Jack and the Beanstalk has no
seasonal references, and can be performed at any time of year.
It follows the traditional pantomime story, but on his travels
Jack meets a host of nursery rhyme characters. It is a truly delightful play,
and has been enjoyably performed by children around the world.
The script is very simple, and if necessary it can be
easily adapted to the ages/abilities of the actors, perhaps with some
adlibs or role play additions suggested by the children.
Even without additions, it runs for approx 45 mins.
The script is supported by a 22-track CD containing 11 modern catchy songs-
each with vocals (for rehearsing) and backing tracks (for performance)
A simple score is provided for the original songs only.
List of songs:
1
Sell the Cow! (original song-sad ballad, with a solo part sung by Jack)
2 Sing a Song of Sixpence (traditional song reworked!)
3 Farmer in the Dell: (traditional - Great for movement/dance)
4 Vegetarian Rap (Rock and Roll, with solo sung by the cow)
5 How Fine to Be a Cloud- (lovely original song with solo parts)
6 I hear Thunder! (Modern version with new sections added)
7 Chicken Song (traditional, sung by the magic hen)
8 Quick Jack, Run Away! (original song- Very popular "heavy rock")
9 Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (traditional, with solo sung by the "harp")
10 Hey Diddle Diddle (traditional)
11 Well done, Jack! (rocky unison song)
Jack and the beanstalk Cast List
Narrator 1 Narrator 2
Jack Jack's Mother
Jumper the Cow Baker
Farm Children Butcher & wife
Magic Bean Seller Clouds
Giant Giant's housekeeper
Old Woman Magic Harp
Town Crier Magic Hen
Choir
Sample of the Text:
Narrator 1: Ladies and Gentlemen ,boys and girls, please make sure you are sitting comfortably. We want to welcome you to the wonderful magical story of ... Jack and the Beanstalk!
Narrator 2: Our story begins many years ago in a land far away .Once upon a time there was a poor boy called Jack. He lived on a shabby farm with his mother. (ENTER JACK CARRYING AXE , WITH MOTHER) Times were hard ,they had no money and the winter was cold . (JACK PULLS HIS JACKET AROUND HIMSELF ) Jack had an axe. He was quite interested in do-it-yourself.
Mother: Get to work Jack chop some wood for the fire.
Jack: Do it yourself! Do it yourself!
Mother: Don't be so rude ,you lazy boy. Hurry up and get that wood chopped up .I've got to go and make dinner . (EXIT MOTHER )
Narrator 1: Jack hated working. He really hated chopping wood for the fire. He was so bored .
Jack: I hate chopping wood .I'd rather go off and have
an adventure.
(ENTER MOTHER)
Mother: You lazy boy .
You haven't chopped any wood at all! .Give me that axe .
You'll have to do it later .Your dinner's ready.
Jack: What's for dinner, mum ?
Mother: Nettle soup and stale bread of course !
Jack : ( TO AUDIENCE ) Nettle soup and stale bread again? Yukkk .That's worse than school dinners!
Mother : Well, I can't help it. We've got no money since your father died.. We're penniless. In fact I've got something to tell you. I'm very sorry, Jack but I've decided
..we've got to sell the cow
..