Don your gay apparel and celebrate this holiday season with He’s Behind You’s cheeky take on a classic: Jack and the Beanstalk. This risqué panto reimagines the beloved English fairytale, transforming a family favorite into a hilariously irreverent performance sure to leave you blushing brighter than Rudolph’s nose.
Set in the fictional Yorkshire village of Upper Bottom, the story follows Jack Trott and his mother, Dame Dolly Trott, as they navigate life on their new dairy farm after moving from the city. With outrageous innuendos and glittering musical numbers, Jack and Dolly must save their village from the scheming Lady Fleshcreep and the looming threat of the mystical giant.
Staged at the Charing Cross Theatre, the production dazzles with a nostalgic, colorful set that immerses the audience in the story. Playful details added to the show’s adult humor and whimsy—though at times, “playful” felt like an understatement (a certain replica of the giant’s anatomy makes an unforgettable appearance in Act Two!). The costumes by Robert Draper and Sandy Lloyd were equally spectacular, particularly Dame Dolly Trott’s fabulous wardrobe. Each outfit was so adorned with glittering tassels and dramatic embellishments that it felt like a drag queen fever dream—pure RuPaul’s Drag Race energy.
Dame Dolly Trott (Matthew Baldwin) was the undeniable star of the show, effortlessly breaking the fourth wall to perform with and for the audience. Baldwin’s improvised moments, including some hilarious audience hazing aimed at the front row, brought the house down. Equally captivating was Jordan Stamatiadis as Lady Fleshcreep, whose melodramatic entrances—complete with booming sound effects and the audience’s gleeful boos—became a highlight of the show. The sound design also deserves praise, with the subtle, ominous thud of the giant’s footsteps maintaining tension throughout.
Though the musical numbers weren’t always as catchy or cohesive as they could have been, one standout was “On the Down-Low,” performed by Jack and his love interest, Reverend Tim. This duet blended humor with poignancy as Reverend Tim (Joe Grundy) confronted the struggles of being a gay Christian. His storyline explored deeper themes about identity and activism, posing the question: “To what extent can someone be openly gay without becoming an LGBTQ+ poster child?” This unexpected nuance added depth to the production’s otherwise light-hearted tone.
While this Jack and the Beanstalk may not have been life-changing (what panto is?), it turned an ordinary Thursday evening into a night of riotous laughter and festive fun. A joyous celebration of queer British culture, it’s the perfect outing for those seeking a fabulously gay night out—both in the traditional sense and the modern one. Bonus: the theater’s proximity to the iconic gay nightclub Heaven means you can follow in Jack’s footsteps and find a “giant” of your own after the show!
Writers: Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper
Composer & Lyricist Jon Bradfield
Director Andrew Beckett
Choreographer Carole Todd,
Musical Director & Orchestrator Aaron Clingham
Set Designer: David Shields
Costume Designers: Robert Draper & Sandy Lloyd
Cast includes: Chris Lane, Keanu Adolphis Johnson, Jordan Stamatiadis, Matthew Baldwin, Laura Anna-Mead, Joe Grundy, Laura Buhagiar, Caitlin Swanton, Fin Walton, Dame Dora Herd
Photo credit: Steve Gregson