“Hammersmith, are you ready?” booms across the Lyric — and the audience absolutely is. Kids scream, adults grin, and within seconds we’re plunged into that classic panto mix of joy, chaos, and the occasional whispered “that’s creepy!” from a small person clutching their grown-up’s arm. It’s the familiar Lyric energy: warm, lively and wonderfully family friendly.
Joey James charms as shy Jack, channelling his nerves through a sock puppet with a wide-eyed sweetness that every child who’s ever felt out of place will recognise. Sienna Widd brings effortless big-sister swagger as Jill, brightening the stage each time she saunters on. Ex-Eastenders’ Jack Partridge revels in full panto villainy as slick-haired Sir Fleshcreep, soaking up the boos with a knowing smirk.
And then there’s Momma Trott, because what’s a panto without a gloriously over-the-top dame? Sam Harrison delivers in sequinned swimwear, fishnets, animal prints and enough attitude to reach the back row. Her line, “Greggs is the longest relationship I’ve ever been in!” – waving the familiar bakery bag – gets one of the night’s biggest laughs, closely followed by a brilliantly, cheeky adult-sized gag about being a “sock blocker!”
The busy script drags in places, and the second half takes un unexpected dark turn (a few little ones were even whisked out during the tense moments), but the live band and cast work hard to keep the energy up with big, bold numbers. Jade Hackett is a joy as the Jamaican fairy godfather, blending humour and warmth before leading a rousing “Glory, Glory, Hammersmith” sing-along that fills the beautiful Lyric theatre.
Our junior reviewers summed it up best: Noah, 5: “I liked when Jack defeated the evil man and the giant, and when we were all singing at the end!”
Jasmine, 7: “I loved when Mama Trott got the kids on stage for the sock and spoon game, and it was fun trying to catch the giant balloons!”
So, while Jack and the Beanstalk doesn’t quite reach the dizzy heights of last year’s excellent Aladdin, it’s still bursting with festive fun – full of heart, humour and plenty of Hammersmith love.
Need to Know: Jack and the Beanstalk runs until 4 Jan 2026 at Lyric Hammersmith.
Book tickets
Jack and the Beanstalk 15 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026
