★★★★★

“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.

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Brick Lane Music Hall

★★★★

“Musical director Scott Hayes’ arrangements are powerful, lush and choral, and are ready to waltz straight into the Albert Hall”

Just as Charing Cross Hospital bears no geographical resemblance to Charing Cross itself, Brick Lane Music Hall is considerably more than a stone’s throw away from Brick Lane. Somewhere near London City Airport lies St Mark’s Church, tucked between a flyover and something else urban and concrete; its Victorian gothic beauty shining out like a guiding star on Christmas Eve. Walking through its hallowed doors is like stepping into Christmas. And stepping back in time.

Brick Lane Music Hall’s Christmas production, hosted by the insanely charismatic (or charismatically insane) Vincent Hayes, has become a long-standing highlight of London’s festive calendar. And this year’s show is no exception, combining traditional entertainment with rich slices of fresh innuendo, magical music and dollops of cheesy fun. Hayes is a master of the craft, his skill sharpened by a long-standing passion for music hall dating back to opening his original venue (in Brick Lane) back in 1992 with the support of stars including Danny La Rue and Barbara Windsor. Thirty-three years later he’s still going strong, and a few hours spent in his – and his friends – glittering company shows you why. Hayes comes armed with a sharp mind, coupled with a warm and quick-witted banter that immediately puts his audience at ease. Scripted jokes jostle for place among the ad libs as he chats to us like old mates.

We are encouraged to sing along, although there are times when we prefer to sit back and relish the variety of talent and virtuosity assembled on the stage. Guest singer Andrew Robley croons a jolly ‘Holly Dolly Christmas’ before launching into a moving version of the David Essex festive favourite, ‘A Winter’s Tale’. The show morphs into a music hall, carol service hybrid as he is joined by Ronnie Scott regular William Byrne, along with Lucy Reed, Samantha McNeil, Jake Lawrence and Charlotte Fage; members of the Brick Lane Music Hall Company. Many a time we wonder how a sextet can produce a nine-part harmony. Musical director Scott Hayes’ arrangements are powerful, lush and choral, and are ready to waltz straight into the Albert Hall.

Vincent Hayes knows when to puncture the atmosphere with humour, notably with a falsetto version of ‘The Snowman’, as though his lungs are filled with a few canisters of helium. Later he shows us – along with partner in crime Robley – what really lies under a choirmaster’s cassock during a hilarious routine. The humour is perfectly pitched, and blends in with his heartfelt soliloquies and the rousing musical highlights. By Royal appointment, Victoria Yellop commands the stage with her violin, recreating Christmas at Balmoral with Scottish jigs and reels, before delivering a moving ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’, and then joining in with the other performers.

An extended interval allows us to mingle and enjoy the seasonal refreshment. This show was a matinee, and the afternoon tea is highly recommended – a three-tiered platter of sandwiches, scones and mince pies with free-flowing cups of ‘proper’ tea; strong and traditional. You can indulge as much as you want: the energy that bounces off the stage in the second act will burn off the calories as fast as the glorious harmonies will wash them down. A selection-box, mash-up of Christmas hits precedes a ‘Country Christmas’ routine which, in turn, precedes a music-from-the-movies moment. And so it goes; medley after medley, right up to the joyous finale of ‘White Christmas’; the whole company in white and gold, Yellop’s violin cutting through the lush chorale arrangement, and Hayes dressed as our fairy godmother. We don’t need his wand (ooer missus) to be touched by the magic of Christmas. It’s here, in Brick Lane Music Hall, served up on a platter. It’s all in title of the show: “The Magic of Christmas”. The season has truly begun.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Lyric Hammersmith

★★★★★

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

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Lyric Hammersmith

Reviewed on 22nd November 2025

by Sarah Milton

Photography by Manuel Harlan

Previously reviewed at this venue:

JACK AND

JACK AND

JACK AND

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Brick Lane Music Hall

★★★★

“Musical director Scott Hayes’ arrangements are powerful, lush and choral, and are ready to waltz straight into the Albert Hall”