Family

Jack and the Beanstalk

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Manchester, we do things differently round here – and Panto is no exception.

This year Crossroads pantomimes give us “Jack and the Beanstalk” in this version we follow the plight of Jack (Jason Manford) and Simon (Ben Nickless) as they try to rescue Princess Jill (Emma Williams) from the clutches of Myra Blunderbore (Myra Dubois) and her husband, the Giant.

They are helped along the way by The Spirit of the Beans (Samara Casteallo) who brings a little bit of magic, charm, and sparkle to their journey.

Crossroads pantomimes know that they have a recipe for success pairing Jason Manford and Ben Nicklless once more. These two are a match made in heaven and we love it. We can only hope they’ll return in 2024 – because let’s face it they’ve moulded Manchester Panto into what it now is and it just wouldn’t be the same without them.

This show is good for the soul. It’s got all the ingredients of a traditional panto: a wonderful charismatic dame, a talented ensemble, the classic gags and panto routines, sequins, dance sequences and audience participation. But this production has so much more. It’s a feast for the senses, from pyrotechnics to huge moving beanstalks, flying cars and some of the best comedy routines I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the giant himself.

What this panto also shows us is that you don’t need a token popstar to wheel out for the big numbers, because this cast is outstanding in the vocals department. Each can hold their own, in their own right. I know Manford has done much singing professionally, but I really think he gets better each year. Emma Williams is also an excellent vocalist along with the magnificent Myra Dubois.

Dubois is everything you want her to be as the Dame: brash, bold, quick witted, and a comic too. She is uber glamorous and we really weren’t sure whether we should be booing her or cheering her because deep down we are all just a little bit in love with her.

Ok, so the plot gets lost quite a bit, but who cares. Manford and Nickless command the audience, they have us in stitches from start to finish, so whether the cast have suddenly rescued the princess and the animals without much character exploration really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.

There is something for everyone in this panto, and it is an absolute must see. So, get down to the Opera House and have yourself a good giggle this Christmas, as well as a rave to old Macdonald – you won’t regret it!

Jack and the Beanstalk is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 31st December, tickets available here.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Cinderella

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An absolute staple of the Everyman’s calendar and a festive tradition for families across the region, Liverpool’s legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is back and it’s more fabulous than ever.

This sparkling retelling of the classic Cinderella story, written by Luke Barnes, is brought to brilliant life by a highly talented group of actor musicians who sing, dance, act and play their way through this joyous production.

Dame Fairy Godmother (Ben Welch) opens the show in tremendous style, making it clear from the off that we’re in for a whole heap of fun, Beyoncé eat your heart out! With DFG announcing their plans for retirement following one last love match, trainee Graham (Adam Keast) is introduced allowing this tremendous twosome to set about ensuring Ellanora (Grace Venus) gets the happy ending she deserves.

Of course, where there’s Cinderella there’s always a pair of undesirable stepsiblings and their even more insufferable parent, and this story is no different with the Ooglay’s throwing a spanner in the works as the villains of the piece. Mr Ooglay (Zoe West) is desperate for his children Judi Ooglay (Rebecca Levy) and Dench Ooglay (Folarin Akinmade) to marry rich, and as if by magic a ball at the palace might just offer the perfect opportunity.

This is a Cinderella for today as we soon realise our heroine has so much more about her than just waiting by the ashes for her Prince Charming to come along. Ellanora just needs a little help from a few friends in order to realise what will truly make her happy. And what better way to do that than via brilliant bops, beltin’ bangers and a whole heap of belly laughs along the way.

This superb ensemble production has something for everyone. There’s your usual cheeky panto innuendo, glittering gowns, hilarious local references, and great gags but in addition there’s a whole heap of heart, proud inclusivity, and a true message of self-belief.

Ben Welch is superb as Dame Fairy Godmother; he skilfully pushes the narrative along and is a born entertainer. He gifts us with powerhouse vocals and superb comic timing. His pairing with Adam Keast as Graham is perfect, the two bounce off each other brilliantly taking the audience along with them for this wonderful ride.

Grace Venus is excellent as Ellanora, showing vulnerability as well as relatability while letting the audience know it’s ok to be different and choose your own path in life.

The Ooglay’s are the perfect panto baddies, with special mention going to Zoe West who delights in whipping the audience up into a booing frenzy. Their trip to Rumpleskims and resulting fashion show is an inspired highlight.

