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REVIEW: Baddie Jennifer Ellison reigns supreme in Crewe Christmas panto

By Ryan Parker   15th Dec 2025

Jennifer Ellison's baddie is a show-stealer with West End vocals to match (Photo: Wes Webster Photography).
Jennifer Ellison's baddie is a show-stealer with West End vocals to match (Photo: Wes Webster Photography).

Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum is a sparkling, high-energy pantomime delivering festive fun, laughs, and magical moments from start to finish - a 'giant' five-star triumph.

The show-stealer is Brookside's Jennifer Ellison as Poison Ivy, a gloriously wicked baddie who dominates every scene she's in.

Jenny's versatility is incredible, effortlessly switching between a posh accent and a Scouse accent, showcasing her West End experience and bringing a top-notch vocal performance that hits every note with precision and flair.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum Theatre is a sparkling, high-energy pantomime delivering festive fun, laughs, and magical moments from start to finish (Photo: Wes Webster Photography).

Her comic timing is flawless, and her presence simply lights up the stage - perhaps making her one of Crewe Lyceum's best ever Christmas leads.

Following Jenny, Ste Johnston brings non-stop humour, drawing laughter throughout with impeccable timing and audience interaction.

With Jack and the Beanstalk being the first pantomime he watched as a kid - Ste delivers a passionate and nostalgic performance nodding back to his childhood.

Malcolm Lord, back at the historic venue for a ninth time as Dame Trot, delivers the big panto laughs in style, fully embracing the fun of the role.

Ollie Hart-Bradford as Jack impresses with energy, charm, and a heroic warmth, making the audience root for him every step of the way.

You can catch Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum Theatre until Sunday 4 January (Photo: Wes Webster Photography).

Eliza Waters as Fairy Flora is another standout, delivering a top performance with an exquisite voice that adds real magic and sparkle to the show.

Beth Lyons as Gill charms effortlessly, with David Gilbrook as Squire O'Dwyer hilariously comical, bringing authority and heart to the mix.

The second half of the production is particularly strong, ramping up the laughs, spectacle, and audience participation.

Vibrant costumes, colourful sets, and catchy musical numbers make every moment visually and aurally delightful.

This production of Jack and the Beanstalk is a must-watch, a perfect blend of wicked humour, brilliant vocals, and family-friendly fun.

The slapstick Ste Johnston brings non-stop humour, drawing laughter throughout with impeccable timing and audience interaction (Photo: Wes Webster Photography).

Jennifer Ellison's Poison Ivy alone is worth the price of admission, but the entire cast ensures a festive theatre experience that's unmissable.

Jack and the Beanstalk lasts for 150 minutes (including interval). For tickets CLICK HERE.

You can catch Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum Theatre until Sunday 4 January.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Crewe Lyceum is a giant five-star triumph (Crewe Nub News).

READ MORE: A-road closes after vehicle crashes into roadside infrastructure in Crewe.

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