Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at The Bristol Hippodrome
Posted on: 10 Dec 2025Jack and the Beanstalk is the 2025 Christmas Pantomime at The Bristol Hippodrome and Colette Hand popped along with one of the twinnies for a review!
“Pure glam, sparkle, and fantasy… a visual and musical feast”
Before entering the Hippodrome we were entertained by stilt walkers and a snow machine outside the theatre, this added to the build up and excitement for the children.
My only small criticism was that to begin with, I struggled to hear the opening lines due to the dramatically loud music, and the giant's voice was distorted and it was also a little difficult to understand what was being said.
Otherwise, the 2025 performance of Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime, with its incredible lineup and star studded cast, was a truly memorable performance.
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Will Young, singer and actor, played the Spirit of the Bean, a magical, whimsical, and larger than life character, wowing the audience with his vocal talent and stage presence. He dazzled the audience with a combination of magical fantasy and popstar flair, delivering some of his showstopping songs Evergreen, Light my Fire, and Leave right now, blending his musical hits with the plot of the pantomime. In playing the Spirit of the Bean, he shone in a role that was all about glamour, magic and music. He was extravagant and glamorous in utterly fabulous costumes, shining under the stage lights in bean related detailing and motifs, wearing a dazzling headpiece of glittering beans.
Charlie Brooks, famous for her portrayal of Janine Butcher in BBC’s EastEnders, has also done her share of stage work, recently starring as the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In this performance, she was a fantastic villain, antagonist, playing the Giant's wife, Mrs Blunderbore, bringing menace and humour in equal measure.
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Richard Cadell, best known as the puppeteer behind Sooty and Sweep, played alongside them as Silly Simon, bringing a silly, charming and humorous element. As well as dazzling us with his magic and illusion acts.
Sooty and Sweep, iconic puppets of our childhood, also bring with them slapstick comedy and magic.
Benjamin Yates as Jack, brought a lot of energy, charm and comedy. Whilst not yet a household name, he has made his mark on the theatre scene in pantomime, musical theatre, comedy and family oriented performances. He is a hugely versatile actor displaying and showcasing his skills in singing and dancing.
Ashlyn Weeks, another performer with strong stage presence, played the romantic interest for Jack, Princess Jill.
Andy Ford, popular comedian and panto stalwart, played Farmer Andy Trot, and brought with him plenty of comedy, exaggeration, and audience interaction… an essential part of any great pantomime.
The sets were visually stunning, and clever, especially the beanstalk climbing scene. Clever stagecraft using puppetry and projections made it truly magical.
Audience participation and interaction with the audience was encouraged by Andy Ford and Richard Cadell, with their over the top, comical energies.
Will Young dazzled the audience with a combination of magical fantasy and popstar flair, delivering some of his showstopping songs Evergreen, Light my Fire, and Leave right now. Playing the Spirit of the Bean, he shone in a role that was all about glamour, magic and music.
Lavish costumes, sequins, glittering vibrant colour are the essence of a perfect pantomime, and this one delivered in spades. With the star-studded cast, the Jack and the Beanstalk production of 2025 shines in all aspects. Over the top, extravagant and visually stunning, the costumes were an integral part of the fun and magic, from Farmer Andy to the Spirit of the Bean. There was more than a touch of sparkle to reflect Will Young's popstar flair, elevated and extravagant, with sequins and feathers, flamboyant and larger than life.
Also larger than life, was the giant who was imposing and at one point came looming out almost over the audience, it was absolutely excellent puppetry.
Pantomimes are known for their lively dance routines and high energy performances, this show did not disappoint with its excellent choreography. The dancers decked out in stunning, colourful costumes added to the fun and energetic performance, dazzling sequin outfits, feathered headpieces, flowing skirts, twirling with every move.
Glitzy costumes, impressive visual effects and puppetry, sparking magic, sequins and glitter everywhere, creating a world of fantasy and fun with sparkle and glam.
As with all good pantomimes, this one also featured cheeky tongue-in-cheek humour, playful innuendo, double entendres, and banter. It's one of the things that makes pantomimes so much fun for both children and adults. This show had the audience laughing out loud. There were many moments where the audience were in on the joke but the children weren't entirely aware of the innuendo, making it a truly family friendly (but definitely grown up in parts) experience.
This is an ideal Christmas or holiday season treat. It combines everything you'd want in a festive show… magic, music, humour, spectacle, and feel good factor. If you're looking for the Ideal festive treat, this panto ticks all the boxes. It's heartwarming fun that wraps you in the holiday spirit. The ultimate festive experience.
Article by:
Colette Hand (BA Hons in Art & Education Studies). Grandmother to four grandchildren aged 2 to 21, and part-time volunteer at a museum in Bath, writing for 365Bristol mainly on theatre and family activities when not raising money wild swimming around the country!
