Jock and The Beanstalk at Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Emily
The Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow kicked off its Christmas festivities with its annual panto -this year’s offering is Jock and the Beanstalk.
It is based on the beloved fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk with a unique Glaswegian twist – it delivered all we expect from a panto, lots of laughs, corny humour, plenty of innuendos but more than that, a sense of community and inclusion.
The backdrop of cartoon style cottages, super props and a towering beanstalk was pretty spectacular, the creative team really nailed the remit and set the scene for the panto.
From the second the performance started, it is a crazy mix of energy and colour. The ensemble and junior ensemble danced their hearts out.
Like every good panto you have a hero, a villain, a dame and the lovable rouge – Jock and the Beanstalk had it all.
Our hero, Jock Trot, played by Scott Fletcher was delightfully charming, although I’m not sure I would want to be relying on him to rescue me! He saves his true love, Jill and they live happily ever after.
Jack Jester reprises his role as the villain, Fleshcreep, the Giant’s partner in crime. He embraced the role encouraging the audience participation with his over the top, menacing but slightly camp ways, while not being too scary for the younger audience members.
Dame Tina Trot was fabulously over the top – I lost count of the number of costume changes, each more extravagant that the last, from milkmaid to sunflowers to igloo! Craig Glover must have been exhausted from that alone, never mind the two hour performance full of sharp wit, attitude and jokes.
For me, the start of the show was Liam Dolan, a busy man not only playing the role of Jimmy Trot, son of Dame Tina Trot and brother of Jock but he also co-wrote and co-directed the panto. He can work an audience! His quick wit, improvisation silly humour and timing had young and old entranced.
The jokes, humour and one liners embrace Glasgow and Scotland unique blend of humour, while appearing family friendly on the surface for the kids, there was a non-PG subtext for the adults to enjoy. They even managed a nod to Scotland recent football success!
The shows music was an eclectic mix of chart hits, classic pop tracks and nursery rhymes, many reworks with clever lyrics to suit the show. The band led by Chris Puch was semi-hidden under the stage and provided a lively accompaniment to the musical numbers.
Jock and The Beanstalk is everything a panto should be: loud, funny and full of festive cheer. Whether you are young or old, panto newcomer or old timer, from Glasgow or further afield, the production offers unadulterated entertainment and a sense of belonging.
The panto runs from 27th of November until the 11th of January at the Pavilion Theatre on Renfield Street in Glasgow. There are currently Black Friday offers available on some shows so get your tickets quickly!
Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow | Official Website
Tickets from £17.50 – £40
27th Nov 2025 – 11th Jan 2026
Rating: 5/5