Jack and the Beanstalk (Dundee Rep)

The Pitch Plucky young Jack (Kevin Lennon) and his yummy mum Alice (John Buick) are facing eviction, so Jack is dispatched to Dunbletherin’ market to sell prize cow Susannah. When the unfortunate bovine ends up in the grubby mitts of rogue debt collector Rufus (Keith Fleming) in exchange for a handful of beans, Jack and Alice seem destined for the poorhouse. Could the timely appearance of a giant beanstalk that reaches far into the heavens signify a glimmer of hope for the hapless pair?

The verdict Robert Paterson’s witty, fast-paced adaptation of the classic fairytale is a whole lot of fee-fi-fo fun for kids and oldies alike, performed by an energetic cast, with Buick and Fleming giving particularly scene-hogging performances. The sense of magic is heightened by an atmospheric soundtrack and a simple but ingenious set design, the giant’s castle being a particularly splendid creation. (Allan Radcliffe)
Dundee Rep, until Sat 5 Jan