Jack and The Beanstalk at the Gorleston Pavilion – If you’re searching for the perfect family outing this festive season, the Gorleston Pavilion Theatre has delivered a truly magical production of Jack and the Beanstalk that captures everything wonderful about traditional British pantomime.
Running from 4 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, with matinees and evening performances throughout the festive season, this show offers families an unforgettable Christmas experience on the beautiful Norfolk coast.
A Classic Tale with Coastal Sparkle
Join Jack, Dame Trott, Silly Billy and a whole host of larger-than-life characters as they take on a greedy giant, climb an enormous beanstalk and try to save the village from doom!
The beloved story unfolds with all the familiar elements you expect—the magic beans, the towering beanstalk, and a hungry giant—but the Pavilion Theatre adds its own special touch with coastal charm and Norfolk humour that makes the production feel genuinely local and proudly regional.
The show stays true to pantomime tradition while keeping the pace engaging and accessible for all ages.
The script moves quickly, introducing characters efficiently and establishing the stakes before launching into a delightful whirlwind of songs, elaborate set-pieces, and the classic panto call-and-response moments that children absolutely adore.
Entertainment That Captivates All Ages
One of the production’s greatest strengths is its ability to entertain both children and adults simultaneously. Expect magical moments, dazzling costumes and more than a few surprises along the way.
The music strikes the perfect balance between contemporary pop references that parents will recognise instantly and catchy, repetitive choruses that little ones can sing along to by the second verse.
The choreography deserves special mention for finding that sweet spot between energetic and manageable—lively enough to impress younger audience members while remaining clear enough for even the smallest theatregoers in the front row to follow the action. The ensemble numbers fill the stage beautifully without ever feeling chaotic or overwhelming.
Spectacular Production Values
While the Pavilion Theatre may not have the budget of London’s West End, what it does have is creativity and heart.
The production team has focused on clever theatrical tricks rather than expensive gimmicks, which suits the intimate venue perfectly.
The costume changes burst with colour, featuring plenty of glitter and some gloriously outrageous frocks that draw gasps and giggles from the audience.
The villain’s entrances are deliciously over-the-top, giving children the thrill of booing and hissing without being genuinely frightening.
And yes, the beanstalk reveal definitely earns its applause—no spoilers here, but the production team has created something truly impressive that will have audiences of all ages marvelling at the ingenuity.
An Inclusive Theatre Experience
The Gorleston Pavilion Theatre has taken important steps to ensure that Jack and the Beanstalk is accessible to everyone in the community. Both performances on the 22nd December will be captioned, which means that there will be screens on either side of the stage displaying the words being spoken on the stage for those who are hard of hearing or deaf.
Additionally, Relaxed Performance – Wednesday 17th December, 5:30pm offers a friendly, inclusive show designed for anyone who prefers a calmer theatre experience, with adjusted lighting and a more flexible atmosphere.
The Perfect Family Venue
Historic Edwardian theatre and open-air bandstand by Gorleston beach. The Pavilion Theatre itself adds to the magic of the experience.
This charming venue features cabaret-style table seating that creates an intimate, sociable atmosphere where families can genuinely relax and enjoy themselves together.
The warm décor and cosy ambiance make every visit feel special, and there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about experiencing pantomime in such a historic setting.
The intimate nature of the theatre means that every seat feels close to the action, allowing children to feel truly part of the show.
It’s the kind of venue that turns first-time pantomime visitors into lifelong fans of this quintessentially British tradition.
Building Cherished Christmas Memories
What makes this production truly special is how it celebrates community and creates space for joy.
Nervous young theatregoers are encouraged to be loud, to participate, to shout warnings to the characters on stage and sing along with gusto.
Parents can actually sit back and relax, sharing in the wonder on their children’s faces rather than worrying about whether their little ones are behaving perfectly.
By the curtain call, you’ll have cheered for the heroes, booed the villain, clapped in time to familiar tunes, and quite likely found yourself humming a melody that will pop into your head at breakfast the next morning.
It’s the kind of show that creates genuine family memories—the sort of Christmas outing that children will remember years later when they think about their favourite holiday traditions.
Jack and the Beanstalk at Gorleston Pavilion is exactly what you hope a family pantomime will be: lively without being frantic, funny without being mean, and magical without losing its human touch.
The jokes are playful rather than snarky, the songs are upbeat and familiar, and the story remains crystal clear for even the youngest audience members.
If your Christmas wish list includes a show that’s intimate, affordable, and bursting with giant-sized fun, this production delivers on every count.
It’s the kind of festive treat that feels proudly local while being genuinely magical—a show that grows on you from the very first “Once upon a time” all the way up to the clouds.
Whether you’re introducing little ones to their first pantomime or continuing a beloved family tradition, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Gorleston Pavilion Theatre offers everything you need for a feel-good festive outing on the Norfolk coast.
Don’t miss this opportunity to create some magical Christmas memories with your family.
Practical Information
Jack and the Beanstalk runs throughout the Christmas season with both matinee and evening performances available to suit different family schedules.
Ticket prices are reasonable, with family packages available alongside individual adult, concession, and child tickets, making it an affordable option for families looking for quality entertainment during what can be an expensive time of year.
You can purchase your tickets HERE