The British Players have imported the dramatic traditions of the UK to the Washington, DC, area for 60 years and are presenting their annual holiday pantomime to ex-pats and lovers of Brit culture. This year’s offering, Jack and the Beanstalk by Ben Crocker, strikes a pleasant balance of whimsy, fun, and tradition and runs through January 11 at the Kensington Town Hall, just off Connecticut Avenue, a few miles over the Maryland border. All the requisite elements of panto are here. The Principal Boy-slash-Hero, typically played by a young woman (an engagingly, thigh-slappingly gung-ho Niranjali Amerasinghe as Jack), the Dame, typically played by a man (a busty Jonathan Kilgore as Jack’s mum), the Good Fairy (Rachel Schlaff), the baddie (Ian Swank as the Giant aided by Amanda Dullin-Jones as his henchperson Slimeball), the Principal Girl (Abigail Mitchell as Princess Demelza), the requisite animal (BP life peer Pauline Griller-Mitchell as both ends of the Pantomime Cow), the King (Robert Teachout), Simple Simon (Richard Jacobson), and a raft of supporting parts. As this is a community showcase, the ensemble swells to a full two dozen performers of all ages, plus musicians. Rachel Schlaff, Robert Teachout, Niranjali Amerasinghe, Jonathan Kilgore, and Richard Jacobson in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’ Photo by Kim Harmon. Are they aiming for high artistic achievement? Bloody heck no, they’re following the long-prescribed formula to an audience who knows exactly what to expect. Said audience all comes on on cue with their cheers for the good guys, boos for the villains, their “Oh no it isn’ts!” and “Look behind yous!” and unless the production is awful, they’re going to go home happy. And it’s far from it, so they do. TOP: Pauline Griller-Mitchell, Jonathan Kilgore, and Richard Jacobson; ABOVE: Jonathan Kilgore, Robert Teachout, Richard Jacobson, Abigail Mitchell, and Niranjali Amerasinghe, in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’ Photos by Kim Harmon. The ceremonies are kicked off on a high note with a charmingly clever breakdown of the panto conventions to the tune of “Tradition!” from Fiddler on the Roof. Indeed, more than a few popular songs and show tunes are imported into the script, either adapted for the play (Little Shop’s “Dentist” song now becomes “Be a Henchman!”) or left more or less untouched (“Money” from Cabaret, Abba’s “Take a Chance On Me,” Madonna’s “Material Girl,” etc.). The only song that didn’t quite work was the Giant’s rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” despite Ian Swank’s valiant effort. Laura Andruski’s direction keeps things chugging along and makes good use of the extras so everyone gets their moment, Valerie Higgs’ musical direction is tasteful and not overpowering, Nancy Scales’ choreography is pleasant, and the technical aspects (Lily Pacuit’s set, Steve Deming’s lights, Matt Mills’ sound and projections, McKenna Kelly’s costumes, Cathy Dunn’s makeup and hair) all serve the story well. I shouldn’t quibble, but it’s my job; I can’t help but feel that the show could use a little more pace, some editing/pruning of the songs may be in order, there were some volume issues despite body mics (a few performers were muffled by the band, or maybe it’s where I was sitting), and the generous forestage was underused (it’s a big room, the closer the better!). It’s opening week, so it’ll come around. Running Time: Two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Jack and the Beanstalk: A British Pantomime plays through January 11, 2025 (Friday at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm), presented by the British Players performing at Kensington Town Hall, 3710 Mitchell St, Kensington, MD. Purchase tickets ($28, $15 for children, group discounts available) at the door, online, or by email to [email protected]. COVID Safety: Masks are optional. Jack and the Beanstalk by Ben Crocker Directed by Laura W. Andruski Produced by Lauren Pacuit and Michelle Hessel Music Directed by Valerie A. Higgs Choreographed by Nancy Scales Harry CAST Edena, the Eco Fairy: Rachel Schlaff Slimeball: Amanda Dullin-Jones Jack Trot: Niranjali Amerasinghe Princess Demelza: Abigail Mitchell King Bertram: Robert Teachout Trumpet: Sarah Leembruggen Dame Trot: Jonathan Kilgore Simple Simon: Richard Jacobson Daisy the Cow: Pauline Griller-Mitchell (Lisa Singleton in select performances) Giant Blunderbore: Ian Swank Sarge: Colin Davies Cockroaches: Aidan Swank, AnnabellePrashani Scott, Gianna Somerville Ensemble: Andrew Harasty, Emilia O’Connor, Lauren Pacuit, John Rocco, Natasha Scott, Lisa Singleton, Tristian Singleton, Jay Thaiyod, Aubrey Tingler, Rachel Waldstein