Beanstalk

Beanstalk is a gorgeous piece of family entertainment that has returned  to Spare Parts Puppet Theatre these school holidays to delight a whole new cohort of children. Written and performed by Sam Longley, it tells the story of Jack and the Beanstalk from the Giant’s point of view, revealing lots more about The Giant and his world in the process.

A solo performance from Sam Longley, who at just short of 7 feet tall, has many giant like qualities off the stage, it is set in the giant’s kitchen, where the Giant, Brian, uses every day kitchen objects, including a loaf of bread and a variety of vegetables to create puppets to help his story. Lots of stage magic is used, including the making of (and magic disappearance of) clouds, all of which can be explained to curious audience members if they wish to stay for questions and answers after the show.

Sam is an outstanding storyteller and performer who keeps his audience, including the adults, rapt as he tells his story - with the audience fully engaged for the 50 minutes or so of the performance.

The gorgeous, fairytale appropriate kitchen set was designed by Brian Woltjen, including some surprise electrics by Steve Barwick, with Jackson Harrison the designer of the gorgeous traditional puppet that appears. Atmospheric and consciously theatrical lighting design was created by Kristie Smith with a supportive composition from Lee Buddle.

A fabulous school holiday treat that continues to delight. Well worth a look (even if you can’t find a kid to take).

Kimberley Shaw