Aminita Francis gives us stunning vocals as The Queen, hosting the most incredible vogue ball where the category no doubt is FAB-U-LOUS, while Thomas Fabian Parrish as a Prince Charming who’d prefer to be reading his Superman comic is an absolute hoot.

Panto has long offered the perfect opportunity for friends and families to collectively experience live theatre in a relaxed and accessible way, seeing such an inclusive story told here with such joy and honesty will be a magical memory for so many this Christmas. Director James Baker has ensured there’s opportunities to laugh, sing, dance and truly celebrate love in all its forms.

The song choices are genius, the costumes incredible, while the talent on stage give their all to make sure each and every audience member goes away feeling uplifted and thoroughly entertained. A special shoutout must also go to BSL interpreter June who was perfection as well as audience member Brian who stole everyone’s hearts.

This Rock ‘n’ Roll panto will illuminate your festive season, warm your heart, and give you magical memories to treasure. Pure joy.

The Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Cinderella is on at The Everyman until here.

Annie

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a tale we all know, a tale that is engrained in us from an early age. The tale of young orphan Annie, abandoned as an infant at the run down orphanage run by the equally run down Miss Hannigan. Annie and her fellow orphans live a life of chores and hard knocks. Annie’s luck suddenly changes when the Billionaire, Mr Warbucks enters it, from here Annie’s life is turned upside down. 

This production is a classic; it’s filled with everything we want. A cheeky, no-nonsense Annie (played by multi talented Sharangi Gnanavarathan on the night we reviewed) this, amazingly, is her professional debut, which you wouldn’t be able to tell as she was an absolute shining star on the stage, a haggard, meany Miss Hannigan (played by non other than the superstar Craig Revel-Horwood), a gang of energetic and mischievous orphans, and the familiar, nostalgic songs that have been etched into our memories over the years.

This production doesn’t disappoint. It’s fun, high energy, tender and charming. The choreography of Nick Winston is just beautiful, and is perfectly executed by a stellar cast. The set and costume design from Colin Richmond is both clever and captivating and is complemented wonderfully by Ben Cracknell’s lighting design. Everything about this production screams that it’s been directed by the hugely talented and accredited Nikolai Foster; he just brings out such elegance and tenderness in all he directs and this is no exception.

There is no getting a way from the fact that some of the American politics gags are wasted on us as an audience and at times the dialogue can feel a little outdated, but it doesn’t matter – because it’s Annie. And we all know and love Annie and deep down we don’t really want to see it updated for the stage. We want the familiarity of it, we want to be surrounded by the love that Daddy Warbucks has for little orphan Annie.

Alex Bourne (Daddy Warbucks) and Sharangi Gnanavarathan (Annie) shared such wonderful chemistry in the production, and the final scenes together were just pure magic. 

And then there’s our villain, our baddie, our drunken Miss Hannigan played by the incredible Craig Revel Horwood. I won’t lie, I had reservations about this casting, I feared that it would all be a bit panto dame. I was wrong, so wrong. There isn’t anything panto about how Craig plays it. It’s perfection. And that voice! His rendition of Little Girls was outstanding.

I know that many people will buy their tickets based on Craigs presence on stage and yes you guessed it he is utterly fab-u-lous (sorry couldn’t resist!). The production as a whole is a joy, offering something for everyone. The children, the ensemble, all the individual characters and all elements of the staging come together to give us a classic version of one our favourite musicals – Annie.

Annie is on at The Opera House until Saturday 30th September tickets available here.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical

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Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewer: Matthew Forrest

You know you’re in for something special when as soon as you step foot in the theatre you are greeted by the smell of chocolate. The unmistakable aroma hit my nostrils as soon as I arrived and I immediately knew I was in safe hands. Don’t think this ploy will work for every musical, (Oliver!producers, I’m thinking of you), but for tonight’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical it certainly added a sprinkle of magic.

Roald Dahl’s magical creation has been wowing audiences for nearly 60 years, enthralling audiences young and old alike, either in book form, through its two cinematic offerings or in its musical outing, which is currently on its first UK tour a decade after its West End debut.

Under the stewardship of director James Brining, this is the beloved story of Charlie Bucket (Haydn Court), a young boy helping his Mum (Leonie Spilsbury) to care for Charlie’s four elderly grandparents. They live in poverty and squalid conditions. The only joys they have in life are each other and a fascination with the chocolate factory situated in the town, run by the reclusive Willy Wonka.

