If you’re looking for one of the very best pantomimes in London this year, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric should be right at the top of your list. We went as a family with our three daughters aged 10, 13 and almost 16, not an easy trio to entertain simultaneously, and every single one of them loved it. The adults did too. It’s a rare treat to find a show that hits the sweet spot for all ages, but this production absolutely nails it.

The Lyric knows how to do panto properly: warm, lively, and instantly immersive without ever feeling chaotic. From the moment the music started, the audience was buzzing, and the energy never dipped.

An on-stage reenactment of the Coldplay CCTV footage had the whole audience laughing, and the inclusion of everything from the “6/7” meme to Squid Game references showed just how fresh, sharp and up-to-the-minute this production really is.

Musically, it’s just as impressive. The live band brought an extra layer of sparkle to the show. The musical choices are clever, varied and current. There’s a beautiful, genuinely moving rendition of “Pure Imagination”, and a brilliantly reworked New Model Army-inspired number “Give It To Me, Ofsted”, which you can easily imagine being gleefully belted out in school corridors across the country.

The talented cast is fantastic; high-energy, polished, and totally committed. The dancers are powerful, and the ensemble routines are tight and cleverly choreographed.

But the undeniable standout is Fleshcreep (John Partridge), the gloriously charismatic villain who steals every scene. Funny, slightly menacing (in the perfect panto way), and utterly magnetic, he delivers exactly the kind of performance that older children relish and younger ones watch wide-eyed.

And then there’s Mamma Trott (Sam Harrison), the panto dame/dinner lady/mother to Jack and Jill. She nails the humour with one-liners that are fresh, current, and never feel forced. Her first entrance, in an outfit adorned with coffee cups for a rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, set the comedic tone superbly.

While the show is packed with silliness and laughter, it’s grounded by a thoughtful message about the importance of imagination and how easily the wrong environment (school included) can dampen it. This idea is lightly handled by the wonderful Fairy Godfather (Jade Hackett), never heavy-handed, but it resonated deeply with us, especially the older kids.

Jack (Joey James) and Jill’s (Sienna Widd) relationship is another standout element: warm, kind and genuinely loving. In the first half, Jill supports Jack through the wobbles of a new school and new expectations. In the slightly darker second half, he steps up to protect her. It’s a subtle arc, but surprisingly powerful and adds real heart.

The second half also delivers some of the biggest laughs and boldest musical moments, including a heart-warming close and Jack’s excellent rapping, which had the audience cheering and was a clear highlight for our children.

Audience interaction is handled brilliantly, being both fun and inclusive, yet never overwhelming. The egg-and-spoon race was a huge hit, but nothing felt cringey or pushy, ideal for families with shy kids or self-conscious teens.

With sharp humour, heartfelt moments, up-to-date references, fantastic music and a cast bursting with talent, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric is everything a Christmas panto should be. It’s modern without losing tradition, funny without losing charm, and full of joy from start to finish.

We left the theatre smiling, singing, and most importantly, all agreeing it was one of the best pantomimes we’ve seen. If you’re searching for a festive family outing that truly works for children and adults alike, this is it. 15 Nov 2025 – 04 Jan 2026