Queens Theatre, Hornchurch – until 3rd January 2026
Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton
4****
There’s nothing quite like a pantomime to mark the start of the festive season, and Jack and the Beanstalk at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch is the perfect example of why panto remains a firm family favourite. Bursting with energy, dazzling costumes, and more jokes than you can shake a magic bean at, this show delivers the full package — from groan-worthy puns to pop culture references that had the audience roaring with laughter.
This fresh take on the classic tale follows the ever-hopeful Jack (Toby De Salis), who dreams of helping his mum, Dame Trott (Fred Broom) pay off their debts, only to find himself climbing a giant beanstalk with his mother Dame Trott (Fred Broom), best friend Jill (Inés Ruiz) and Green Fingered George (Beth Hinton-Lever. While atop the Beanstalk in Cloudland, they manage to rescue adorably clueless Pat the Cow (Lauren Chinery) from becoming a meal for the Giant. The cast bring the story to life with infectious enthusiasm, winking knowingly to the adults while keeping the children utterly enthralled. The script is packed with topical gags, local references, and a few cheeky double entendres that perfectly toe the line, everything a true panto lover could ask for.
Of course, no pantomime would be complete without a larger-than-life Dame, and this production’s Dame is nothing short of sensational. From the moment she steps on stage, she commands attention with her outrageous humour, brilliant comic timing, and an endless parade of fabulous costumes that seem to get bigger, brighter, and more ridiculous with every scene. Each entrance brought a fresh wave of laughter from the audience, whether it was thanks to a sparkling sequin number, a towering hat, or a dress so over-the-top it deserved its own applause. Fred Broom’s quick wit and playful banter with the audience perfectly captured that classic panto magic.
The villain of the piece, Fleshcreep (Roddy Lynch) absolutely stole the show for me. With a commanding stage presence and a truly incredible singing voice, his big number was easily my personal highlight of the evening. It’s rare that a baddie makes you want to cheer and boo at the same time, but his vocals were so good that I couldn’t help but be impressed.
Equally deserving of praise is Beth Hinton-Lever, whose voice is nothing short of stunning. Her performances added a real touch of magic and warmth to the production, balancing out the mischief and mayhem with genuine heart.
One particularly special element of the evening was the inclusion of a BSL interpreter, who seamlessly brought the magic of the show to Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members. It was wonderful to see accessibility embraced in such a joyful way, and the interpreter’s expressive delivery added an extra layer of fun for everyone watching.
Overall, Jack and the Beanstalk at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch is everything you could wish for in a pantomime: big laughs, brilliant performances, catchy songs, and plenty of heart. It’s the perfect mix of old-school tradition and modern sparkle — a magical night out for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss it!