It is announced that Willy Wonka will throw open the doors to his factory to five lucky ticket holders. Thus a world wide scramble ensues as to who will find these golden tickets, and will Charlie be one of the lucky winners?

Despite an initial slow start, this is an absolutely joyous production packed full of vibrancy and energy as arguably Dahl’s most famous creation is brought to life. Highlight of the first act is the introduction of each golden ticket winner, focusing on how grotesque and undeserving each of the winners are with hugely entertaining results.

Following the interval the action really shifts gears as we enter the factory and get a guided tour around Wonka’s palace of creativity and fantastical confectionery emporium. The factory is mainly brought to life through Simon Wainwright’s huge video production filling the stage of the Palace Theatre. The images look outstanding, and drew huge gasps from some of the younger audience members, and whilst there is somewhat of an over-reliance on the screens to tell the story as opposed to actual set design. It still looks mighty impressive as we hop, skip and jump from one set piece to another.

There are some truly wonderful performances throughout. Gareth Snook is in fantastic form as Willy Wonka, striking a fine balance of malice, mayhem and whimsy. He commands the stage in nearly every scene he appears in and gives a nuance to the disillusioned chocolatier – you’re never quite sure what his motivations are.

Haydn Court is outstanding as Charlie, playing with so much joy and wonder in a role that in lesser hands could be full of saccharine. He is aided by a beautiful singing voice. He is supported by an equally impressive turn from Leonie Spilsbury in a dual role, as the doting hard working Mrs Bucket, and is unrecognisable as the gin-soaked, downtrodden Mrs Teavee.

In addition there is a strong performance from Michael D’Cruze as Grandpa Joe, who brings enthusiasm and a childlike wonder to the role, and is an absolute treat in his pairing with Court’s Charlie. All the cast do a great job bringing this ambitious production to life.

The production is at times hamstrung by what has gone before, with most people of a certain age familiar with the songs of the 1971 film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. We are treated to renditions of The Candy Man and Pure Imagination from the classic film, which both sound fantastic, however you can’t help wishing that the new original numbers have the same impact which sadly they do not.

This a joyous, special night out at the theatre that the whole family will absolutely love as much as they would a Wonka Scrumdiddlyumptious bar, snap up a golden ticket before it’s too late.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The Musical is at the Palace Theatre until Sunday 30th July tickets available here.

The SpongeBob Musical

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Opening Night Verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Opera House in Manchester has been transformed into Bikini Bottom for the week with the arrival of SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical, the hit Broadway show currently on its first outing in the U.K.

For those living under a …pineapple? SpongeBob Squarepants is a hit/cult cartoon series that launched on Nickelodeon in 1999. While it probably isn’t the most obvious source material for a musical, nevertheless it opened in New York in 2017 and was nominated for a dazzling 12 Tony Awards.

It isn’t a jukebox musical – the show has original songs written by some of the biggest names in music including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and Sara Barellis.

The result is a veritable smorgasbord of eclectic musical styles, each one different from the next with everything steered in shipshape fashion by director Tara Overfield Wilkinson.

And there’s some real bangers in there there – from the opening number Bikini Bottom Day (Jonathan Coulton) to SpongBob’s uplifting Hero is My Middle Name (by Cyndi Lauper).

The plot really doesn’t matter – but it centres around a volcano that’s due to erupt putting Bikini Bottom at risk – and there’s some nice messaging in there like sticking together, being a good friend and how family is more important than money.

As the titular sponge Lewis Cornay (Book of Morman) puts in a charismatic lead performance. Not only does he nail SpongeBob’s trademark squeaky voice but the fact he makes it all look so easy is testament to the skill involved by him.

Tom Read Wilson – four-legged Squidward – is best known for his role as ‘client co-ordinator’ in Celebs Go Dating, but he trained in musical theatre and boy does it show! He gets one of the best numbers on of the night in the They Might Be Giants-penned I’m Not a Loser – a full on company tap number that is pure joy. 

Clear local favourite Divina De Campo is having lots of fun as the dastardly Shelton J Plankton, who doesn’t let his small stature (and the fact he’s a one cell organism) stop his scheming.

