We’re not saying you have to live near the Drive to get the gooftastic jokes in Jack & the Beanstalk: An East Van Panto, but it will definitely add to the fun. Gluten-free fads, skyrocketing real estate, and the Trout Lake Farmers Market are just some of the familiar places and things that get tagged. Allan Zinyk steals the show in his deranged dual role as a hairy-legged, severely lactose-intolerant single mom and a hockey-stick-wielding giant who bears a disturbing resemblance to Milan Lucic. And wait till you see some of the special-guest cameos; at a recent matinee, singer Dan Mangan took the stage. You have until December 29 to check out both this outrageous new neighbourhood tradition and the just-refurbished York Theatre. Bring any kids you know, leave your pretensions at home, and prepare to boo and hiss the bad guys. More fun than a trunkful of Christmas crackers.