Writer / Director: Lucy Hayes
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Cheeky & Cheerful“
4.5 / 5
Brick Lane Music Hall is one of the most wonderfully inviting venues in London – anchored in tradition and charm, from the fabulous surroundings to the friendly, tight-knit team that make each production a fun, collaborative endeavor.
Pantomime is a Winter staple, with well-known children’s book stories getting a revamp – and, as you guessed by the title of the show, Jack and his Giant Stalk, Brick Lane Music Halls adult panto is no different. Jack Trott (Josh Benson) and his best friend Daisy the Cow (Lucy Reed) have always had a close bond, growing even stronger when Spirit of the Beans (Jack Pallister) uses his magical fairy powers to give her a voice, transforming her into a Cow-reoke star. When evil villains Ophelia Loosebottom (Hayley-Jo Whitney) and Poison Ivy (Charlotte Page) find out, they are desperate to get their hands on Daisy, or at the very least, the mountains of cash she’s generating for the Trott family. Can Jack, girlfriend Jill (Samantha McNeil), brother Willy (Vincent Hayes MBE) his mum Dame Fanny Trott (Andrew Robley) save the day and bring harmony back to Loosebottom?!
The best thing about the show (and the venue as a whole) is it doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, it’s cheesy (purposefully) and fun, silly jokes and punny songs, such as the brilliant Mooma Mia / Cowterloo medley in the aptly set Abba-toir make for an enjoyable evening of classic, traditional panto. It’s warm and inviting from the very beginning, and further showcased with the heart-felt, genuine messages of thanks from owner Vincent Hayes MBE to the FOH & kitchen staff, patrons and creative team involved in the many productions at the venue. There is an old-timey, retro vibe which suits the many audience members from arranged coach trips, but it never feels old-fashioned or outdated, instead just traditional and endearing. It’s not solely retro either – The Traitors feature heavily in the second act, with an enjoyable riff on the round table, with an impeccable depiction of Claudia Winkleman by Robley.
The cast are fantastic – Benson is a great Jack, leaning into mishaps such as his mic stopping working with humour and cheeky charm, and Pallister is a wonderfully natural host, the glamorous fairy a joy to watch. Fage and Whitney make for fantastic villains, with great comedic timing, and ever worthy of all the panto faux boos they receive. Robley is absolutely iconic, an incredible dame who wows every time he makes an appearance in yet another fabulous costume (designed by Syldon Costumes and Frank Kershaw) that commands attention immediately. Each scene has a mountain of different big, bold, beautifully designed outfits that are as memorable as the show itself. Robley’s on-stage camaraderie with Hayes is hilarious, chaotic in the best way, and packed with laughs.
Included within the ticket is a three course meal – which on the evening we attended, consisted of Winter vegetable soup, Parma ham wrapped chicken and a mango cheesecake, an enjoyable meal with crowd-friendly variety, served smoothly, with a good amount of time between each course to allow you to fully settle into the surroundings. With such a stunning venue, a wonderful team, and a pantomime show packed with silliness and fun, it’s hard not to be swept up in the charming delight that is Brick Lane Music Hall.
Runs until 7th March 2026
RatedReviewed 
I had a great night at Brick Lane Music Hall! A very tasty Three Course Meal was served beforehand. The Pantomime was everything it should be – comical and chaotic! A few old songs from the Music Hall days were thrown in for good measure! What I really liked was how everyone within the Production was included in the acknowledgements at the end. Not just the Cast, but the whole Crew were mentioned by name. The Chefs and the Waiting Staff were applauded as they walked through the audience to receive their praise!!
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