Review: Jack and the Beanstalk (panto)

 ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️  ⭐️

Photo by Manuel Harlan

This was the first panto I’ve ever seen, so I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the theatre. Because it was press night, the auditorium was packed with family and friends, and you could feel the excitement straight away. The energy was set before the show even started!

At first, I felt a bit uncomfortable because I’m not used to pantomimes. In Belgium, we don’t have this kind of theatre tradition, and suddenly I was in the middle of a show where the audience is supposed to shout “Booo!” at the villain and get fully involved. It took me a moment to understand the rhythm of it, but once the show got going, I relaxed and ended up having so much fun.

Panto really is a beautiful way to get into the Christmas spirit. It brings people together, and honestly, even though the auditorium was full of families and I was there on my own, I felt like a four-year-old again. Stepping into another world and enjoying live theatre reminded me of just how magical this time of year can be. That’s the strength of musical theatre — bringing people together.

The story follows Jack and his sister, who are new at their school, run by the Fleshcreep. Together with their friends, they try to make the best of their time until Jack trades the cow for magic beans and their world turns upside down. It’s the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story, but with a modern twist, lots of jokes, music, and, of course, a giant making an appearance. The Fairy Godmother adds a lovely touch too, focusing on imagination and reminding the audience to dream, believe, and let their minds run wild.

My personal highlight of the night was Sam Harrison, who played Mamma Trott, a wonderfully fun character with beautiful costumes. Every time Mamma Trott came on, the whole place lit up.

Overall, this panto is perfect for families, especially if it’s your first-ever pantomime. If you want to discover what a panto really is, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is a brilliant place to start — fun, silly, warm, and full of heart. The show is running there until 4 January, making it a perfect festive trip for the Christmas holidays.