The principles are complimented by a hard-working supporting cast including Irfan Damani as the sweet starfish Patrick, Tik Tok & Heathers favourite Hannah Lowther as Karen, Chrissi Bhima as Sandy Cheeks, Sarah Freer as Pearl and Richard J Hunt as Eugene Krabs. The company is terrific and it looks like genuine fun is being had by all.

Sarah Mercade’s witty and wonderful costumes help bring the characters to life and there’s lots of in-jokes to spot during proceedings (we loved that the Mayor of Bikini Bottom lives at 10 Drowning Street…. and that Tuna Turner and Cod Stewart were in the band!)

Theres much fun to be had for die hard SpongeBob fans but if you’re new to the phenomenon then just sit back and let the madness wash over you!

A few opening night sound gremlins didn’t detract too much from the fantastic vocals on display, and while a delayed start for technical reasons meant a bit of a later than planned finish for little ones, at the end everyone was up on their feet singing the TV theme tune.

Fabulous, fluorescent fun for SpongeBob devotees or newbies alike – trust us, you’ve got to ‘sea’ it!

The SpongeBob Musical is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 21st May tickets available here.

The Smartest Giant in Town

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A trip to the Lowry on a Tuesday afternoon to see the musical version of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Smartest Giant in town was just what me and my four year old needed today.

This musical is so beautifully crafted, it is an absolute must-see for preschoolers and early years children. It is captivating and joyous.

The show tells the tale of a kind hearted giant, who is known to be rather scruffy and unkempt. With the help of two shopkeepers, the giant manages to get himself a new smart outfit. When he leaves the shop to make his way home, feeling rather pleased with himself, he comes across various characters who need some help and the giant knows just how to do that: this is a story of generosity, friendship and selflessness.

Turning this story into a musical is a stroke of genius! The use of the same short song between scenes not only allows the cast to change the props and set, but also enables the audience to learn one of the songs, which my young one was still singing five hours later.

The puppets are beautiful, and the way in which they are used by the cast is engaging. Everything is simple and effective: the set, the costumes, the songs, the plot. There is just the right amount of interaction between characters and audience. It isn’t an easy job to keep the attention of hundreds of tiny people at once, but this show does just that.

This is a giant sized treat for half term at the Lowry. I walked away hoping that maybe, just maybe we could all just be a bit more like the giant today.

The Smartest Giant in Town is on at The Lowry until Sunday 26th February tickets available here.

Dick Whittington

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The last mince pie may be long gone but the festive spirit continues at Warrington’s Parr Hall with this season’s panto offering, Dick Whittington.

Taking on the titular role of Dick is a hugely likeable and charismatic Amy Thompson from Channel 5’s Milkshake, who has walked from Gloucester to London with faithful cat Tommy in a bid to discover if the streets truly are paved with gold. Once there, Dick meets and falls in love with Alice (Amy Leek), however the course of true love never did run smooth as evil Queen Rat (Natalie Walton) is keen to try all she can to frame Dick as a thief, allowing her and her loyal mischief of rodent friends to take over the capital.

This Tony Peers Production gives exactly what you want from a traditional panto, there’s sparkly costumes, silly slapstick, plenty of opportunities to boo the baddie and a fabulously flamboyant dame in the form of the wonderful Mark Newell.

Jam-packed with witty one-liners and those traditional panto elements we all love – the doomed cookery scene, a hilarious take on the 12 Days of Christmas as well as a classic ghost and ghoulies scene, Dick Whittington delivers entirely.

This talented cast are clearly having great fun on stage and together with support from dancers from the Felicia Burns School of Dance offer a wonderful night of family entertainment.

Amy Thompson is brilliantly cast as Dick, engaging and entertaining with a strong voice to boot. The scenes between her and Amy Leek (Alice) work wonderfully with their voices complimenting each other beautifully. Leo Atkin and Daniel Dean keep the laughs coming as brilliant comedy duo Captain and Mate while Mark Newell makes for the perfect pantomime dame, sarcastic and dry he delivers a pitch perfect comedy performance.

Freya Ebbrell gives us a sparkling performance as the good fairy while Natalie Walton is the shade to Ebrell’s light as the evil Queen Rat, giving the audience as good as she gets and displaying her own incredible vocals when she gets her moment in the spotlight

Running at just over 2 hours including an interval, Dick Whittington is paced perfectly for families. Little ones were kept engaged throughout while there were plenty of cheeky jokes for the grownups to enjoy.

