jack and the beanstalk

written and directed by Jack Rowan

12th - 14th December at Teatro Salesianos Estrecho
Tickets on sale here on Saturday 1 November at 9am
Early booking advised

Join the Madrid Players this Christmas... where the sky’s not the limit. It’s just the beginning.

When an ancient curse threatens the village of Bottomley with chaos, climate change, and catastrophic cow-based incidents, one unlikely hero must step up. He’s afraid of heights. He’s afraid of giants. He’s barely got a plan.

Armed with nothing but courage, a talking cow, and a band of cloud-dwelling warriors, Jack Twankey must face his destiny: climb the beanstalk, confront the giant, and break the curse once and for all.

But evil doesn’t fight fair. It has a goose. A golden goose.

With epic battles, soaring songs, dad jokes at dangerous altitudes, and a cameo from a chainsaw-wielding tech billionaire, this is the legend of the Beanstalk like you’ve never seen it before.

Storms will rage. Giants will roar. Beanstalks will talk. Milk will turn to chocolate.

Bottomley needs a hero. Unfortunately, all they’ve got... is Jack.

  • Tue 16 September: 7.30pm - 9pm or 9pm - 10pm
    Thu 18 September: 7.30pm - 9pm or 9pm - 10pm

    Please confirm attendance via this link

    Madrid Players Clubhouse
    Plaza de Perseo, 9 (Metro Conde de Casal)

    For kids auditions, see section below.

    Performances: 12-14th December (with dress/tech rehearsals 6-8th December)
    Rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

    What do I need to do next?

    • Please confirm attendance via this link (which will also replace the audition sheet)

    • This helps with managing numbers evenly though is not 100% required. You can still come along if you haven’t notified in advance.

    • In the audition, extracts will be provided, there is no need to prepare a monologue. All we ask is that you approach the auditions with a sense of fun and bring your larger-than-life self. 

    • Please prepare a song which you feel shows your singing ability and range. In the interests of seeing as many people as possible, we will ask that you only perform a chorus and verse.

    • Not all parts will have singing solos or duets though everyone will be involved in group numbers. If you are not comfortable performing a song, you will not have to. 

    • Please arrive at the start of the slot so we can go over some important dates and information as a group. It also means you aren’t interrupting anyone’s audition and we can try out different combinations of actors/characters. 

    No experience? No problem. Just bring energy and enthusiasm. (Though maybe google what Panto is beforehand or you’re in for a shock)

  • Please share this to parents or teachers who might have kids interested in being in the pantomime

    Sat 20th September - 12pm (start time) to 2pm (collection time)

    No confirmation of attendance required in advance.

    Parents to attend first 15 minutes at 12pm for briefing and Q&A. Please arrive with your child at 12pm to start on time. 

    Madrid Players Clubhouse, Plaza Perseo, 9 (Metro: Conde de Casal)

    Our kids chorus in the Panto is what makes the show truly special, with their energy and enthusiasm producing big smiles on the faces of our audience. But as well as the final show, we want the rehearsal process to be fulfilling and memorable for the kids involved and help in their own development as confident performers. 

    The audition will be a fun, relaxed atmosphere where we hope your child feels able to show us their personality and their ability to work as a group. 

    After the briefing, parents will be asked to return at 2pm to collect their child.

    During the audition, this will be run like a drama club, with some warm up games, group activities where your child will be asked to say some lines with confidence, a loud voice and a big smile. We also ask that your child prepares to sing one verse and chorus from a song (it can be as simple as Happy Birthday) and we will also learn a short, simple dance routine together. 

    Performances: 12-14th December (with dress rehearsal on 7th & 8th December)

    The kids chorus is only successful if the parents and children commit to rehearsals which will be EVERY Saturday morning until the show from October. For the show, we learn 3 or 4 songs, then the dance routines that go with the songs, and in a few cases some speaking lines.


    We look forward to seeing you there.

  • Panto, short for pantomime, is a uniquely British form of family theatre that blends comedy, music, slapstick, and audience participation. Traditionally performed at Christmas, pantos are modern twists on classic fairy tales (think Cinderella, Aladdin, or this year Jack and the Beanstalk) filled with outrageous costumes, over-the-top villains, and cheeky jokes for both kids and adults. Expect sing-alongs, call-and-response moments like “He’s behind you!”, and plenty of playful chaos designed to keep the audience laughing from start to finish.

    The Madrid Players have been performing pantos in the city almost since we were founded in 1965 and it has become a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar and a special moment to kick off the festive celebrations for many families and friendship groups.

  • Tickets will go on sale on this page at 9am on Saturday 1st November. Each year our opening weekend sees 50% of all tickets get purchased so we advise you to book early.

    For group bookings, please email madridplayers@gmail.com to arrange the discounts available.