EVERYMAN THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL 17TH JANUARY 2026
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN AND JOSHUA (4 YEARS OLD)
5*****
The Everyman Rock ’n’ Roll Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, is anything but a typical fairy tale. While it preserves the fundamental elements of good versus evil and Jack’s ascent up the beanstalk, it completely reimagines the story and amplifies the excitement to new heights! Writer Chloe Moss has infused the story with pure magic, presenting the classic tale with a daring new rhythm brimming with crystal energy, hearty laughter, and memorable tunes. Featuring guitars, glitter, and characters who truly know how to rock the stage, this panto offers a vibrant, contemporary adventure that is both thrilling and enchanting. It’s time for the traditional fairy tales to take a back seat—this one is ready to take centre stage!
Jack and his mother, Dame Vera, are facing significant financial difficulties. Their sole valuable asset is their cherished cow, Daisy. Their modest enterprise, a crystal shop called Cosmic Crystals, located on What-a-Lark Lane, is in a precarious situation. The main antagonist is Alan Sucre, a conceited con artist who presents himself as a “spiritualist” and boasts of his multi-millionaire status. With the assistance of his sidekick, Roginald, Sucre aims to seize control of the shop by orchestrating a deceitful romance with Vera to trick her into relinquishing the shop’s deeds. Meanwhile, with the help of Fairy Spacecake and his apprentice, Jill, they sell the family’s saxophone-playing cow, Daisy, in exchange for a bag of magical crystals. Remarkably, these crystals grow into a towering structure that transports Jack to a magical realm high in the clouds. There, he encounters a fantastical world filled with peril and adventure, offering him the opportunity to transform his life in more ways than he ever imagined.
The cast members are exceptionally talented actor-musicians who effortlessly transition between their comedic and dramatic roles while playing a wide array of instruments on stage. This versatility creates a vibrant and dynamic performance that distinguishes it from traditional pantomimes. The setlist stands out as a major highlight, featuring iconic, high-energy pop and rock hits spanning several decades. These musical selections resonate with the audience, prompting them to sing along and dance in their seats. Among the featured artists are Prince, The Beatles, Celine Dion, Meat Loaf and K-Pop, to name just a few. When Dame Vera performed ‘Cell Block Tango‘ from Chicago, the audience erupted at her lyrics: ‘snap, crackle, pop, sausage roll, chipsticks.’
The ensemble’s combined talent as actors, comedians, and musicians is vital to the success of Everyman’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto” style. Their undeniable chemistry enhances the comedic moments, resulting in a lively and fluid performance throughout the show. Performers like Adam Keast, who portrays Fairy Spacecake, excel at engaging the audience, ensuring that everyone participates in the delightful chaos and enjoyment of the panto. Liam Tobin, in the role of Dame Vera, brings forth brilliant quick-fire humour paired with powerful vocals. Rebecca Levy, as Ruby, delivered an outstanding, vocally flawless performance while also serving as the show’s choreographer.
The show is completely outrages, wonderfully noisy and truly unforgettable.
My little critic, Joshua, who is almost five years old, provided some insightful commentary throughout the performance. His final verdict? The underdog Roginald, played by Theo Diedrick, was the standout star. When asked why, his simple and honest response was, “He saved Jack’s mother from jail! He’s a good man.” Joshua clearly knows his priorities. The loud, live music was a significant attraction, but his favourite instrument to watch was the classic drums. While the adults chuckled at clever innuendos, it was the traditional panto humour that captured his heart: “The funniest bit was when the giant said, ‘I can smell a little bum!'” And the best part? Joshua declared, “He would watch it again!” Such high praise for the fantastic cast and crew of Jack and the Beanstalk, demonstrating that it truly is a hit for audiences of all ages.