Arshak

Arslan

Lea M

Charlotte

Eangie

Lina

Olivia

Chandra

Daniella

Saleha

Mariam

Virginia

Esmee

Léa

ismael

rex

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adam

mohammad

• Jack and the Beanstalk is a very old English fairy tale.

• The story was first written down in the 1700s.

• The version we know today became popular in the 1800s, especially by a man named Joseph Jacobs.

• Before it was written, people told the story orally (by speaking).

• Over time, the story was changed a bit to make Jack look more like a hero.

• It became popular in books, movies, plays, and TV shows.

The version with three wishes has become a popular variant of the tale, popularized in the 20th century in the West.

Wikipedia

Cross-dressing: One of the classic elements is that male actors often play female roles and vice versa, adding to the humor. For instance, Aladdin’s mother, Widow Twankey, is traditionally played by a man in drag, often to great comedic effect.

1. The dwarfs don’t always have the same names – Each show gives them fun, silly names that suit the story or local humour.

2. The Dame is played by a man – It’s a panto tradition! Expect big wigs, crazy dresses, and lots of laughs.

3. The audience is part of the show – You’re meant to shout things like “He’s behind you!” and boo the villain loudly.

4. The Queen always gets booed – It’s one of the best parts! The louder, the better.

5. Modern music is everywhere – Expect pop songs, dance numbers, and sometimes even TikTok trends thrown in.

6. Famous faces often join in – From soap stars to singers, celebs love taking part in pantos.

7. No two shows are the same – Each version is a little different, with local jokes, new songs, and unique twists.

• Usually Jack’s mother (often called Dame Trot)

• Played by a man in funny clothes

• Very silly and over-the-top for comedy

2. Jack

• The hero of the story

• Brave but sometimes cheeky

• Climbs the beanstalk to defeat the giant

3. The Giant

• Lives in a castle in the clouds

• Known for saying “Fee-fi-fo-fum!”

• Often appears off-stage or as a puppet

4. Fairy

• A good magical character who helps Jack

• Often fights against the villain

5. Villain

• Could be a giant’s servant or a greedy landlord

• The audience boos them loudly

6. Magic Beanstalk

• Grows tall on stage, often using special effects

• Jack climbs it to reach the giant’s castle

7. Audience Participation

• The audience shouts things like:

• “He’s behind you!”

• “Oh no he isn’t!” / “Oh yes he is!”

• Includes singing, dancing, and jokes

8. Silly Side Characters

• Characters like Jack’s brother or a talking cow

• Add extra humor and fun

9. Happy Ending

• Jack defeats the giant, wins treasure, and saves the day

• Everyone lives happily ever after

• One of the earliest and most well-known written versions.

• Helped make the story famous in English-speaking countries.

2. Ladybird Books – Classic Children’s Version

• A simple retelling for young readers, used in schools and homes.

3. Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes

• A funny, twisted version of the story written in rhyme.

4. Disney’s Mickey and the Beanstalk (1947)

• A short animated film starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

5. Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)

• A big-budget action movie where Jack fights giants in an epic fantasy adventure.

6. Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story (2001)

• A modern TV miniseries that tells a different side of the story.

7. British Pantomimes (Ongoing)

• A traditional and very popular stage version performed every year in the UK with comedy, songs, and audience fun.

8. Into the Woods (1987)

• A Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim where Jack is part of a larger fairy tale world.

9. Cartoons and Kids’ Shows

• Many shows like Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and Super Why! have retold or parodied the story.

1. Snow White – The kind, beautiful heroine at the heart of the story.

2. The Wicked Queen – Jealous of Snow White’s beauty, she’ll do anything to be the fairest of them all.

3. The Magic Mirror – A talking mirror that tells the Queen the truth about who’s the fairest.

4. The Seven Dwarfs – Snow White’s lovable protectors who give her a home in the forest.

5. The Poisoned Apple – The Queen’s final trick to harm Snow White.

6. The Prince – He rescues Snow White with true love’s kiss.

7. The Forest and Cottage – A magical setting where Snow White finds safety and friendship.

8. Good vs. Evil – The classic fairytale theme, where kindness and love win in the end.