Jack and the Beanstalk

at Hackney Empire
London Available from Sat 21 Nov to Thu 31 Dec

Starring Olivier-Award winner Clive Rowe

(Tracy Beaker, Doctor Who)

Book Jack and the Beanstalk tickets & enjoy a giant family pantomime at Hackney Empire

Fee-fi-fo-fun! Climb into a world of magic and mischief as Hackney Empire brings Jack and the Beanstalk to the London stage for Christmas 2026, directed by and starring Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe.

  • See Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe return to direct and star as Dame Trot
  • Join Jack on a magical adventure from a handful of magic beans to an enchanted land high above the clouds
  • Expect giant laughs, toe-tapping songs and dazzling dance numbers
  • See extravagant costumes, larger-than-life characters and plenty of panto surprises
  • Get involved with plenty of chances for the whole audience to join in the fun
  • Enjoy a family-friendly pantomime welcoming adventurers of all ages
  • Celebrate Hackney Empire's 125th anniversary with its much-loved Christmas pantomime

Whether this is your family's first pantomime or shouting at the stage is already a Christmas tradition, Jack and the Beanstalk is ready to bring plenty of festive fun to Hackney!

Enjoy Christmas in London with Jack and the Beanstalk at Hackney Empire

  • Dates: 21st November - 31st December 2026
  • Age Guidance: All ages welcome
  • Children: Children aged 3 and under may sit on an adult's lap | Children aged 4+ need their own ticket
  • Running Time: TBC
  • Venue: Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ

Giant laughs, toe-tapping songs & plenty of panto mischief in Jack and the Beanstalk

Happy-go-lucky Jack sells his family's beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, setting off an adventure that takes him all the way into the clouds. Up the beanstalk waits an enchanted land, a powerful giant and plenty of surprises, but can Jack outsmart the giant and save the day?

The cast brings together familiar Hackney Empire faces and panto stars, led by Clive Rowe, who returns to direct the show as well as stepping into the fabulous shoes of Dame Trot.

  • Dame Trot: Clive Rowe
  • Simple Simon Trot: Kat B
  • Fairy Firethorn: Louise Cielecki
  • Stephen Fleshcreep: Christopher Staines
  • Jack Trot: Marina Lawrence-Mahrra
  • Jill: Summer Priest
  • Harp & Timothy Trot: Andre Antonio
  • Ensemble: Ellie Greenway, Alanna Panditaratne, Charlize Indigo, Charlie Scales, Toby Seddon, Lara Wollington and Sam Jamison

With original music and songs by Steven Edis, choreography by Mike Ward and set and costume design by Cleo Pettitt, expect everything Hackney Empire panto does best, from big musical numbers and colourful costumes to comedy, audience participation and festive fun.

Book Jack and the Beanstalk tickets today, grab your fellow adventurers and get ready to climb the beanstalk at Hackney Empire this Christmas!

Location

Hackney Empire

291 Mare St,
London,
London,
E8 1EJ
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How to find us

Hackney Empire is located at 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ.

  • By car: Use E8 1EJ for your sat nav and plan your parking before travelling.
  • By train: Plan your journey to Hackney and allow time to reach Mare Street before your booked performance.
  • By bus: Check current Transport for London services serving Mare Street before travelling.
  • By foot: Head to 291 Mare Street in Hackney and allow plenty of time to arrive before your performance.
Facilities
  • Bar on every level of Hackney Empire, open before shows and during intervals
  • Drinks and snacks available from theatre bars
  • Theatre bars are card-only
  • Seven wheelchair spaces at the back of the Stalls
  • Step-free access to all seats in the front Stalls
  • Lift access to Boxes J and K in the Dress Circle
More Info
Are there accessible performances of Jack and the Beanstalk?

Yes. Jack and the Beanstalk has BSL-interpreted performances on 5th and 17th December, a Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performance on 5th December at 1:30pm, and an Audio-Described performance on 6th December at 1pm.

What age is Jack and the Beanstalk suitable for?

Jack and the Beanstalk welcomes all ages. Children aged 3 and under may sit on an adult's lap, while children aged 4 and over require their own ticket.

What do Jack and the Beanstalk tickets include?

Jack and the Beanstalk tickets include admission to your selected performance and the seat booked for the show. Programmes and food and drink are available separately.

Is Hackney Empire wheelchair accessible?

Hackney Empire has seven wheelchair spaces at the back of the Stalls and step-free access to all seats in the front Stalls. Boxes J and K in the Dress Circle have level access via a lift. The Upper Circle and Gallery do not have wheelchair-accessible seating.

Is there food and drink at Hackney Empire?

Yes. Hackney Empire has a bar on every level selling drinks and snacks before the show and during the interval, where applicable. Theatre bars are card-only.

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