Pantomime – Live Art Alive

The Rock’n’Roll Panto 2025: Jack and The Beanstalk

Jack and The Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman. Image credit: Ellie Kurtz

Written by Chloe Moss

Directed by Kash Arshad

LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN

Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman – a riotous, rebellious beanstalk bonanza.

Liverpool Everyman‘s annual rock ’n’ roll panto has always been more punk spirit than polished pageant, and Jack and the Beanstalk is no exception. In fact, this year’s offering may be the purest distillation yet of the theatre’s trademark magic: equal parts gleeful anarchy, local in-jokes, powerhouse vocals and the kind of good-natured silliness that could thaw even the frostiest Merseyside December.

From the moment the fabulous Adam Keast bursts onstage as Fairy Spacecake, it’s clear we’re in very safe and very outrageous hands. This is a show that doesn’t so much break the fourth wall as tickle it, tease it, and invite it on a night out down Hardman Street. The ensemble, every one of them actor-musician dynamos, bounce between instruments with the casual swagger of people who can absolutely shred a guitar solo and belt out a big ballad without breaking a sweat despite the non breathable costumes and the plethora of wigs.

Liam Tobin as Vera in Jack and The Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman.
Image Credit: Ellie Kurtz

Malek Alkoni as Jack our hero is a hapless dreamer who initially seems less at home in panto than his comrades but gains confidence as the show progresses. Liam Tobin is the Everyman panto dame, Vera, who turns up in outfits loud enough to be seen from space and delivers zinger after zinger with sharp comic precision. Amy Bastani is delightful as Jill and delivers some great vocals and harmonies. Even Daisy the cow (Elaine Hua Jones) has a scene-stealing number clad in a fabulous costume by Katie Scott. The ubiquitous star is Everyman panto stalwart Adam Keast who is a master of sly innuendo, always delivered with insouciant twinkly, charm.

The script, as ever, is a glorious mash-up: camp, cheeky, locally flavoured and just the right shade of ridiculous. You’ll get your beans and your beanstalk, sure, but you’ll also get a surprisingly sharp political aside, a slapstick chase sequence, and a musical playlist so crowd-pleasing it should probably come with a government warning. Expect everything from disco to pop-punk to a power ballad so earnest it might genuinely move you.

What makes the Everyman panto special isn’t just the gags or the tunes, it’s the warmth. The company radiates joy, the audience throws it back, and before you know it you’re on your feet, shouting, singing, and momentarily forgetting that you’re a fully grown adult who came in for “something seasonal” and is now screaming encouragement at a quirky Goose.

The set ramps up the fun with a beanstalk ascent that’s impressively bonkers, more DIY-in-the-best-way than Disney, and all the better for it. And when the giant finally appears… well, let’s just say the Designer Katie Scott clearly had a very good time and the result is delightfully unhinged.

In short: Jack and the Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman is a raucous, big-hearted triumph that is exactly the kind of festive escapism that reminds you why pantomime, done properly and with plenty of swagger, remains one of theatre’s greatest communal pleasures. A giant of a good time.

LIVERPOOL EVERYMAN 15th November ’25 – 17th January ’26

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Rapunzel 2024

Pantomime

Written by Jude Christian

Directed by Francesca Goodridge

Liverpool Everyman

With every passing year Panto season seems to come round quicker and this year is no exception. My first this year is at Liverpool Everyman and the weather heading into the city is a sleety blizzard with high winds guaranteed to wreck any freshly coiffered mane. Thankfully there is a warm welcome inside the Everyman and a thoroughly cheery production on the stage. Jude Christian has taken this classic Panto staple and set it in Liverpool with two hairdressing salons battling it out to the final blowout while a feisty Rapunzel escapes her prison and discovers family, friendship and freedom. This rock ‘n’ Roll take is full of crowd pleasing musical numbers and a multi-talented cast perform, sing and play all the instruments on stage.

The set and costume design by Janet Bird works brilliantly. The colourful stage on two levels with a magnificent four poster bed making frequent appearances is all bright pastels and glistening with glitter. The overall effect is a fun blend of a Barbie house merging with an Andy Warhol exhibition. The costumes are equally vivid and are further elevated with elaborate hair styles that look straight out of a Manga comic book. The Dame’s costumes are wittily designed to illustrate her ownership of the now fading salon The Blonde Bombshell. Decked out as an iconic Marilyn Monroe, a Scouse take on Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress or as Madonna in a Gaultier conical corset while heavily pregnant; the designs all guarantee laughs for an on form Michael Starke as Debbie UpDo.

