a dance call when the rest of the cast are match fit!
Katie Lias - Designing panto is an all year round process! I received the first draft in January and after exploring lots of ideas with the writers and director, I created a white card model by spring – this is a 1:25 rough card version of what the set might look like. The full, colour version of this, along with final costume designs, was presented to the team in June and the summer was spent sourcing fabrics whilst the scenic art team got to work painting the floor. We’ve already started costume fittings with the young ensemble and I can’t wait for rehearsals to get going!
What are your own favourite pantomime memories?
Nic James - Jack and the Beanstalk will be my 9th professional panto and I have so many wonderful memories. The season just isn't magical without a panto. I think my favourite memory has to be from last year playing Prince Tony as an audience member who was gunged 70 times during the run of Sleeping Beauty. I loved watching the audience twig that Tony was not one of them and was actually part of the show!
Nic James - Jack and the Beanstalk will be my 9th professional panto and I have so many wonderful memories. The season just isn't magical without a panto. I think my favourite memory has to be from last year playing Prince Tony as an audience member who was gunged 70 times during the run of Sleeping Beauty. I loved watching the audience twig that Tony was not one of them and was actually part of the show!
Katie Lias - My Grandmother used to take me to the pantomime in Brighton every year – I was 4 when we first went and this was my first introduction to theatre. I absolutely loved it and am so glad that this tradition would eventually lead to the career that I love.
What can the audience expect from the adult-only performances?
Nic James - This year Salisbury can expect some ‘adults only’ performances where the bar will be plentifully stocked and the cast will be at liberty to be a little bit naughtier!
Nic James - This year Salisbury can expect some ‘adults only’ performances where the bar will be plentifully stocked and the cast will be at liberty to be a little bit naughtier!
What do you hope the audience takes away from this production?
Katie Lias - I hope they come away with a feeling of magic, excitement, fun and sense of community. I also hope that those dipping their toes into the world of theatre for the first time will be encouraged to come back for more.
Nic James - In the show the people of Salisburyshire have been banned from listening to songs. The giant has put a stop to singing and all things musical. The characters rally together to stand up to him and his evil sidekick, Fleshcreep, and I think there is a clear message of the importance of working together and the value of creativity - that and wonderful memories for the whole family!
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at Salisbury Playhouse from Saturday 29th November until Sunday 11th January 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk
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