If you’re wanting to banish those January blues then get yourselves down to Warrington’s Parr Hall where this wonderful cast will treat you to a terrific time, oh yes they will!

Dick Whittington is on at the Parr Hall until Sunday 15th January tickets available here.

The Snow Queen

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chester Storyhouse are offering audiences a fabulously festive alternative to panto this year with an imaginative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen.

Writer Charles Wray has adapted and opened up the story ensuring all four seasons get their moment in the spotlight while it’s themes of kindness and friendship remain a strong constant throughout as we see Gerda on her journey to find her best friend Cei who has been taken under the spell of the evil Snow Queen.

This modernised version feels bright and inventive with a strong cast who play multiple roles with an easy versatility. Rosemarie Akwafo gives us a loyal and determined Gerda who despite the odds never loses hope of finding her best friend again. Taona Matope displays strong versatility as carefree schoolboy Cei whose life is completely turned around by the evil Snow Queen.

Lucy Tuck makes for a super sinister baddie and in true Snow Queen fashion is sparklier than the Strictly Mirrorball but colder than ice. Special mention also to Chloe Wade, her comic timing as each of her various characters is superb. The supporting cast who each take on multiple roles are a joy, clearly having great fun in this heart-warming, inventive production. There’s a tap dancing reindeer, an almost homage to Barbie and Ken and a fabulous dance off.

Director Hannah Noone has really brought the fun to this story while singer-songwriter Mared Williams heads up a fantastic live band who add enormously to this musical adventure. They play some stunning music with equally as impressive vocals all while perched within the set above the audience.

Designer Jacob Hughes has transformed the Storyhouse theatre into a stunning winter scene, it’s visually beautiful and hugely atmospheric. The raised staging offers a fantastic view from every seat in this beautiful theatre, so important when there’s little ones in many of the seats.

The Snow Queen offers something for all, from young children to seniors every single member of the audience enjoyed getting swept away on this magical adventure. The small section of audience interaction was so much fun and made me wish there had been a little bit more but this is a really minor point amidst many, many positives. This exploration of good versus evil is adventurous as well as entertaining and will warm you from the tip of your toes to the top of your head.

The Snow Queen is on at Chester’s Storyhouse until Sunday 15th January tickets available here.

Claus – The Musical

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Based on the children’s book, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum; (who famously wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), comes a new, festive family show in the form of Claus – The Musical.

This new musical takes us right back to the days when Claus was a baby, abandoned in the magical forest of Burzee. Wood nymph Necile takes him in, despite the fact he is a human baby and is committed to love him as her own. With the helping hands of the other mystical forest inhabitants, fairies, knooks and ryls, Claus is taught all about the importance of kindness and love.

As Claus grows up he realises there is life beyond the immortals of the forest but sadly the human world in which he’s yet to fully explore is often a cruel and unforgiving place. Claus believes he has the ability to make a difference to the darkness in the human world and sets up home complete with his lioness guardian Shiegra by his side as his protector.

Claus starts spreading joy by gifting local children with carved wooden toys however the evil Awgwas are lurking nearby. Masters of disguise & adept at using their wicked influence to make children do naughty things; as soon as they discover the joy Claus is spreading they’re determined to put an end to his gifting and loving ways.

There are some lovely elements to this production, the cast sing the score beautifully and commit wholeheartedly to the storytelling which begins from the minute you enter the theatre. The set designed by Stuart J. Charlesworth is impressive using both the full height and width of the Lowry’s Quays theatre. The source material however is complex leaving the narrative at times tricky to follow. Narrator Alwyne Taylor guides us through as best she can but there’s such complexity involved even with her wonderful narration things just don’t quite make sense at times. It’s also fairly heavy in parts, laughs are few and the lightheartedness of a festive family show never really materialises.

The cast however shine & work their socks off throughout, Georgie Buckland gives us beautiful vocals as Necile while Harry Winchester is a wonderfully likeable Claus. Jazz Evans gives strong baddie vibes as King Awgwa lighting up each scene he is part of and inching us towards the audience interaction so many of us enjoy at Christmas.

Adapter Simon Warne has packed an awful lot in here confirming that sometimes less is definitely more. The message of kindness and love however is developed clearly enough for us all to take away & spread some for ourselves. Developing a new musical is no mean feat and praise must be given to the producers for offering audiences an alternative to the typical festive fayre even if it doesn’t quite fully hit that Christmas spot.

