Dundee Rep’s Jack and the Beanstalk With a Highland Coo Twist

Hold onto your letterboxes, my loves, because I’ve got a Christmas cracker of a story for you — and no, it’s not the one about your uncle nodding off in front of the Queen’s Speech (RIP, Queen, God save the King, etc.). This winter, the mighty Dundee Rep Theatre are about to send us sky-high with a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk that promises more moos than boos.

Yes, you read that right. Forget Jack, this tale is being narrated by Caroline the Highland Coo, played by the fabulous Suzie McAdam (Legally Blonde The Musical). She’s got the scoop, the sass, and she’s ready to spill the beans on what really happened when young Jack fancied a climb. A panto cow that actually gets a voice? Oh, it’s genius, darling. Pure genius.

Jack himself will be brought to life by Ronan O’Hara (101 Dalmatians The Musical), with a dazzling 10-strong cast of actor-musicians at his side. Honestly, it’s like a festive Avengers Assemble: Mairi Barclay (Oor Wullie The Musical), Elena Bluck (Barnum), Connor Going (The Constant Wife), Lorraine Graham (Make It Happen), Lucy Hutchison (Charlie and The Chocolate Factory), Laura Lovemore (A Christmas Carol), Fergus Murphy (Calamity Jane The Musical), and David Rankine (Kidnapped). That’s a roll-call worthy of a mince pie and a round of applause.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any juicier — the booming voice of the Giant comes courtesy of none other than screen legend Brian Cox. Yes, that Brian Cox. New Patron of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, and clearly moonlighting as the scariest bean-counter north of the Tay. Imagine Logan Roy telling you he’s going to grind your bones to make his bread… shivers!

The whole bonkers, brilliant adventure is written by musical theatre duo Jonathan O’Neill and Isaac Savage and directed by Stephen Whitson. Expect songs that will lodge themselves in your head until Easter, giggles that’ll shake the rafters, and that trademark Rep Christmas magic that makes Dundee sparkle brighter than a Quality Street tin lid.

Rehearsals kick off in October, with previews from 29 November and an official opening night on 4 December. Tickets are on sale now at dundeerep.co.uk — and trust me, you’ll want to climb this beanstalk before the whole town gets there first.

Oh, and here’s the bit that warms my postie heart: Dundee Rep have relaunched their annual Christmas Appeal, raising money so children who might not otherwise get the chance can come along for free. Last year’s appeal let 247 local kids experience the joy of theatre. This year, with your help, even more little dreamers will get to meet Caroline the Coo and Jack with his beans. Go on — chuck a few quid in the pot. It’ll feel better than scoffing the last After Eight in the box.

So, there you have it: cows that talk, giants that roar, and a community coming together to celebrate Christmas with a bang (and a moo). I’ll see you in Dundee — I’ll be the one moo-ving to the music

LISTINGS INFORMATION

DUNDEE REP THEATRE 
Previews 29 November, 02 & 03 December 2025, then runs 04 – 30 December 2025.

Opening press performance, 7.30pm on Thursday, 04 December
Box office: www.dundeerep.co.uk. 

About the Author

TheatreVillage

Administrator

Who Is Andrew “The Guvnor” of Theatre Village? (As delivered by Grace Hatchell, 2nd Act Couriers, First Class & Slightly Nosy Service) Now then… if you’ve spent any time wandering through Theatre Village, you’ll have felt it. That hum. That buzz. That sense that somewhere, behind the curtain, someone’s pulling the strings, brewing the tea, and making sure the spotlight actually turns on. That, my lovely lot, would be Andrew. Or as I’ve taken to calling him… The Guvnor. I

Visit Website View All Posts