Jack and the Beanstalk Play Script

Jack and the Beanstalk is a hilarious adaptation of the classic fairy tale. In this version, Jack must trick his cow, Bessie into going for a walk to the marketplace where he plans to sell her. When he trades his sarcastic cow to an old woman for a few magic beans, his mother is furious! The next day, a giant beanstalk appears in their yard and Mother hires a lumberjack to cut it down, unaware that Jack has climbed it. It’s up to a crazy old woman to save the day in this entertaining play for young performers!

Andy Pavey is a commissioned playwright, who writes short plays for Drama Notebook. He is a student who attends UWC-USA. He previously spent nine years with Davenport Junior Theatre, the second-oldest children’s theatre in the United States, where he acted in productions, managed the props building, and wrote plays for young actors to perform. In addition to writing, Andy is an avid backpacker!

Excerpt from the play:

CAST OF CHARACTERS

MOTHER
JACK
BESSIE
OLD WOMAN
LUMBERJACK

At rise: JACK and BESSIE are on one side of the stage, talking, when the MOTHER runs in from the opposite side.

MOTHER
Oh, Jack… I have some terrible news.

JACK
What? What is it?

MOTHER
We’ve run out of strawberries. And lettuce. And asparagus. And potatoes. And tomatoes. And garlic.

JACK
I don’t understand. What’s the problem exactly? That food is boring.

MOTHER
Jack. That’s not all. We’ve run out of Pop-Tarts.

JACK runs to his MOTHER and embraces her.

JACK
That is the most horrifying thing you have ever said to me. What can we do to make this right? I want to help.

MOTHER
I’m afraid there’s only one thing we can do. (Stage-whispering) We’re going to have to sell Bessie.

JACK
What?! We can’t sell Bessie!

MOTHER
Jack. You’re being irrational. Bessie has grown old and only has a few years of life left in her. We need money to buy fresh vegetables and fruits. They’re the key to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

JACK
And Pop-Tarts.

MOTHER
Sure, yeah. Pop-Tarts.

JACK
Okay, deal. What do I have to do?

MOTHER
Take Bessie on a “walk” to the marketplace and sell her to the highest bidder. Don’t let her know we’re planning on selling her.

JACK
Deal.

JACK walks back to BESSIE as the MOTHER exits.

BESSIE
So, what’s the news? Why are you in such a hurry?

JACK
Oh, I just thought it would be nice to go to the marketplace to pick up groceries. You want to tag along?

BESSIE
Actually, Jack, I’m still “calf” asleep, so I’ll have to sit this one out. Thanks for the offer, though!

An awkward silence. JACK looks helplessly at the audience.

JACK
Great, let’s get going!

BESSIE
Uh, okay, if you insist, weirdo…