The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has revealed the cast for its 2025 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which runs from 15 November to 4 January.
EastEnders and West End regular John Partridge will play the villainous Fleshcreep, with X Factor finalist Joey James (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) as Jack and Jade Hackett (Sylvia, Nine Night) as Fairy Godfather. They join Sam Harrison (Crazy For You) as Dame Trott and newcomer Sienna Widd (Stilleto) as Jill.
The pantomime is written by Sonia Jalaly and directed by Nicholai La Barrie, following their smash-hit production of Aladdin at the Lyric last year. Known for blending pop culture nods, sharp comedy and community spirit, the duo are promising another mix of “musical bangers, jaw-dropping magic and whip-smart comedy”.
The story, relocated to the fictional Fleshcreep Academy in Hammersmith, sees Jack and Jill embark on a fantastical adventure after a brush with their fearsome headteacher. Mischief, music and mayhem follow as Jack sets off to face the giant and rescue his community.
The supporting ensemble features Gabriela Benedetti, Harriet Caplan-Dean, Robert Donnelly and Rachel Seirian. The creative team includes designer Georgia Lowe, choreographer Kayla Lomas-Kirton, lighting designer Matt Haskins, and composer and arranger Corin Buckeridge.
Alongside the pantomime, the Lyric’s festive season also includes the return of Raymond Briggs’s Father Christmas for its fourteenth year, Christmas Comedy Nights, and a one-night concert, A Merry Lyric Christmas.
Artistic director Rachel O’Riordan said pantomime is “at the heart of the festive season in West London” and described the theatre’s 130th anniversary year as “a time for connection, community, and celebration in our magical auditorium”.
Currently playing at the Lyric
The Lyric is currently home to a striking new adaptation of Dracula, which runs until 11 October. Written by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia, The Wasp) and directed by Emma Baggott (A Taste of Honey), the production repositions Bram Stoker’s gothic tale through female perspectives.
The cast is led by Umi Myers (Dope Girls, The Mirror and the Light) as Mina, with Mei Mac (My Neighbour Totoro) as Lucy and Jack Myers (Say Nothing) as Jonathan. Phoebe Naughton plays Van Helsing, alongside Macy Seelochan as Jo and B Terry as Renfield. With gore, illusion and theatrical horror inspired by the Grand Guignol, the staging promises a blood-soaked spectacle.
Looking ahead to 2026
Beyond this winter’s pantomime, the Lyric has already set out its 2026 season, comprising three ambitious productions. Jocelyn Bioh’s Tony award-winning Jaja’s African Hair Braiding receives its UK premiere from 18 March, directed by Monique Touko and designed by Paul Wills. A new production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, directed by associate director Nicholai La Barrie, follows in May. The season concludes with the world premiere of Relics, a dark comedy by Ben Ockrent about siblings confronting the past, directed by former Donmar Warehouse artistic director Michael Longhurst.
Book tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk panto at Lyric Hammersmith, London
Book tickets to shows at Lyric Hammersmith, London
Related News
Full cast announced for Cinderella panto at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
12 must-see shows coming to the West End this Autumn
Fences Reviews: critics enjoyed Ray Fearon’s performance, but are split on whether the pacing pays off
Clive Rowe to direct and star in Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire as full casting is revealed
Latest News
Everything you need to know about The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal in London
Nina Raine’s sweeping new adaptation of Middlemarch arrives at the RSC: See brand-new images from the production
What to expect from Pride the Musical ahead of highly anticipated transfer to the Bridge Theatre
