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An image reads 'Leeds Heritage Theatres presents Jack and the Beanstalk: The Rock 'n' Roll Panto' over a beanstalk growing in a forest with a microphone perched atop its stem. There is a bag of coins and a giant's boot in the forest. In the clouds breaking at the top of the image, there is a castle.

Synopsis

Act 1

In the charming Old Parish of Much-Piddling-in-the-Marsh, we find the tumbledown farmstead of Dame Dolly Durdun. She lives a contented life surrounded by her spirited son, Jack, and a lively collection of farmyard animals. Today should be a day of joy, as Jack is set to marry Jill, the Squire’s daughter. Preparations are in full swing when their celebration is interrupted by a booming voice from up above. Fleshcreep, the Giant’s sinister henchman, arrives, demanding a sack of gold and threatening that the Giant will descend to claim Jill – and eat her up if they don’t pay. Just as despair sets in, the magical Fairy Aubergine appears, boldly warning Fleshcreep that Jack is braver and more resourceful than he seems.

Unaware Dolly continues her cheerful preparations when Jack bursts in, frantic, to deliver the dreadful news of Fleshcreep’s demands. Matters worsen when the pompous Squire arrives to collect overdue rent. With no gold to offer, Dolly admits she is penniless. Enraged, the Squire declares that the wedding must be called off, leaving Jack and Jill heartbroken. With no other option, Dolly and Jack decide to sell their beloved cow, Bessie. Tearfully, Dolly bids Bessie farewell, recalling fond memories, as Jack sets off to market to secure a bag of gold.

The Squire’s yeoman, Billy, arrives to show off his new contraption, the “Giant Basher,” which he plans to use to defeat the Giant and win Jill’s heart. In their enthusiasm to test the device, they mistakenly target the Squire himself. Furious, the Squire fires Billy on the spot. When Jill learns what has happened, she resolves to help Billy find a new job.

Meanwhile, in the Deep Dark Wood, Jack encounters an old woman who offers to buy Bessie, sparing him the trip to market. Instead of gold, she offers five mysterious magic beans. Though hesitant, Jack accepts the beans. As he walks away, the old crone reveals her true identity – it’s Fleshcreep in disguise!

Back on the farm, the Squire returns, impatient for his rent. Dolly assures him Jack will return with gold. At that moment, Jill arrives with Billy, asking Dolly to give him a job. Jack soon returns, proudly presenting the beans. When he explains they are magic, Dolly is unimpressed and throws them into the dung heap, angrily telling Jack to leave.

That night, a beanstalk grows from the dung heap, stretching high into the clouds. Early the next morning, as Jack bids a sorrowful goodbye to the animals, he notices the enormous beanstalk. Excited, he calls for Dolly, who remains unimpressed – it doesn’t even have any beans on it! As Jack prepares to leave Much-Piddling-in-the-Marsh, Fairy Aubergine appears, reassuring him that the gold he seeks lies at the top of the beanstalk. Bolstered by her encouragement, Jack begins his daring climb, seeking fame, fortune, and adventure!

Act 2

Jack climbs higher and higher up the towering beanstalk, eventually reaching a fantastical land in the clouds. There, Fairy Aubergine awaits to guide him toward the Giant’s castle. Jack sneaks inside and finds himself in the Giant’s massive kitchen, where he is discovered by Jemima, the Giant’s kind-hearted but exasperated wife. Jemima warns Jack of the dangers but sympathizes with his plight, secretly helping him by disguising him as a member of Giant Blunderbore’s Backing Band.

Soon, the thundering Giant appears, trailed by the scheming Fleshcreep, who delivers a sack of gold stolen from the sale of Bessie. While the Giant revels in his riches, Jack seizes the opportunity to grab the gold and makes a daring escape.

Back at the farm, Jack triumphantly hands the gold to Dolly. Wasting no time, Dolly splurges on a lavish transformation, turning their humble farmstead into a dazzling Vegas-style hotspot complete with flashing lights and gambling tables. When the Squire arrives to collect the rent, he is stunned by the spectacle. Sensing an opportunity, Dolly turns on her charm, attempting to woo him once again. However, when Jill arrives and catches her father in Dolly’s embrace, the charade unravels. Realizing the Squire only cares about the rent, Dolly dismisses him, sending Billy to fetch the payment.

With the debt cleared, the Squire reinstates Jack and Jill’s wedding plans, but Dolly, drunk on her newfound wealth, refuses to allow her son to marry into what she calls the “minor aristocracy.” Heartbroken, Jill flees in tears. When Jack returns and learns of Dolly’s interference, he vows to set things right.

Meanwhile, Billy, wandering through the spooky woods, hears Jill approaching and hides to avoid intruding. To his horror, Fleshcreep appears and puts Jill under a spell, capturing her to deliver to the Giant. Despite Billy’s efforts to stop him, Fleshcreep succeeds. When Jack and Dolly find Billy, he explains what happened, and the three decide to climb the beanstalk together to rescue Jill.

In the Giant’s kitchen, Fleshcreep chains Jill up and leaves to summon the Giant. Just as Jack, Billy, and Dolly arrive to free her, they hear the Giant approaching. Thankfully, it’s only Jemima, who introduces them to Josephine, a magical goose that lays golden eggs. Moved by their bravery, Jemima helps them free Jill and gifts them Josephine.

As they prepare to flee, the real Giant arrives, furious. A chaotic chase ensues as Jack and his team use Billy’s “Giant Basher” to outsmart the Giant and escape the castle. Fleshcreep and the Giant pursue them down the beanstalk, setting the stage for a final showdown.

The Giant begins his descent down the beanstalk, bellowing with rage and seeking revenge. Just as all seems lost, Fairy Aubergine appears, handing Jack a gleaming axe. With courage and determination, Jack swings the axe, chopping down the mighty beanstalk. The Giant tumbles headfirst into Dolly’s dung heap, bringing his reign of terror to a messy end. With the day saved, Billy is rewarded with the magical golden goose, and Jack and Jill finally get to marry. The stage is set for joy, laughter, and a triumphant finale!