Jack and Beanstalk set for Wallingford

THERE’S trouble afoot in Windy Bottom, which is the setting for the Sinodun Players’ pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

The village is ruled by King Crumble, Queen Apricot and Princess Charlotte. The trouble is the Giant, Buster Gut Bucket, keeps eating the inhabitants.

Meanwhile, Dame Dotty Dimple and her two sons, Jack and Simon, are trying to make a living and keep their home out of the hands of the brokers’ men.

Simon (who is a bit simple) sells Buttermilk, the family cow, in return for some gold but he gets scammed and all he has left is a handful of beans.

When he gets home, Dotty throws the beans away. Can they save their home, defeat the Giant and rescue poor Buttercup?

Alan Frayn’s adaptation is directed by Erica Harley.

• Jack and the Beanstalk is at the Corn Exchange in Wallingford from January 13 to 28. Performances are from Tuesdays to Fridays at 7.30pm, with Saturday matinées at 2pm and evenings at 6.30pm.