This tool is unavailable at the moment. Please try again later.
Start planning your production with a cost estimate you can save and share with your team. Just answer a few questions.
This estimator is only for amateur productions. Professional customers should contact the Licensing department directly to enquire about a title's availability: [email protected]
Important: The cost quoted is an estimate only and may differ when you apply for a licence.
A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy / 12 any gender (adult)
David Wood
David Wood has adapted this fairy tale into a musical play rather than conventional pantomime. Comedy, adventure and lively original songs c…
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.
Simultaneously premiered in 1982 by the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch and the Manchester Library Theatre Company
Mixed cast of 12.
Various simple settings
“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
David Wood has been called “the national children’s dramatist” (London Times) and received an Industry Recognition Olivier Award in 2026 for his contribution to children’s theatre. His plays are performed worldwide, and include The Gingerbread Man, The Plotters of Cabbage Pat ...