A classic fairy tale has been turned on its head in a new production at Dundee Rep, where the traditional hero has been upstaged by his bovine companion. Jack and the Beanstalk has been reinvented as a "moooosical," placing the family's Highland cow, Caroline, firmly at the heart of the story.
A Bovine Takeover
Forget the simple lad with the magic beans; this show, written by Jonathan O'Neill and Isaac Savage, could more accurately be titled Caroline and the Beanstalk. The production, directed by Stephen Whitson, follows Caroline, the ginger-haired cow played by Suzie McAdam, who starts as the prized milk supplier for Jack's family ice-cream business. When the enterprise fails, she is sold for a handful of beans and ends up in the Happy Smiles Petting Zoo.
There, she plots her escape with a motley crew of animals before returning home to deal with the fickle Jack, portrayed by Ronan O'Hara, and the towering beanstalk he has cultivated. The cast of ten is joined by the formidable off-stage voice of Brian Cox as the giant.
Style Over Substance?
While the production is executed with considerable pizzazz and features crisp choreography from Lisa Darnell, the shift in focus comes with a narrative cost. The review suggests the original fable's core elements—the wonder of a magical land, the terror of a child's vulnerability, and the classic battle between good and evil—have been lost.
In their place is a "hazily dramatised caper" where both Jack and his mother, Sherry (Laura Lovemore), are portrayed with a cynicism that drains the story of its heart. The moral lessons are often delivered through explicit dialogue rather than shown through the action, and several songs are criticised for slowing the plot's momentum.
Musical Highlights and Showbiz Glitz
Despite the narrative meandering, the musical score provides significant energy. The songs, influenced by Americana and ranging from Broadway to vaudeville and rap, create a compelling showbiz atmosphere. A standout moment is McAdam's powerful ballad, Udderly Alone, complete with a dramatic key change.
Under Isaac Savage's musical direction, the company delivers some gorgeous harmonies, ensuring the production remains superficially lively and entertaining, even if its emotional core feels somewhat adrift.
The show continues its run at Dundee Rep until 30 December, offering a fresh, if unconventional, twist on a beloved panto staple for the festive season.
