JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Lyric Hammersmith

★★★★★

“this raucously joyful romp will put a bit of much needed magic into everyone’s lives”

If you are looking for a pantomime to see this Christmas look no further than this absolute treat of a show at the Lyric Hammersmith. With a stellar cast and a strong creative pedigree in writer Sonia Jalaly and director Nicholai La Barrie, it more than meets expectations on every level.

From the outset the Fairy Godfather in a shimmering gold dressing gown and big blue fluffy slippers, makes us aware of how Hammersmith is losing its imagination. It soon becomes all too clear why, when we are introduced to Fleshcreep Academy, the local Hammersmith school, complete with copious security cameras and a sadistic headmaster, (a brilliant bully of a baddy played by John Partridge). Meanwhile our hero Jack (Joey James), who is so lacking in confidence that he communicates through a sock puppet and his sister Jill (Sienna Widd), who has enough sass for the entire school have just started their first day, joined by their mother Momma Trott (a highly entertaining Sam Harrison) who has been hired as the new dinner lady. His first appearance with three stripey pink and white mugs strapped at jaunty angles to his pink wig, wearing a satin pink ‘diamonds are a girls best friend’ outfit, looks like a cross between a RuPaul Drag Race contestant and Rylan. All credit to the costume dept (Georgia Lowe) for an incredible job and particularly for Momma Trott’s imaginative and hilarious wardrobe.

In order to defeat The Giant, Jade Hackett’s ‘Looney Tunes’ Fairy Godfather valiantly tries to capture everyone’s imagination and her performance is a comedic masterpiece – her hilarious footwork alone is a pure delight. Jack eventually finds his voice and what a voice…. Joey James is excellent, playing the dual characters of himself and his ‘sock’ alter ego. Not only is he an exceptional rapper, but he also delivers a killer melodic line in the song ‘Pure Imagination’.

Corin Buckeridge’s cleverly created songs feel so currently familiar, yet are original compositions. The sound (Nick Manning) hits just the right level which is no mean feat for a pantomime and Kayla Lomas-Kirton’s vibrant and contemporary choreography delights the younger members of the audience. Older generations will recognise and appreciate other witty musical sound bites like ‘Take my Breath Away’ and ‘Hello Darkness my old Friend’ and the cheeky reenactment of the CCTV Coldplay footage and the inclusion of the controversial 6/7 shows just how appealing this production is to all ages.

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. This is a tumultuously feel-good show about hopes and dreams …. as the Fairy Godfather said ‘There is nothing more magical than a child’s imagination’. From the audience’s reaction, this raucously joyful romp will put a bit of much needed magic into everyone’s lives.