Claus – The Musical is on at The Lowry until Sunday 8th January tickets available here.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan

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Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022

Crossroads Pantomimes brings us The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Based (loosely) on the book by JM Barrie, about the boy who could fly and never grows up. 

As the glittery curtain rises we meet Tink (Samara Casteallo), a flying fairy who can produce pixie dust, which allows other characters in Neverland to fly. Tink enrols the help of Wendy (Jessica Croll) to come to Neverland to help save Peter Pan (Ross Carpenter) and make him fly once more. Arch nemesis Captain Hook (Jason Manford) has other plans and aims to steal all of the pixie dust and get his revenge on Peter Pan.

At least I think that is the plot. The fact of the matter is that it doesn’t really matter what the plot is, this show is way bigger than the plot. The plot gets stretched and bent and twisted and we get distracted and we laugh and we clap and we dance and then we return to the plot for a moment and then off we go again.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022

This is hands down THE best pantomime I have ever seen. I was worried that it was missing a “pop star” but that didn’t matter. I was worried that it was missing a “dame” but that didn’t matter. What really mattered was the astonishing partnership between Captain Hook (Jason Manford) and the incredibly talented Ben Nickless as Smee. From the minute the two are together on stage there are explosions of comic fireworks, which had us crying with laughter time and time again. 

Nickless returns to the Opera House for his fourth panto, but this year it’s different, this year he is a big star. He has had an incredible year on Britain’s Got Talented, and it’s given him the platform to take command of the stage. I loved him last year and didn’t think he could get any better, but somehow he has. Having two hilarious comedians in the show has made it doubly funny. They don’t compete with each other, the fit perfectly together.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022

Manchester loves a northerner, so Manford is an excellent casting choice. The crowd absolutely love him, and for good reason: he can act, he can sing, and he is super funny. The way in which he breaks character every so often, works really well at engaging the audience. He has the crowd participation element of panto spot on!

Both Manford and Nickless were born to star together on stage in pantomime. The mermaid scene and the 12 days of Christmas had me in absolute stitches. I really hope we get to see them collaborate again in the future.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022

The whole cast are tremendous, I can’t imagine it’s an easy feat sharing a stage with the huge personalities of Manford and Nickless, but it doesn’t phase them at all. Ross Carpenter is a beautiful Peter. I found him to be gentle and kind in character, with a spritely energy about him. 

I loved the addition of The Acromaniacs, like many elements of this production, their inclusion brings nothing to the plot, but it doesn’t matter because they’re fabulous. They bring a variety hall feel to the production and I loved it!

The ensemble are exemplary, they are seamlessly woven into the scenes, so much incredible talent and they keep us entertained throughout.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2022

Ian Westbrook’s set design is exquisite. The sound design, the special fx, the choreography, the costumes, the props, the lighting: all of it, is utter perfection. 

You don’t need to like panto to love this; this is modern panto – genuinely clever and very funny. It’s a panto for the young and the old. It’s for the northerners, the southerners and even the Aussies (hiya Jordan!). Life feels very heavy at the moment for so many people, there are so many things to be worried about and who knows what next year will bring, but spend two hours in the Opera House this festive season and somehow things will feel just a little bit lighter and brighter. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is exactly what we all need this Christmas, superb!

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 31st December tickets available here.

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

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Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Reviewed by Matt Forrest

There are certain things in this country that we are renowned for throughout the land: the traditional Sunday roast, the England men’s football team crash out of major tournaments via a missed penalty kick, and of course, celebrating Christmas with a panto! This year the Epstein Theatre is putting on a show, suitable for kids from one to ninety-two!

Goldilocks and the Three Bears sees circus owner, Dame Gertie (Mama G), and her beautiful daughter (Olivia Sloyan) struggling to keep their ‘Big Top’ open. They have a loyal band of employees ready to muck in and go above and beyond to save the circus which include Silly Billy (Brandon McCaffery) and The Ringmaster (David Tag), who both have fallen in love with Goldilocks.

To make matters worse, there is a rival circus in town, headed by the evil Baron Von Vippenall (Timothy Lucas), who has a penchant for animal whips and cruelty. The rival shows are in need of a knockout act that will bring the crowds in, and with rumour of some bears living in the woods nearby, maybe they can become the star attraction both circuses need, but who will get to them in time?

