Press for this production

‘We have an excellent story and script and a wonderfully realistic set and costumes. Bryan Pilkington and Matthew Parker really excelled in their roles… Superb performances from both actors… Director Kate Bannister has taken all the elements and wove them into a fabulous show that had me laughing, sighing and at the very end, sharing a little tear at the poignancy of the final scene. Oh No It Isn’t! isn’t a traditional Christmas show, but it is a wonderful example of how you can mix different theatrical styles in this case, rip-roaring panto with comedy and hard-hitting drama, and produce something very special indeed.’ ★★★★★ Lastminute Theatre Tickets

‘The play is charming… – a love letter to the theatre according to Adamson – and about the joys and delights of pantomime. Kate Bannister has created yet another Christmas show at the Jack which is out of the ordinary. It is a great night out in a great pub theatre.’ ★★★★ Reviewsgate

‘Luke Adamson’s bittersweet love letter to theatre is fantastic Christmas fare… Kate Bannister directs with her usual flair and Karl Swinyard’s dressing room set is a delight… Matthew Parker delights in the showier, more physical role of Chancery… Bryan Pilkington’s Worth is quieter but exquisitely portraying the character crumbling both on and offstage in a memorable performance. Together they are a brilliant double act – with a sparkling chemistry even in the quieter scenes and a joy to watch. Fantastic Christmas fun.’ ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

‘It’s a thoughtful, ingenious 65 minutes.’ ★★★★ Sardines

‘fascinating. As thoughtful as it is amusing, this is an engaging and alternative take on the panto world, setting itself apart from the very many seasonal shows to choose from. Oh yes it is..’ ★★★★ London Theatre1 

‘another delight of a show… The play has been wonderfully cast. As the more assured and confident Mr Chancery, Matthew Parker combines flippancy with moments of brutal humour and, as a terrifically physical actor, his expression and movement gives his character depth and realism.  Bryan Pilkington’s Mr Worth dreams of playing Hamlet and, in a less showy role, it’s his narrative arc that hooks us in giving the final scene real poignancy…. OH YES IT IS! – another winner for the London Pub Theatre of the year’ ★★★★ London Pub Theatres

‘Parker and Pilkington do a marvellous job… while simultaneously performing tragedy and comedy through song and dance and dialogue under the perfect direction of Kate Bannister and in Karl Swinyard’s dressing room set that these two veterans must know so well.’ Southwark News

‘Matthew Parker and Bryan Pilkington are a great double act, giving us wonderful physical comedy in the on-stage scenes, and creating a delicious tension in their interactions backstage… Set designer Karl Swinyard has packed every inch of the Jack’s stage with the trappings of panto – costumes, wigs, props and posters – and the result is a beautiful burst of colour; like panto itself… Under Kate Bannister’s ever skilful direction, the action moves seamlessly… Simultaneously a celebration of all things panto and a sobering insight into the cut-throat nature of the theatre industry, Oh No It Isn’t! offers something slightly different to the usual festive offerings – and feels all the richer for it.’ Theatre Things UK

‘the play encapsulates Christmas: pragmatism clashing with emotion, hard work and masked disappointments drowned in wine, laughter, songs and merriment, a weird cocktail that feeds something deep inside of us.’ British Theatre Guide

NOMINATED for a STANDING OVATION AWARD from London Pub Theatres

NOMINATED for LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY – Bryan Pilkington and Matthew Parker – by Off West End Awards

NOMINATED for DIRECTOR (Plays) – Kate Bannister