The Lyric Hammersmith has unleashed a brilliantly subversive twist on a classic pantomime this festive season. Its new production of Jack and the Beanstalk has been radically reimagined as a pointed critique of the academy school system and Ofsted's perceived stifling of creativity, securing a four-star review.
A Grim School Setting Replaces the Village
Directed by Nicolai La Barrie and written by Sonia Jalaly, this is no traditional panto. The familiar tale has been relocated to a joyless, austere school where pupils are treated like inmates, stripped of their names and assigned numbers. In this grey world, dancing and singing are strictly forbidden.
The spark of hope arrives with a charismatic drama teacher, who also serves as the Fairy Godfather. Played with vibrant energy, he encourages new student Jack to embrace self-expression. Standing firmly against this creative rebellion is the villainous headteacher, Sir Fleshcreep MBE, portrayed by EastEnders star John Partridge.
Fleshcreep is a meat-obsessed tyrant in a salami-patterned suit, whose cynical demeanour channels Gary Oldman's performance in Slow Horses. He menacingly warns the Jamaican Fairy Godfather that encouraging 'H-imagination' will cost him his job.
A Cast That Shines in a Satirical Story
The production boasts fabulous casting across the board. Sam Harrison brings uplifting warmth to Momma Trott, replacing the Lyric's regular dame. Joey James leads as a shy Jack who communicates through a sock puppet before finding a powerful voice that showcases his impressive theatrical pedigree.
Sienna Wid is excellent and sassy as Jack's sister, Jill. The entire ensemble delivers energetic performances, putting fun new spins on tracks ranging from Seven Nation Army to Espresso and Pretty Fly for a White Guy.
Writer Sonia Jalaly's most inventive twist is the Beanstalk itself. Here, it is re-envisioned as a sinister computer system designed to wipe children's imaginations, literally leaving them 'as thick as a plank'. It's a darkly humorous metaphor for an education system prioritising metrics over minds.
A Scary Christmas Hit with a Message
While perhaps featuring fewer topical jokes than previous Lyric pantos, the show's political heart beats strong. The audience still gets to enjoy the annual Glory Glory Hammersmith singalong, this time with a Jamaican Pon de River remix from the Fairy Godfather.
With John Partridge's terrifying turn as Fleshcreep, this is a scary Christmas hit that cleverly uses pantomime's anarchic spirit to question educational orthodoxy. It solidly maintains the Lyric's top-tier status in London's pantomime landscape. The show serves as a stark, entertaining warning about the perils of rigid schooling.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Lyric Hammersmith until Sunday 4 January 2026. The performance lasts approximately 135 minutes and is suitable for ages 6 and over. Tickets are on sale now, starting from just £10.
