Theatre Review: Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome

The Show: Jack and the Beanstalk
Dates: Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026
Timing: 2 hours 10 minutes (including interval)
Rating: ★★★★★

In the midst of December’s festive chaos, I was more than ready to slip away into a bit of light-hearted Christmas cheer with a night at the pantomime. I hadn’t been to one since childhood, so I wasn’t entirely sure how it would feel to revisit that magic as an adult, but with a cast as iconic as Will Young, Charlie Brooks, and Richard Cadell, plus an appearance from Sooty himself (yes, that Sooty!), who could resist!?

When it came to visiting the pantomime as an adult, I hadn’t realised just how many jokes there were for adults as well as the children! Kier Starmer, Donald Trump and Rachel Reeves were certainly not names I expected to hear at a panto! Whether you’re visiting for a grown-up’s night of festive spirit, or bringing the whole family, it’s truly a show for everyone. The audience was in stitches from start to finish, and my cheeks genuinely ached by the end. It’s the perfect antidote to December’s busyness and a guaranteed fast-track to festive spirit.

And then there’s Andy Ford – a pantomime legend for good reason. With 45 years under his belt, he’s an absolute natural. For this show, he dominated the stage effortlessly as Farmer Trot, the audience was putty in his hands, and we couldn’t get enough!

Richard Cadell, as Silly Simon (with a couple of very familiar sidekicks), was equally brilliant. A born performer, he captivated the crowd and lit up every moment he was on stage.

What I really wasn’t expecting was a mini Will Young concert mixed into the show; courtesy of the Spirit of the Beans himself! What an unexpected Christmas bonus.

We also can’t forget to mention Charlie Brooks, who brought a steely, fiery brilliance to Mrs Blunderbore, or Benjamin Yates and Ashlyn Weekes, whose effortless charisma made Jack and Jill instantly endearing heroes.

Another unforgettable element was the sheer amount of magic woven into the performance! It was beautifully executed and genuinely astonishing to watch. It took our breath away just as much as the children’s, adding an extra layer of wonder that made the entire evening feel totally immersive. And it didn’t stop there, members of the ensemble even wove their way through the audience, creating intimate, interactive moments that made the magic feel even more alive.

The script was sharp and smart, full of witty one-liners and Bristol-centric jokes, and the staging complemented it all beautifully; from the towering giant to the impressive beanstalk that brought a touch of grandeur to the production.

Will I be returning to the pantomime? Absolutely. Has it launched me head-first into the Christmas spirit? Without a doubt.

Don’t miss your chance to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the Bristol Hippodrome this season – it’s pure festive joy.

Head here to book tickets and explore what’s on.

For those wanting an extra special evening out, you can book your early dinner at The Square Club, nested away on leafy Berkeley Square, before heading down Park Street for your evening at the theatre. Needing to stay the night? The Berkeley Suites offer the ultimate luxury night away, having recently won the Conde-Naste award of excellence.