Jack and the Beanstalk reviews at the London Palladium 2022 Christmas Panto

“Uproarious panto packed with comic vulgarity”

“Julian Clary shines in this camp and corny show packed with star names”

“Panto regular Julian Clary dominates every scene he pops up in, as various incarnations of the Spirit of the Beans. The veteran comedian boasts a withering, waspish put down for every occasion and showstopping costumes designed by Hugh Durrant…”

“Clary is a tough act to follow but “budget Miriam Margolyes” Dawn French makes a good fist of Devonian Dame Trot. A fright-wigged Alexandra Burke channels Tina Turner and the Wicked Witch of the West as villainous Mrs Blunderbore, Gary Wilmot as Queen Nigella makes merry with some marvellous tongue twisters, self-mocking posho Nigel Havers as King Nigel of Old Compton in the Turn references our new monarch with lines about his “blasted pen” and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin delivers as milkman Silly Simon. Heroic Jack Trot is played by Louis Gaunt, Princess Jill by Natalie McQueen and the comic vulgarity level is kept high, or should that be low, by Rob Madge as wannabe musical star cow called Pat.”

“No expense has been spared, with dancers, deafening bangs, flames shooting up and a lavish set design from Mark Walters.”

A MarkMeets reader said: What a fantastic way to get into the Christmas Spirit. Julian Clary already had his fellow actors ( along with all the audience) laughing. The scenery, costumes and lighting are spectacular and the beanstalk is an unexpected addition. If you can get to see this panto you won’t regret it- haven’t laughed so much for a long while.

Jack and the Beanstalk is produced by Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes. As a producer in the West End his credits include The Drifter’s Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy, The Bodyguard, Annie and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. Crossroads Pantomimes is the world’s biggest pantomime producer and part of Crossroads Live, a global leader in the production of musical theatre and immersive entertainment experiences.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The London Palladium plays from 10 December 2022 to 15 January 2023 this Christmas with a cast led by Dawn French, Julian Clary, Alexandra Burke, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, Louis Gaunt, Rob Madge and Natalie McQueen.