Brick Lane Music Hall, London – until 7th March 2026
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
5*****
If you think you know pantomime, Jack and His Giant Stalk at Brick Lane Music Hall is here to prove you very wrong — and very quickly. This is pantomime turned completely on its head: loud, proud, and gloriously adult from start to finish. Where a traditional family panto relies on subtle nods and blink-and-you’ll-miss-them jokes for the grown-ups, this production throws subtlety out of the window entirely and leans wholeheartedly into innuendo, double entendres, and cheeky humour that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.
As with all shows at Brick Lane Music Hall, the audience is treated to either an afternoon tea or a three-course lunch or dinner, depending on the time of the show.
From the moment the show begins, it is clear exactly what kind of evening the audience is in for. The jokes come thick and fast, with a relentless stream of adult humour that had the audience laughing, gasping, and occasionally groaning in equal measure. This really does feel like the reverse of a family panto — here, the jokes are very much for the adults, with no attempt made to soften the edges. It’s bold, brazen, and unapologetically rude, and that is exactly what makes it work so brilliantly.
The story follows Jack Trott (Josh Benson), his mother Dame Fanny Trott (Andrew Robley), Daisy the karaoke star cow (Lucy Reed), Willy Trott (Vincent Hayes), and Jill (Samantha McNeil) as they struggle to find ways to pay the incredibly high amount of rent due to the giants wife, Ophelia Loosebottom (Hayley-Jo Whitney) and her right-hand woman Poison Ivy (Charlotte Fage). Luckily, they have the help of the fabulous fairy known as The Spirit of The Beans (Jack Pallister). You’d think it would be easy to predict what is going to happen as the story unfolds, however this is definitely not the case. For example, the final scene of the first half features Jack Trott (Josh Benson) swallowing some Viagra pills and unsuccessfully attempting to shield the audience and the other characters from the effects of this medication.
What elevates Jack and His Giant Stalk beyond being simply a collection of naughty jokes is the sheer talent of the cast delivering them. Every performer on stage boasts an incredible singing voice, and the musical numbers are a genuine highlight throughout the show. This production features amazing live music performed by Martine Layzell and Andy Pook as well as parodied pop songs by many different artists, such as ABBA Queen, and Shania Twain. The cast work effortlessly together, bouncing off one another with impeccable comic timing and confidence. It’s clear they are completely at ease with the material, committing fully to the chaos and inviting the audience along for the ride. Audience interaction is woven seamlessly into the show, creating a lively atmosphere that makes the entire room feel part of the joke. I especially loved the moments where Vincent Hayes strayed from the script, causing chaos and confusion on stage as the rest of the cast attempted to steer the show back on script.
Ultimately, Jack and His Giant Stalk is an absolute triumph of pantomime for grown-ups, expertly written by the wonderful Lucy Hayes. It knows exactly what it is, who it’s for, and never once tries to pretend otherwise. With outrageous humour, exceptional vocals, and a cast firing on all cylinders, it delivers a night of theatre that is joyful, shameless, and endlessly entertaining. If you’re looking for festive fun with absolutely no filter, this is the panto for you.