Ai Kumar as Rapunzel at Liverpool Everyman Image credit: Marc Brenner

The multi-talented cast seem to relish in Francesca Goodridge’s lively fast paced production and the audience interaction is skillfully done and very effective. Adam Keast is a delight as Fairy Fixer-Upper and his blend of fey charm, mischievous asides and double entendres land well and make for good entertainment for all ages. Zoe West makes an excellent baddie as Mancunion rival Danny Ruff posturing like an overcharged quiff of testosterone as he tries to ruin his old Boss. Ai Kumar as Rapunzel and Rebecca Levy have great chemistry as the sweet duo seeking to escape the salon and find both independence and love. They are both vocally strong and provide a number of beautiful duets. Tomi Ogbaro and Emma Bispham are the salon assistants Trevor and Goop. The former is a hapless sweetheart while Goop is clearly modelled on the implacable Nessa from Gavin and Stacy. Ben Boskovic as Prince Timotei brings a nice silliness to the proceedings as the medieval Prince who seems a dead ringer for Lord Farquaad complete with his trusty steed Ed SheerRam.

Zoe West as Danny Ruff and Michael Starke as Debbie UpDo at Liverpool Everyman
Image credit: Marc Brenner

The musical numbers include Daytripper by The Beatles, a Blondie medley, numbers from Shania Twain, Lady Gaga and Queen. They all flow neatly within the script and involve a wide range of instruments played by all the cast. A genuinely fun night out for families that is colourful and entertaining with lots of surprises and laughs guaranteed. This is definitely a trip to the theatre where everyone is guaranteed to let their hair down and have fun.

Liverpool Everyman 16th November 2024 – 18th January 2025

Jack and the Beanstalk

Large Theatres, Pantomime

Written by Fine Time Fontayne and Chris Lawson

Directed by Chris Lawson

Oldham Coliseum

Oldham Coliseum has long basked in its well-deserved reputation as the home of traditional pantomime. This year there are a few changes to the mix as Fine Time Fontayne steps down as Dame and hands the baton, glittery heels and frocks to Richard J Fletcher who in turn has stepped away from his role as comic, and sees Sam Glen follow in his footsteps. Acting Artistic Director Chris Lawson co-writes his first pantomime with long-term writer Fine Time Fonteyne and together they have produced a very 21st century pantomime that blends traditional slapstick routines with a thoroughly modern theme featuring tech gadgets, carbon footprints, eco warriors and a feminist heroine rescuing Oldham from a tech hungry giant.

Designer Celia Perkins has once again created a story book set that delights in colour and moving features. Amidst the “pages” are the Soggy Bottom Cottage with pop up windows that evoke Punch and Judy scenes, a moving parts giant with swivelling eyes and comic signs such as We buy any cow.com. The costumes are an eye blistering array of checks, polka dots, neon and tartan. The Dame has some memorable outfits including a spectacular ode to Oldham Athletics and a truly terrifying wedding party ensemble that once seen can not be unseen!! Elsewhere the baddies, Mavis and Malcolm Moorside have some fabulous steampunk costumes while Lord Thickpenny Grabbmuch sports dashing Victorian frock coats that evoke a sense of Dick Dastardly. There is also an eco friendly, deadlocked fairy and a vegan, peace loving cow adding fresh currency to the mix.

This tale of theft of Smart phones and TVs to power a techno giant to take over Oldham sees feminist heroine Jill be first up the beanstalk to save the day. References to Extinction Rebellion and caring for our planet add nice touches to the story without becoming preachy. The local references are amusing as this year Ashton gets an affectionate bashing instead of Rochdale, and there are a thumbs up to Oldham Athletics, and even The Inspiral Carpets’ Cowabunga is utilised. There is the familiar slapstick humour of a ghost appearing and a witty perfectly timed two hander by Richard J Fletcher and Sam Glen as Dame Dotty Trot and Jack Trot. There is also a messy scene with wallpaper paste and water guns though this feels like it needs expanding more to justify its inclusion. The audience participation is flawless which is partly due to the performers on stage but also because of a well honed audience at The Coliseum who clearly love their local pantomime tradition.

The performances are all good and Sam Glen looks very at home with his more experienced pantomime cohorts. There is loads of energy on stage and some great vocals especially from Jenny Platt as Mavis Moorside and Good Fairy Greenfield. Richard J Fletcher has clearly honed his skills as a Dame and steps into Fine Time Fontayne’s shoes like a veritable Cinderella. My favourite character has to be Mitesh Soni’s Hazy the Hippy Cow. He delights on stage with some great cow based one liners and his take on the Kelis track Milkshake, but overall it is the sheer charm of his performance that steals the show.

The musical numbers are well chosen and range through pop songs like Body Rockers I Like the way you Moo(ve) to tracks lifted from musicals such as Into The Woods and Oklahoma. The orchestra led by Dave Bintley are excellent and the additional young dancers work really hard throughout with several giving notable performances.

This is my third trip to pantomime at Oldham Coliseum and perhaps the best endorsement I can give is that my teenage and twenty something kids eagerly ask to come each year. It has become a festive family tradition in our household and I can see them making the trip up to Oldham with their own kids in the future. Watching Sam Glen on stage I thought he captured a real sense of the comic devised by Richard J Fletcher, it was lovely to later discover he had grown up watching pantomime at Oldham just like his predecessor had. It’s a nice thought to sit in the Coliseum and look around an audience of smiling families and wonder who there might be on stage in another ten years.

