Lyric Hammersmith Theatre – until 7th January 2023
Reviewed by Jacqui Radford
4****
Co -written by Jude Christian and Sonia Jalaly, this production is a perfect combination of all the elements of pantomime. We all associate pantomime with Christmas but enjoying Christmas is not an essential part of enjoying this production. From start to finish, the performance is charged with energy; fast dance routines, adventure, skateboarding, innuendo, slapstick and audience participation.
Fleshcreep (Jodie Jacobs) wants money from Jack (Leah St Luce) and her Mum, Dame Trott (Emmanuel Akwafa), with the threat of being fed to the giant in the sky if they don’t. To save them from their fate, Jack swaps their beloved Daisy the cow for a bag of magic beans. A perfect platform for adventure, moral and clever twist.
The set design, costume design and lighting blend together to conjure up the feeling of being in an arcade with reference to Hammersmith throughout. Bright lights, bright colours, outrageous outfits and flamboyance. Imagine milkshakes, singing cows, arcade machines and custard pies.
Being in the audience for this production brings pure joy and all ages are catered for. Everyone has something to talk about as they leave, whether it’s the fantastic performance and energy brought to the roles of Jack and Dame Trott, the confetti explosion and other special effects, seeing the excitement and engagement of children in the audience or being able to sing to your heart’s content. ‘Glory, Glory, Hammersmith!’.