We round up the reviews for Sonia Jalaly’s version of the story.
The Guardian: *** “It’s all good fun and games, but at times you long for a little familiarity. Still, with the truly wonderful Fairy Godfather (Jade Hackett) at the front and centre of this production, it would take a real Scrooge not to be taken in by all the festivity. Hackett combines wizardry with wisdom to serve up one of the most commanding turns I’ve ever seen on a panto stage.”
London Pub Theatres.com: *** 1/2 “This hip-hop pantomime is genuinely different. Sonia Jalay tells a strong story predicated on the importance of imagination, a quality we all have in our heads but it’s vulnerable. And although most of the traditional elements (slosh scene, sing along, children on stage, calling out, two person cow) are in, there aren’t many puns or tedious one liners. And it’s bespoke for Hammersmith. There’s a distinct, and very welcome, freshness here.”
WhatsOnStage: *** “Overall, Jack and the Beanstalk is an uplifting pantomime, with a wholesome message for audiences of all ages. It’s certainly inspired me to be more imaginative!”
The Reviews Hub: **** ” Feelgood panto is a powerful tradition for lightening the darkest months of the year, and it’s needed now more than ever. As Mamma Trott says towards the end, it’s nice to pretend for once that “there isn’t an absolute apocalypse happening in the real world””
A Young(ish) Perspective: **** 1/2 “Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric is vibrant, sharply made, and musically amazing. It’s the kind of show that reminds you how joyful and how skilfully crafted panto can be when handled with imagination and intent.”
Time Out: **** “Superbly done as ever, and an object lesson in how London pantomime not only survives with only five plots to choose from, but actively thrives.”
The Spy in the Stalls: ***** “The Lyric Hammersmith prides itself for bringing their community together and having innovation at its heart. Well they have truly pushed the boundaries in this production, whilst still maintaining all the core values of a truly traditional panto.”
London Theatre 1: ***** “There are topical references galore – everything from KPop Demon Hunters to Greta Thunberg to that couple who were caught in the act of adultery at a Coldplay concert – and the Godfather’s message of using your imagination, or to put it another way, discover the power within you, is one that is ultimately more meaningful than any amount of wizardry, though there’s a good amount of that too. Contemporary, relevant and above all, a lot of fun.”
The Telegraph: **** “Lyric Hammersmith’s liberty-taking production could be slicker. But it couldn’t be any more fun.”
Theatre Weekly: *** “Despite the muddled narrative, the actors do their best to keep up the momentum, and this panto is perked up considerably by some delightful performances. Joey James is very likeable as Jack and is well paired with Sienna Widd as his feisty sister Jill. John Partridge oozes charisma as the nefarious Fleshcreep, while Jade Hackett is comedy gold as the lovable, ever-optimistic Fairy Godfather. Thanks to choreographer Kayla Lomas-Kirton, the talented ensemble tightly deliver some nifty numbers.”
Lost in Theatreland: ***** “This is a full package production, phenomenal casting, wonderful set and costuming, great music and the message of children’s imagination, the power of arts programmes and evil Ofsted (it’s a whole song, don’t come for me!) makes this a statement as well as a complete joy to behold!”
North West End: “While Jack and the Beanstalk contains most of your usual panto tropes and family-friendly platitudes, La Barrie has elevated this production with so much fun and joy that you can’t help but get involved with the final dance to Pink Pony Club. It’s a jolly festive treat for West Londoners this Christmas.”
London Theatre Reviews: *** “Sitting amongst so many young children, I couldn’t help but be moved by the stakes with which they endowed the piece, investing their hearts and souls in the journey onstage. A lesson to take with us the next time we find ourselves cross-armed and critical before the curtain has even risen. With something for everyone, this gender-bending, all-embracing pantomime will uplift, engage, and excite all who attend. “
To book tickets visit: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/jack-and-the-beanstalk-2025/