This has everything you want from a panto, spectacular song and dance numbers, stunning acrobatics, visual gags a plenty, some jokes for the kids and a few for the adults too! Add into the mix some super soakers, some fire juggling and an adorable children’s sing-along to close the show and you have the perfect festive family night out.

The show is anchored by two outstanding performances. Timothy Lucas is clearly having a ball as the villainous Baron Von Vippenall, I’ve not heard a more outrageous German accent since the late great Alan Rickman fell from the Nakatomi Plaza! He goads and taunts the audience throughout and his appearance never failed to bring a smile to my face.

Whilst Britain’s Got Talent star Mama G is in fine form as our traditional panto dame. It’s a charismatic performance filled with sass while Mama G displays some wonderful comic timing to match the spectacular outfits.

Olivia Sloyan and Hollyoaks star David Tag are the perfect pairing, both in fine voice, making a lovely couple and a pair of heroes you can’t help but root for. 

Brandon McCaffery does a grand job of getting kids involved as Silly Billy – he had the kids hollering in all the right places; it’s a performance as daft as it is fun. The supporting cast worked their socks off throughout, with some great routines and some nice bits of ‘improv’ when some cast members hilariously went off script.

There are numerous big song and dance numbers with the highlights being a dark and brooding version of Queen’s The Show Must Go On,which features some stunning visuals, whilst a near full cast rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business is just one of many highlights.

With this being Liverpool, there are plenty of cheeky local gags and a few marking this year’s political upheaval for you to enjoy, which go down a treat with the older members of the audience. It’s a hilarious, silly, and thoroughly entertaining production from start to finish, the perfect antidote to World Cup disappointment and Christmas reruns on the telly!

Goldilocks and The Three Bears is on at The Epstein Theatre until 1st January tickets available here.

Cinderella

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Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When it comes to festive family fun you can always rely on Regal Entertainments to deliver the goods. There’s no expense is spared in this year’s panto, giving us not one but two stars of Britain’s Got Talent (three including Chuck), Corrie’s Kimberley Hart-Simpson and St Helen’s panto favourite Lewis Devine. Add to this a fabulous Prince Charming in the form of Joe Sleight, a magical Fairy Godmother played by Rachael Wood and two glorious ugly sisters, Kristopher Bosch and Richard Aucott and you’ve certainly got all the ingredients for a whole heap of fun.

This glittering production is everything you’d want from a panto from lavish sets to elaborate costumes, Cinderella ticks every box. The witty script is littered with local references, stuffed with silliness and there’s even a TikTok dance thrown into the mix. There’s audience participation a-go-go as well as a perfect mix of much-loved chart hits from recent No.1’s to musical theatre favourites.

Kimberley Hart-Simpson makes for a wonderful Cinderella, she’s extremely likeable with great comic timing and a superb singing voice. Lewis Devine is brilliant fun as Buttons, the two of them have some fantastic scenes together made even funnier with the addition of love rival Prince Charming (Joe Sleight) thrown into the mix. All three seriously impress on the vocal front and are clearly loving every manic minute on stage.

Britain’s Got Talent stars Jon Courtenay, Jamie Leahay and Chuck are used to great effect both as characters within the storyline then entertainers at the palace ball where both are given the opportunity to let their talent shine. The ugly sisters Borisina (Richard Aucott) and Trussiana (Kristopher Bosch) are wicked fun with some of the best pantomime dame costumes I’ve ever seen.

Director Chantelle Nolan has thrown in some really magical moments which are greeted with gasps of delight, plus of course some mischievous surprises to keep us on our toes. Choreographer Nazene Langfield has gifted both the adult and juvenile dancers with some beautiful routines which lift the already sparkling ensemble scenes. Special mention must go to Lewis Devine, Jon Courtenay and Rachael Wood who somehow manage to get through a hilariously chaotic 12 Days of Christmas, a real highlight of the show and exactly what panto is all about.

This is a real family friendly show, suitable for all ages with plenty to keep little ones engaged as well as the cheeky gags us older theatre goers like to listen out for. The final transformation scene is as special and as sparkly as it gets, giving us the happy ending we’d all hoped for. If you’re in need of some Christmas cheer then get yourself down to St Helens Theatre Royal where they’re dishing it out daily!

Cinderella is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 8th January tickets available here.