‘Yankl & Der Beanstalk’: Alternative LGBTQ+ friendly panto at Manchester Jewish Museum

Looking for something a little different from your festive pantomime outing this winter? We have just the thing…

Arriving for a unique performance in Manchester Jewish Museum’s stunning synagogue on Thu 2 Dec, is ‘Yankl & Der Beanstalk’—an infectious adult twist on the classic childhood tale.

The reworked story follows the journey of Yankl, a hapless pickle seller who lives with his mum off Brick Lane. One day Yankl swaps some pickles for some beans, climbs a beanstalk and ends up in…Hampstead.

It comes courtesy of eclectic artist collective, Sam Ranger, Tamara Micner and Emily Rose, who will be joined by a small troupe of wonderfully talented performers, on-hand to provide a special take on the Yiddish tradition with a riotous, raucous and irreverent pantomime-in-progress.

Expect Yiddish translations of iconic tracks like Bohemian Rhapsody, and be prepared to become part of the show via plenty of audience interaction moments.

The collective also boasts a strong LGBTQ+ representation and the performance aims to be inclusive for all. The production’s director, Samuel Ranger, spoke about the importance of celebrating Jewish heritage through LGBTQ+ identities.

“I find a collaboration of as many voices as possible from as many different backgrounds, lived experiences, genders, beliefs and sexualities creates the most interesting and real work. We want to create a pantomime for everyone and therefore we need as many voices involved in the creation as possible. Everyone has different understandings of relationships, emotions and characters and that difference is essential to create real and engaging theatre. Then mixed with an open rehearsal room and the courage to speak your mind, you have the recipe for success.”

Yiddish pantomimes—also known as Haimisher pantomimes—became a popular fixture in Manchester’s Jewish communities after the Second World War.  Taking the base story of familiar stories like Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin and Cinderella, they’d be rewritten to include Jewish characters and Yiddish language, songs and humour.

Many of these stories have been told by renowned local Jewish playwright, Julius Emanual—whose work is also showcased in Manchester Jewish Museum’s collection.

Tickets for ‘Yankl & Der Beanstalk’ are on sale now, tickets are £6 and £5 for concessions. Book yours using the button below.