Panto Review: Jack and the Beanstalk (New Wimbledon Theatre)

Review by Rosie Holmes

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Wimbledon’s annual pantomime has truly grown to epic proportions in 2024, with the arrival of Jack and the Beanstalk at the New Wimbledon Theatre. As a festive tradition I share with my mum, attending this panto each year is always a highlight, and this year’s offering certainly didn’t disappoint. A mix of silliness, sparkling performances, and plenty of panto fun makes for a wonderful Christmas outing.

If you're expecting the plot to steal the show, you might be barking up the wrong beanstalk. After all, panto plots are usually more about the laughs, the antics, and the memorable one-liners than any intricate storyline, and this one is no different. Loosely centred around the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack Trot, along with Princess Jill, fights to save their kingdom of Wimbledon from the evil Mrs Blunderbore and the giant.

The plot really did take a backseat to the real star of the show: the cast, led by the hilarious Joe Pasquale. Joe’s slapstick humour and infectious energy brought plenty of laughs, often sparking chaos onstage, much to the delight of the audience. He’s got panto written all over him, and it’s clear that the chemistry between him and the rest of the cast creates magic. Alexandra Burke as the villainous Mrs. Blunderbore also made a deliciously wicked addition to the show. She might have received boos from the audience (as every good villain should), but she also massive cheers as she wowed everyone with a surprise dance-off against Joe Pasquale (Probably not something she expected to be doing when duetting with Beyonce!) Rather comically shoehorned in, but thankfully so, Burke also wowed with her vocals, singing two of her best know songs: “Hallelujah” and “Bad Boys”.

Benjamin Yates, a West End favourite, made a wonderful Jack Trot, and his vocals and take on a number of showtunes will certainly be appreciated by musical theatre fans. As Princess Jill, Natalie Chua gave a solid performance, managing to hold the plot together while adding a dash of grace. Ceri Dupree played Dame Trot and stole the show with her ever-more fabulous and outlandish outfits, gathering even louder cheers (and shrieks) from the younger audience members as the night went on – a true highlight of the show’s visual delights.

Speaking of visuals, the special effects were truly magical. Without giving too much away, let’s just say that there was one flying scene that had both me and my mum squealing with joy. Watching the faces of the younger audience members light up with amazement was a truly magical experience, reminding us just why pantomimes can be so special, introducing theatre to a young audience. Some of the large animatronic effects were truly thrilling and something you might not expect to see at a pantomime. Costumes were also magical, and a number of sparkly chicken costumes were certainly a highlight.

This year’s festive offering from New Wimbledon Theatre is a whimsical, silly, and thoroughly entertaining show, filled with all the elements you want from a panto and makes for a wonderful festive outing. While London offers plenty of pantomimes, Jack and the Beanstalk must be top of your list (or beanstalk).

 Jack and the Beanstalk plays at New Wimbledon Theatre until Sunday 5th January 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here - Jack and the Beanstalk | December 2024 | New Wimbledon Theatre, Wimbledon | ATG Tickets