BY ZAINA AFZAL KUTTY
For nearly three decades, Brick Lane Music Hall has kept the spirit of British Music Hall alive through laughter, music, and community-centred entertainment. Its latest adults-only pantomime, Jack and His Giant Stalk, continues this legacy while introducing modern humour and contemporary storytelling.
Behind the production are writer and director Lucy Hayes and venue founder Vincent Hayes MBE, a father and daughter duo working together to preserve tradition while evolving it for new audiences.
Darling Magazine had a chat with the father-daughter duo to discuss their play and their time at the Brick Lane Music Hall
・Jack and His Giant Stalk has such a distinct place in Brick Lane Music Hall’s tradition of grown-up pantomime. What sparked the initial idea for this year’s show?
Lucy
The title was decided by the artistic director, Zara Kattan, who has the overview on what pantomime we’re going to do each year. I was keen as it’s such a classic panto, I thought it would be a great opportunity to reinvent it and do something a little bit different with it. Last year’s pantomime was my first (Pinocchio and His Wooden Whopper) and quite faithful to the story (which is quite action packed) so the prospect of there being a little more room for us to put a BLMH spin on this one was appealing.
・This production mixes comedy, music hall heritage, and modern humour. How do you strike the balance between honouring tradition and keeping things fresh for today’s audiences?
Lucy
The tradition of music hall is, for me, and how I’ve come to understand it from my dad, all about bringing people together and giving them a really good time, in a relaxed, communal environment. It’s very accessible, and entertainment is king, so as long as people are having a genuinely good time, I see that as honouring what music hall is all about and keeping it fresh at the same time.
・Brick Lane Music Hall has a loyal following. What do you think keeps audiences returning year after year for the pantomime?
Vincent
I think it’s what our panto offers. It’s unique in that it’s a traditional pantomime, with a story at its heart, but full of charm and our own spin. Aside from that, we never think we’ve done our best, we really are trying to improve our standards and the quality of the product every year.
・Lucy, you’ve written and directed several productions at Brick Lane Music Hall. How has your creative process evolved over time?
Lucy
This is only my second panto, so it comes with a lot of learnings from last year’s. When I came on board last year, it was later in the year, and the show had already been cast, with all the songs, sketches and scenes decided. As I’ve been involved from the very beginning, I’ve been able to have more input early on, and be a bit bolder with my ideas. I was pleasantly surprised by how well last year went, so I just want to build on that this year and make the show even better and even more fun.
・Vincent, you’ve been at the heart of the venue since the very beginning. What has been the most rewarding change you’ve witnessed over the years?
Vincent
I’m not sure it’s exactly a change but being able to see how the music hall has evolved and developed over the years is highly rewarding – all the new people that have come through our doors and become part of our team, who have brought more creativity and fun, and helped us keep modernising and re-invigorating modern music hall. It’s amazing also that we’re still here – still selling out and still with the loyalty of such brilliant customers, who have such warmth towards the venue.
・Winning the Special Recognition Award at the UK Pantomime Awards is a huge moment. What does that acknowledgement mean to you and your team?
Vincent
I would describe it as the first time that we came in out of the cold. We’ve done what we’ve done quite happily, as an independent theatre, but we’ve mostly done it without any recognition or awards like this and to see a theatre I’ve built myself be considered on parr with all the big regional theatres and major venues that host pantomimes is really amazing.
・This year’s pantomime includes both a full dining experience and a show. How do you approach crafting an evening that blends theatre, hospitality and atmosphere so seamlessly?
Vincent
I’d say that it’s about attention to detail. Because of the years I spent touring, I always had a view as to what wasn’t working, and to how the audience were not catered for in a way that would have made their visit more enjoyable and inclusive. For example, if you don’t have loo paper in the loos it’s a disaster. That’s the evening ruined before the show has always started. Every element serves an equally important part in the whole experience. And it’s important that every show is treated as if it’s the first.
・What do you hope audiences take away from Jack and His Giant Stalk this season?
Lucy
I hope they have a riot. I think pantomime is such a great invitation to just have a really silly time.
Vincent
The laughter. Sense of wellbeing. That they’ve had time to shed their worries and leave with a spring in their step.
・Are there any backstage stories, unexpected challenges, or particularly joyful moments from rehearsals that you can share?
Vincent
None that could be printed.
・What continues to inspire you creatively when developing new productions?
Vincent
Always looking for ways to improve the standard of the show.
・Is there anything interesting we don’t know about you that you’d like to share?
Vincent
That I never thought that the music hall would be successful. I’m an Irishman and I only did it for what we call the craic. When I set it up in Brick Lane in the early 90s, I only did it thinking, if it goes well, maybe I’d get the building costs back and if it went really well it might last 6 months or a year. I didn’t think we’d be here nearly 35 years later.
・What is your most favourite or inspiring quote, and why?
Vincent
“There’s always tomorrow.”
Lucy
“I think that perfectly sums up his outlook.”
Brick Lane Music Hall’s Pantomime ‘Jack and His Giant Stalk’ opens on 22nd January and runs until the 7th of March 2026. Tickets include either an afternoon tea or a three-course lunch or dinner, depending on the performance time.
For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk/shows/pantomime/
