Pantomime

Beauty and The Beast

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Peers Productions are back at Warrington’s Parr Hall for their annual Panto production; this year they’re treating audiences to a classic favourite, Beauty and The Beast.

This family friendly production will entertain both young and old alike with its traditional panto elements combined with a talented cast which includes superb performances from TV’s Anne Hegarty and Jake Quickenden.

The familiar story of Belle needs no introduction allowing the fun to quickly begin as panto favourite Daniel Dean packs in the comedy from the start as the loveable but unlucky in love Pee Wee Potts. His scenes with Mervyn Francis as his Mum, Dame Polly Potts have the audiences in stitches, gifting then with plenty of opportunities for shouts of ‘It’s behind you!’.

Taking on the role of Belle is an impressive Charlotte Buxton, who somehow manages to still deliver a performance of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ that Celine Dion would be proud of despite the slapstick chaos unfolding around her.

Anne Hegerty gives a great performance as Fairy Rose marking her second panto appearance at Warrington’s Parr Hall. Add into the mix a scene stealing performance from Jake Quickenden who has the audience in the palm of his hand as a dishy but devilish Gaston and you really have got the recipe for a fabulously fun night at the theatre.

This is an engaging production which will entertain all ages, there’s gags a plenty, brilliant bops and if you’re unlucky a spraying from a super soaker or two!

The traditional sets are simple allowing the cast to take centre stage here, aided beautifully by local dancers from Felicia Burns School of Dance.

There’s plenty to enjoy about this production from the talented cast to the glittering costumes. The audience interaction and local references allow the cast to playfully connect with the audience while the silliness and slapstick ensures the laughter never stops. Panto is unique in offering a great opportunity for families to enjoyed live theatre in a relaxed and accessible way, guaranteeing special memories are made for another year.

Beauty and The Beast runs at Warrington’s Parr Hall until Sunday January 11th, with concessions and family tickets available. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Robin Hood

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure at the Manchester Opera House is everything a great panto should be: loud, proud, joyfully chaotic, and absolutely hilarious. From the very first moment, it’s clear you’re in safe hands with a production that understands its audience and fully leans into what panto does best. This is a great northern night out, with bells on!

The chemistry between Jason Manford and Ben Nickless is once again pure magic. Year after year they somehow manage to outdo themselves, delivering effortless laughs, perfectly timed chaos, and that wonderful sense that anything could happen at any moment. Their interaction with each other, and with the audience, is the heartbeat of the show. I fear the day when they decide to hang up their Panto boots as it’s hard to imagine a Christmas without them on stage together.

And honestly? It doesn’t matter in the slightest that the plot is inconsistent because it’s completely irrelevant. This panto has all the ingredients that matter. The ghost scene? Brilliant. The “in the gap” scene? Predictably unpredictable. The bloopers, singalongs, cheeky asides, and bang-on cultural references, from the last 12 months, all land perfectly, keeping the audience crying with laughter from start to finish. There are as always, some fabulous surprises in there too!

The ensemble cast is outstanding, bringing energy, polish, and warmth to every scene, while the costumes are the best I’ve seen at an Opera house panto:  vibrant, inventive, and a visual feast that add to the magic at every turn. A huge shout-out also goes to Adam Strong as the Sheriff of Nottingham, who delivers a pitch-perfect performance, gloriously dastardly, fabulously over-the-top, and exactly what a panto villain should be.

This is truly a show for all generations. I took a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old and judging by the laughter (and the conversations afterwards), those memories will last a lifetime. Let’s just say they will forever laugh when they get to page nine… #iykyk

Manchester should be incredibly proud of this panto. It’s a tradition done right, packed with heart, humour, and festive magic. I highly recommend this show. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a reminder of just how brilliant panto can be and should be.

Robin Hood is on at Manchester’s Opera House until Sunday 4th January tickets available here.

Cinderella

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tony Peers Productions returns to Warrington’s Parr Hall this month with this year’s Panto offering, a sparkling spin on the classic fairytale, Cinderella. Combining traditional panto elements with wonderful modern touches this is a production all the family will undoubtedly enjoy.

The show tells the tale of Cinderella, who, despite being bossed around by her horrid stepsisters, lives a happy and hopeful life with the help of her loyal friend Buttons. With a yearning to meet the man of her dreams never too far from her thoughts she luckily meets a fabulous Fairy Godmother (TV’s Anne Hegarty) and a happy ending is hopefully in sight.

This entertaining production is well tailored for young audiences, there’s lots of gentle humour, a sprinkling of magic and plenty of brilliant bops woven perfectly into the familiar narrative. While the traditional sets are simple the glittering costumes and intricate choreography superbly delivered by local youth dancers from Felicia Burns School of Dance really ramp up the visuals in this super fun show.

