The full cast has been revealed for the highly anticipated adult pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!, written by Jon Bradfield and Martin Hooper, with songs by Bradfield. Directed by Andrew Beckett, the show will run from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025 at Charing Cross Theatre, following the record-breaking success of last year’s Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick!, which sold over 14,000 tickets and became London’s biggest adults-only pantomime.
Leading the cast is Keanu Adolphus Johnson as the poor, gay, and extremely horny Jack Trott. Johnson, who recently made waves in Backstairs Billy and dazzled audiences in Kinky Boots, brings his vibrant energy to this outrageous role. He’ll be joined by Matthew Baldwin, the reigning “Queen of Adult Panto,” who returns to reprise his role as Dame Dolly Trott, the sharp-tongued, quick-witted matriarch with a heart of gold. Baldwin is renowned for his commanding panto performances, described by critics as “one of the classiest Dames in the business.” Also joining the cast is Chris Lane as Dale, the friendly fairy, and Jordan Stamatiadis as the wickedly lascivious landowner, Lady Fleshcreep.
New faces in the production include Laura Anna-Mead as the lovable Simple Simone, Joe Grundy making his professional debut as Reverend Tim, and ensemble members Laura Buhagiar, Caitlin Swanton, and Fin Walton, who returns after his performance in Sleeping Beauty Takes A Prick!.
The story follows Jack Trott, who lives with his scandalous mother, Dame Dolly, on a dilapidated dairy farm in the quaint Yorkshire village of Upper Bottom. As Jack embarks on his cheeky quest to find something truly “giant,” he must also contend with the evil Lady Fleshcreep, navigate a 10-mile drought of potential Grindr dates, and find hilarity along the way. With its outrageous songs, glittering choreography, fabulous set design by David Shields (winner of Best Set Design at the National Panto Awards), and more innuendos than you can swallow, this panto promises to deliver a night of side-splitting laughter and risqué fun.
The show’s creators, Bradfield and Hooper, are known for their string of acclaimed gay pantomimes, which found a loyal following at the now-closed Above The Stag Theatre. The team behind Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!—including director Andrew Beckett and set designer David Shields—are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive, now at a larger venue, with their unique brand of big-hearted, sophisticated smut.
Bradfield says, “It’s been a joy to work with this hilarious family of collaborators. We started in the smallest theatres, and last year it was thrilling to see that there’s a bigger audience out there for our particular brand of outrageous, queer fun.”
This new production is set to be the wildest adult pantomime in London this winter, offering a raucous night out with dazzling designs, saucy humour, and laugh-out-loud moments that you won’t forget. With all the fun of a traditional pantomime but with a deliciously naughty twist, Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! is not one for the kids, but it’s perfect for adults looking for a hilarious, queer night out during the festive season.
Tickets for this must-see show are on sale now—don’t miss the chance to experience the madness for yourself!
photo credit: Johan Persson
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