Jack And The Beanstalk At Wycombe Swan Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

Pantomime season is now truly open, this weekend Jack and the Beanstalk arrived at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe. Oh no it didn’t you shout, oh yes it did we reply. The Wycombe Swan is easy to get to and has a large carpark just adjacent which makes life easier if you are arriving with children.

This theatre is a lovely size to take children to, with in my opinion no bad seats. On arrival be prepared for a huge selection of light up toys, which of course are mandatory when attending pantomime. It can prove expensive as a family, but if you look after them you can recycle for next year!

Having attended Wycombe before for pantomime, we knew what we were getting with the talented La Voix, but as an avid fan of BBC Radio 2s Scott Mills, we were excited to see him up on stage, although poor Vernon came in for lots of digs. All good hearted fun. For us though, Larry Trott stole the show, played by Matt Edwards of Britain’s Got Talent fame, he was an absolute joy to watch. His funny faces, comic timing and just all round silliness captured everything we all love about pantomime.

Whilst there were no custard pies or water guns, there was plenty of slapstick family fun that kept the youngest to the oldest members of the audience entertained from start to finish. Panto land is just the tonic to this time of year, plenty of laughs, outrageous costumes, bad jokes, love and so much more.

Jack played by Mark Read of A1 fame, stars with Jill played by Christina Harris in Jack and the Beanstalk along with Dame Trott played by La Voix and Mayor Mills played by Scott Mills. It’s clear from the start when the Fairy arrives, that much fun will be had by all.

As to be expected La Voix is full of non stop jokes and near the mark quips, such a great presence on stage, we absolutely love her. The costumes for everyone are amazing, and the set great, the cast are brilliant, the numbers where they all dance and sing together are all performed to the highest standard. Pantomime is a whirlwind attack on the senses in the nicest of ways. It doesn’t stop for a minute, and to be honest the best parts are when you know a slight hiccup has occurred and everyone on stage is struggling to keep a straight face. There are jokes for the kids and the adults, who knows which are funniest, but we laughed lots.

There were many highlights, but the kids on stage for old Mac Donald had a farm was very funny, what is it they say, don’t work with children or animals. We had a great few hours, filled with laughter and great wholesome family fun. No Christmas is complete without Pantomime, book your tickets and buckle in for some great seasonal entertainment.

Rating: 4/5
Jack and the Beanstalk is on at the Wycombe Swan Theatre Friday 12th December to Sunday 4th January 2026
Tickets are available from £12 a transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply available to buy from www.trafalgartickets.com or call the Box Office 0343 310 0060
Wycombe Swan Theatre St Mary Street High Wycombe HP11 2XE