Oldham Coliseum 16 Nov 2019 – 11 January 2020

Images by Darren Robinson

Cinderella

Large Theatres, Pantomime

Oldham Coliseum 10 Nov – 12 Jan 2019

Oldham Coliseum

Written by Fine Time Fontayne and Kevin Shaw

Directed by Kevin Shaw

It’s pantomime season once again and Cinderella breezes into Oldham Coliseum in a glittering pumpkin coach. Normally I wince at the word pantomime but last year the Coliseum converted my cynical heart to embrace the froth, frolics and sequins. This is good old fashioned slapstick peppered with plenty of modern references, catchy tunes and strong performances from seasoned panto professionals. Designer Celia Perkins has created a picture perfect storybook set which is incredibly detailed and enticingly colourful. The overall effect is as full of charm as a proverbial pantomime Prince .

The younger members of the cast deliver some good vocals and lots of energy, with Shorelle Hepkin as a warm and winsome Cinderella. Nisha Anil doubles as Dandini and Fairy Godmother bringing something special to both roles. Richard J Fletcher as Buttons gives his all throughout the show, and the pathos in his delivery of Emily Sandé’s Clown is really touching.

There are lots of amusing current cultural references in this production including recent royal weddings, Ubers and Google Alexi, however the wittiest is undoubtedly at the expense of The Kardashians. The Ugly Sisters, Fine Time Fontayne and Simeon Truby and mommie dearest Countessa Vyella Squeezepocket Sue Devaney do a deliciously mean take on those big bottomed girls and their socially ambitious mother.

Sue Devaney is in her element here producing a performance that blends a touch of Elphaba from Wicked with the Kardashians and a dollop of Celia Imrie circa Dinnerladies. She milks every moment on stage as the pantomime villain but with so much wit and flair that she rightfully steals the show.

There are the usual panto ghost scenes that whip the children up into a frenzy of excitement. A pre-Ball spa session is the perfect excuse for lots of slapstick fun and messy chaos. A well choreographed slow motion scene effectively highlights the Prince’s glass slipper hunt. The transformation of Cinderella is lit with a magical rosy glow and really does deliver whimsy and wonder.

This is good old fashioned pantomime with a big Northern heart. Oldham Coliseum deliver family fun for Christmas that scores high on the genuine feel good factor.

Oldham Coliseum 10 Nov – 12 Jan 2019

Dick Whittington

Large Theatres, Pantomime

OLDHAM COLISEUM
By Fine Time Fontayne and Kevin Shaw

Directed by Kevin Shaw

Saturday night at the pantomime in Oldham with three anime loving teenagers fresh from a day at the Japanese Doki Doki Festival. What could possibly go wrong?? Well nothing apparently. Despite my concerns everyone loved it and my own initial wariness disappeared in a wave of nostalgia and general goodwill to all.

This is pantomime at its traditional best with no fancy hi tech bells and whistles. The only bell here being the one swung by the marvellous panto grand dame Saucy Sarah Suet played with warmth and wit by Fine Time Fontayne. The whole cast are enthusiastic and the energy on stage never wanes. There are some especially strong assured performances most notably Fine Time Fontayne as Sarah and Richard J Fletcher as her son Silly Billy Suet. The Rat King has Simeon Truby who is excellent as the perfect pantomime villain. His pastiche of Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell is inspired and very funny.

The set by Celia Perkins is just lovely. All painted scenes rolling back like the beautifully illustrated pages of a children’s story book. There are lots of witty little signs and references included to keep the grown ups amused too.

The wardrobe department have produced some bright and cheery costumes to compliment the set. The outrageous dame costumes succeed with a the obligatory pantomime wow factor. The generous bottoms on several costumes seem to be modelled on the famous rear of Kim Kardashian!!

The song and dance numbers mix the old and the new to good effect. The chorus of local children on stage dancing look like they are having a ball. Other children from the audience are brought on stage by Saucy Sarah and Billy Suet to help out with one of the songs. The banter and interaction with the audience feels genuine and warm rather than staged. Family groups are welcomed by name and the atmosphere in the theatre is relaxed and happy. The family next to us share our pleasure as their small boy waves his light up sword at The Rat King and whole heartedly joins in during the ghost scene. That little boys delight and enthusiasm is shared by my son’s girlfriend who is delighting in revisiting where she first saw Pantomime on primary school trips.

Overall Dick Whittington was an unexpected hit for a slightly unconventional family. With 80 performances aiming to entertain about 40,000 people it looks like Oldham Coliseum have paved the streets of Oldham with gold and big smiles.

11 Nov – 13 January at OLDHAM COLISEUM