The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk at Liverpool Everyman Review
Written by Roby for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Can you even have Christmas in Liverpool without the joys of the Everyman Rock’n’Roll Panto? This year’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is just what you’d expect from the Everyman: classic pantomime comedy, extremely talented actor-musicians, and a story completely different from the fairy tale. As I have now come to expect from the Everyman, there isn’t much story at all, and lots of scenes tend to just be written in order to shoehorn in a gag or a trending song.
The show opens with an unusual song choice that neither my friend nor I recognised. Whilst this was performed brilliantly, it wasn’t the typical crowd-pleasing song you’d expect to open the Everyman panto. This song, however, builds up to the grand reveal of Fairy Spacecake (Adam Keast). Keast is an undeniably charming performer who interacts with the audience with ease; he is an Everyman staple. Through no fault of his own, Keast’s main opportunity to interact with the audience is right at the beginning of the show for a solid ten minutes, and it drags just a little. Keast, however, continues to breathe life into this through witty improvisation.
Another upcoming Everyman staple is Zoe West (who plays Alan Sucre). West has recently won Best Villain at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025, and it is not hard to see why. West is the definition of pantomime – they’re unafraid to look stupid, have great comic timing and just generally an all-round performer and star. West particularly excels in their songs – during one of these, their guitar string snapped, and we were robbed of what I’m sure would have been an incredible guitar solo. But as expected of West, they carried on flawlessly, and we did get to hear an awesome guitar solo from them during ‘Pink Pony Club’ in the second half.
There are some other brilliant song choices throughout the show for younger and older audience members – ‘Help!’ by The Beatles, ‘All By Myself’ by Celine Dion, ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus and, of course, ‘Golden’ by K-Pop Demon Hunters, just to name a few. The same can be said about the script content (written by Chloë Moss); there seems to be a perfect balance between innuendo and rude humour for the adults, and slapstick comedy and special effects for the children. You simply cannot complain about any of the cast’s vocal or instrumental ability – all songs are performed to an exceptional level (Amy Bastani’s voice is a particular standout). However, a few of the songs seem to be cut short. Dame Vera’s (Liam Tobin) performance of ‘All By Myself’ is annoyingly cut short after an impressively long note – it just felt unfinished. The same can be said for other songs, like ‘Pink Pony Club’, which ends after some brilliant guitar solos but doesn’t go back for one last chorus. The musical direction from Henry Brennan, however, is brilliant.
Kash Arshad, assisted by Beth Frances, have directed the show exceptionally. It’s a classic Everyman pantomime and simply impossible to watch without a smile on your face. Rebecca Levy’s choreography is also strong. Often, I find with pantomimes that the choreography never suits the abilities of the cast, yet Levy gets it just right, choreographing simple moves for those less able and fun, TikTok-inspired routines for the stronger dancers like herself. ‘I’m Looking For A Man In Finance’ was a particularly fun routine, although I felt the song was shoehorned in and quite anachronistic. There were, however, some more fitting references, such as a great nod to the new Wicked film – very funny.
As well as choreographing, Levy is also in the show (and a brilliant addition to it). It’s a shame she’s not really utilised fully until the second half. Chloë Moss’ script strays so far away from the original story that fifty minutes into the show you are left wondering why this is called ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, as Jack has had about six lines and there is no sign of beans. Moss’ ideas are well-suited for the Everyman, and I like the twists on the original story, but the first half quite simply lacks pace.
Which leads me to my biggest problem – the beanstalk itself – a large crystal which looks like a giant lipstick from the Emerald City. Shorter than the set itself, designer Katie Scott has not covered the top of it, exposing all of the wires that are used to hold it up. Whilst I understand the rig may not have accommodated anything taller, the top of the beanstalk could have at least been covered better and it just does not lend itself well to the venue or the rest of the set at all. Jack ends up flying in the first half, after not even believing in magic three minutes beforehand, and eventually soars much higher than the beanstalk itself (which, as you can imagine, isn’t hard to do). As he is climbing up, the top half begins to sway so much that the beanstalk begins to split into two halves. It is lacklustre and merely a green runner bean as opposed to a colossal beanstalk.
However, the rest of Scott’s design is magnificent. The main set piece itself is colourful, bold and utilised well. It’s a shame the band predominantly have to hide up at the top, but there is little stage space at the Everyman. The costumes are great and are all coherent with each other – the animal costumes are particularly a stand out. There is a brilliant light-up cow costume and a glorious golden goose outfit (both of these roles played well by Elaine Hua Jones). Both Jones and Levy enter the second half driving an awesome ‘cloud control’ police car, which just looks incredible. Another favourite prop of mine was the hedgehog puppets (although they looked a bit raccoon-ish) who performed a hilarious rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (you simply had to be there!)
Overall, the Everyman panto is guaranteed to be a great family outing this Christmas; it’s funny, colourful and packed with a talented cast. Although, like its beanstalk, it doesn’t quite reach the top.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk plays at the Liverpool Everyman until 17 January 2026
★ ★ ★
