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Theatre

Clive Rowe is astonishing: Hackney Empire's Jack and the Beanstalk reviewed

18 December 2021

9:00 AM

18 December 2021

9:00 AM

Jack and the Beanstalk

Hackney Empire, until 2 January

Red Riding Hood

Theatre Royal Stratford East, until 31 December

Jack and the Beanstalk is a big, sprawling family show that opens with a baffling gesture. A booming voiceover announces that Hackney is being menaced by some unseen threat. Enter an evil monster, Funella Fleshcreep, who wears facial moisturiser made from liquefied avocado. This green-cheeked ogre is challenged by the virtuous characters, Jack Trot and Simple Simon, who must defeat her and deliver Hackney from danger.

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