I’ll be upfront: I don’t like panto. In fact, I even put it in my reviewer bio—“Dislikes: Panto – change my mind.” So when the invitation came for Jack and the Beanstalk at Watford Palace Theatre, I decided to face my theatrical demons. It also gave Teddy the chance to experience his very first panto.
Jack and the Beanstalk did change my mind! From the outset, I was struck by the high production values—everything felt special: shiny, glittery, and colourful.
The cast brought distinctive energy to their roles, Imad Eldeen executed a both misguided and likeable Jack, who was very much in need of his sister Simone (A badger?! with an intense knowledge of beans) played by Philippa Carson. Lauren Azania sparkled as a slightly haphazard Fairy Nuff, and Terence Frisch—returning for his thirteenth Watford Palace pantomime—was an assured, confident, and welcoming Dame Trott. Frisch’s experience shone through, and their costumes were fabulous; the baked bean tin (and its associated puns) was a highlight.
I may not be from Watford, but I know it well enough to appreciate the sense of community woven into this production. Pride of place and local references were everywhere, and the integration of the Watford Palace Young Company was meaningful. Sixteen performers aged 11–17 are alternating performances, playing enchanted beans, marvellous animals, and stolen children indentured into making raindrops. They weren’t just marched out to tick a box—their presence was integral to the story, and their performances brimmed with confidence.
And then there was the Giant. Voiced by national treasure Stephen Fry, you might expect the production to rely on his voice alone, with perhaps a giant hand emerging from the wings occasionally. But no—the Giant was brought to life as a huge puppet. This was Teddy’s highlight: seeing the Giant sing, dance, and run with the rest of the cast, unlike anything he had seen before.
The second half was a real treat, ramping up the spectacle and audience involvement. Hundreds of beans were thrown into the audience—impossible not to enjoy—and a Watford-inspired “12 Days of Christmas” provided a festive boost. By the time glittering confetti fell from the sky in the golden rainbow finale party, it was impossible to resist the sheer joy of a show designed to make you feel very happy indeed.
I had expected naff jokes at the expense of others or a shouty retelling of a well-known tale. Instead, I found warmth, wit, and community spirit. I confess—I might be a convert.
Jack and the Beanstalk is at The Watford Palace Theatre from Saturday 29th November 2025 – Sunday 4th January 2026. We received complimentary tickets to the press performance on 2 December.