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Book, music & lyrics by David Wood.

Simultaneously premiered in 1982 by the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch and the Manchester Library Theatre Company, since when there have been many amateur productions.

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.


The original production was performed with a cast of twelve, plus a chorus of children. Several actors, however, doubled, and a larger cast is perfectly possible.
“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

The play and piano/vocal score are published by Samuel French Ltd., a Concord Theatricals Company. First Class Professional & Foreign Rights : Casarotto Ramsay Ltd. UK Repertory Rights : Samuel French Ltd., a Concord Theatricals Company. UK Amateur Rights : Samuel French Ltd., a Concord Theatricals company. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk. customerservices@concordtheatricals.co.uk.

Jack and the Giant