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Jack and the Giant

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  12any gender (adult)

Jack and the Giant (libretto)
by David Wood

David Wood has adapted this fairy tale into a musical play rather than conventional pantomime. Comedy, adventure and lively original songs c…

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    12any gender (adult)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Fantasy

Details

Summary

The traditional tale has been adapted into a family musical, with pantomime elements. The action starts in Mrs. Macdonald’s farmyard. Jack, her son, is preoccupied with his dream of building a rocket.

At first this leads him astray, but eventually proves he’s really a winner. His sister is the only practical member of the family, a hard-working tomboy.

The family is threatened with eviction by Mr. Meany, an unfair landlord. Jack is sent to sell Marigold, the cow. Meanwhile, the arrival of a spaceship containing Buzz and Beep, two spacemen on a mission to find a cow, leads to unusual complications.

Their master, the Silver Giant, is looking after his Baby Giant, and needs milk to stop the baby crying. Jack eventually climbs the beanstalk, in this version made of baked bean tin cans, and saves the day. Many animals take part in the play, many of which can be played by children.

History
Simultaneously premiered in 1982 by the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch and the Manchester Library Theatre Company

Mixed cast of 12.

  • Setting Various simple settings

Media

“Many entertaining and unexpected twists to the story.” The Stage “A highly successful launch … David Wood’s witty script follows the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk storyline, but adds cosmic comic cuts.” Manchester Evening News “A fantastic adventure ... a spectacular show with a host of fascinating characters to enchant youngsters with plenty of audience participation in true pantomime fashion.” Wythenshawe World “Top children’s playwright David Wood has done it again! … a triumph … action and excitement are kept at fever pitch … marvellous animal characters.” Thurrock Gazette

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Authors

David Wood

David Wood has been called “the national children’s dramatist” (London Times). His plays are performed worldwide, and include The Gingerbread Man, The Plotters of Cabbage Patch Corner, Save the Human, Aladdin, Hijack Over Hygenia, Jack the Lad, Larry the Lamb in Toytown, Old ...

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