There is one thing for certain about this play, and it is the promising premise, an adult re-invention of the fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk where Jack changes his family’s little wealth for beans, climbs to skies, enters the castle… and becomes a gay prostitute in search of the ultimate sex with the giant, a father figure he never had and needs. It’s a pity then that the final product is so uneven and messy, leaving the audience lost and unsettled.
It is not the actors fault though, as both of them are fantastic in their roles. Alister Barton has a rough start in his portrayal of Jack, but you soon enough warm up to him, and start to understand his flaws and anxieties. Alister brings different levels to this dislikeable character, and you find yourself understanding his life options and ways of acting. Preece Killick also deserves praise in his different roles, as he convincingly portrays every single one, doting each of them of personal mannerisms and vocal tones.
It is sad then, that they are let down by a convoluted story which divides the main fairy tail into different sections (according to the client Jack is seeing at that moment), leaving you wanting to know more about Jack’s fight to find the giant, and less about his encounters with the different males that need his services.
In no ways perfect, but more interesting and appealing than it should be, Jack the Lad drives you down a seedy and dirty road that, once in a blue moon, feels quite good to explore.
3/5
Adrian G. Velazquez
