Kings Head Theatre brings its Adult Version of Jack and the Beanstalk back with a loud and cheeky spirit that suits a late night audience. This is the second year the theatre presents an adult panto alongside its festive programme, and the team leans fully into the freedom that comes with it. I saw the adult edition, and the room shifted between loose chaos and sharp timing in a way that made the night feel alive.

The opening scenes take their time. Some jokes drift and the rhythm feels soft, but once the story climbs upward the energy lifts. The second half moves with clearer focus, stronger reactions and a livelier connection between cast and audience. A lot of this comes from how Andrew Pollard shapes the show as both writer and director. His sense of timing, crowd awareness and structure gives the cast space to improvise while keeping the story clear.

“You got WiFi? I need to make the most of my HornHub subscription.”Pat the Cow, played by Pavanveer Sagoo

Victoria Scone as Dame Trott, Pavanveer Sagoo as Pat the Cow and Mia Ito Smith as Fairy Fullobeans bring the brightest spark. Victoria Scone fills the stage with confidence, firing through a stream of bold costume changes and instinctive humour. Pavanveer Sagoo gives Pat a mix of voguing, vocal strength and physical detail that turns the character into an unexpected highlight. Mia Ito Smith ties everything together with smooth transitions, warmth and a gentle mischief that keeps the chaos from tipping over. Their combined energy sets the show’s pulse, and everything shines when they take the lead.

Elliott Baker Costello’s Jack brings soft charm and a steady awkwardness that fits the adult tone, while Priscille Grace gives Jill a quiet confidence that cuts cleanly through the surrounding noise. Joseph Lukehurst as Nightshade works the crowd with ego, humour and a clear sense of how to provoke the room without pushing too far.

“This is quite depressing, actually. It’s like my gigs in Soho. There’s no one fucking here.”Dame Trott, played by Victoria Scone

Improvised moments become some of the strongest parts of the night. The cast listens to the audience, plays with comments and folds those reactions into the scene. These exchanges feel natural and add a sense of freedom that scripted lines cannot fully match.

Entrances and exits through the audience create a mixed effect. Sometimes they distract for a moment, yet they also keep the space active and help scene changes flow without interruption. The room stays involved, even when the movement grows chaotic.

Costume work deserves clear attention, especially with how central it is to the humour and visual tone. Eve Oakley’s designs give Dame Trott her parade of fast changes and bold looks, and the rest of the cast benefits from the same level of detail and thought. These choices lift scenes, define characters and add a sense of theatre that fits the adult version perfectly.

Familiar songs appear throughout with new lyrics and cheeky twists. Some numbers bring people to their feet, while others rely on the mood of the room, but the cast commits fully and that commitment carries the moment.

This Adult Version of Jack and the Beanstalk offers a lively, queer and confident start to the season. It runs on personality, connection and a sense of fun that brings the room along with it.

CAST

Dame Trott, Victoria Scone
Jack Trott, Elliott Baker Costello
Pat the Cow, Pavanveer Sagoo
Jill, Priscille Grace
Fairy Fullobeans, Mia Ito Smith
Nightshade, Joseph Lukehurst

CREATIVES

Writer and Director, Andrew Pollard
Costume Designer, Eve Oakley
Set Designer, Jake Evans
Lighting Designer, Alex Lewer
Sound Designer, Matthew Giles
Musical Supervisor, Ben Barrow
Musical Director, Jordan Paul Clarke
Choreographer, Emily Golding Ellis
Costume Supervisor, Leigh Hayward

Jack and the Beanstalk: Adults Only runs at Kings Head Theatre from 4 December to 3 January.
Tickets available through the venue’s website.

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