Review: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Photo credit: Helen Murray

Panto season is officially in full swing at the Lyric Hammersmith with their newest production of Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Jude Christian and Sonia Jalaly. 

The tale follows Jack, played wonderfully by Leah St Luce, and her gang as they battle against Fleshcreep, his rising giant taxes and man-eating ‘giant’ in the sky to restore hope to Hammersmith. 

Filled with bright colours and glitter, the set and costume design by Good Teeth is enough to know that the production is going to be full of life and energy right from the outset; we especially love the glittery milk bottle. 

This show does have a relatively small cast, just four ensemble members alongside the five leading players, but this isn’t noticeable at all as the whole cast maintain high energy levels throughout the show to keep the whole audience entertained. 

The chemistry between the main cast is brilliant. The heart-warming friendship between Jack (Leah St Luce) and Jill (Maddison Bulleyment) is lovely to see in replace of the romance aspect pantomimes usually have. However, we would’ve liked to see more of a celebration from everyone as Jill gains fairy wings at the end to complete their story. The standouts of the show for us are Emmanuel Akwafo as Dame Trott and Finlay McGuigan as Simon. Both steal every scene they are in and are a hilarious pairing, getting many laughs from the audience. 

And of course, no pantomime is complete without a villain. Jodie Jacobs’ performance as Fleshcreep is everything a perfect pantomime villain should be and she is brilliant interacting with the crowd.

The show is filled with everything you expect from a pantomime - lots of audience participation, confetti surprises, and plenty of familiar pop songs integrated into the plot - even a Beyoncé medley! Alongside this, there are many political jokes and pop culture references that feel catered towards the older members of the audience, making it a show for the whole family. 

The only fault we found is that it feels a bit chaotic at times with one too many plot lines so it is difficult to follow, which is the main storyline. 

All in all though, Jack and the Beanstalk is a brilliant, lively show that the whole family is sure to enjoy this Christmas. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Maya Bateman

Jack and the Beanstalk plays at the Lyric Hammersmith until 7 January 2023, with tickets available here.