The cast are clearly having a ball onstage with standout performance coming from the Ugly Sisters, played by Philip Meeks and Matt McInnes who provide laughs a plenty and that all important audience interaction. Buttons, played by Daniel Dean packs in the comedy with his much-loved silliness while The Chase’s very own Governess, Anne Hegerty really gets into the spirit of things delighting us all with superb vocals and great comedic timing.

There’s so much to enjoy about this production from the witty script to the vibrant costumes (shoutout to the Ugly Stepsisters and their epic costume changes). There’s plenty of innocent fun for the kids and just the right amount of innuendo for the adults. The localised references in the script allow the cast to really connect with the audience while the physical humour ensures the laughs keep on coming. It’s always wonderful to see families experiencing live theatre together and this show will guarantee magical memories for years to come.

Cinderella runs until Sunday January 12th, with concessions and family tickets available. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Accessible Performances 

Relaxed/Dementia Friendly performance – Saturday 11th January @ 9.45am – Created for people with special educational needs, this performance uses lower volumes for sound effects and fewer flashing lights. Special effects will also be reduced, so pyrotechnics and strobe lighting will not be used. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Signed performance – Sunday 12th January @ 11am – This performance will feature a British Sign Language interpreter who will stand to one side of the stage to translate the script as it is being performed. For more information, please contact our box office on 01925 442345.

Special Offers

Family – Buy 2 adult and 2 child tickets for just £43 (plus fees)

10th Ticket Free – Buy 9 or more tickets and get your 10th ticket free

Seniors BOGOF – Buy one senior citizen ticket and get one free (max 4 free tickets per customer) – Tuesday 7th Jan @ 1.30pm only

The Wizard of Oz

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Continuing their ever-popular offering of half term pantos Regal Entertainment bring The Wizard of Oz to St Helens Theatre Royal this February.

This reimagined version of the 1939 Hollywood film adds plenty of panto elements to the classic story resulting in an entertaining treat for all the family.

While the Wizard of Oz isn’t traditional panto fodder this version cleverly reworks the original story ensuring there are plenty of opportunities for booing the Wicked Witch, cheering for Dorothy and shouts of ‘It’s behind you’. There’s even a blast from super soakers during the show, you have been warned!

Theatre Royal regular Maddie Hope Coelho slips perfectly into the ruby slippers. She’s a fabulous Dorothy with a voice to match as she delivers the iconic ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ with effortless ease. Michael Alan-Bailey is a highly entertaining Scarecrow, his natural comedic ability is lapped up by the audience while his close to the bone jokes give the adults in the audience more than a giggle or two. Lewis Canning makes a strong professional debut as the Tin Man while Benjamin Keith’s Cowardly Lion is great fun.

Hayley Russell as Glinda and Abigail Middleton as the Wicked Witch have great banter as they bounce off each other with their rhyming sparring. Middleton laps up the boos from the audience and is clearly enjoying every minute of wickedness. While Warren Donnolly makes up the company as the wonderful Wizard of Oz.

As well as songs from the original film and various hit musicals there’s a sprinkling of modern pop songs that the little ones particularly enjoy. The use of a TikTok routine to the tune of Dua Lipa Dance the Night during the traditional ‘Ghost and Ghoulies’ scene is a big hit with my mini reviewers while a scene between the Scarecrow (Michael Alan-Bailey) and the Wicked Witch (Abigail Middleton) which uses multiple songs in response to her attempts to control him had us in stitches.

There’s strong support from both the senior and juvenile dancers who deliver Nazene Dannielle’s chorography with great enthusiasm. While Regal Entertainments Ltd costumes and lavish scenery really add to the impact of the show.

Theatre Royal once again deliver a fun-packed production that will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

The Wizard of Oz is on at St Helens Theatre Royal until Sunday 18th February tickets available here.

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

Leave a comment

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.

Aladdin

Leave a comment
Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2021

Reviewed by Jodie Crawford

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Crossroads Pantomines production of Aladdin tells the tale of Aladdin: not as you know it, but instead as a version with many more laughs and spectacular crowd pleasing numbers.

We join the journey of Aladdin (Matthew Croke), whose only dream is to marry his one true love; Princess Jasmine (Rumi Sutton). However, the road to true love does not run smoothly, thanks to The Supreme Leader of Mancunia (Nicola Sanderson) and Abanazar (John McLarnon) : cue plenty of booing and hissing from the audience.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2021

This pantomime has everything that British pantomime should have – with bells on! The absolute star of the show is the incredibly talented comic genius that is Ben Nickless (Wishee Washee), who helps his brother Aladdin overcome all of the hurdles put in front of him on his quest to marry Jasmine. Nickless’ Covid rap gives us an hilarious spin on the last two years of life in a pandemic, with plenty of laughs about masks, testing and lockdown life. The audience were in absolute stitches during his attempt to use a loop pedal to give us a rendition of an Ed Sheeran classic.

Alexandra Burke plays the role of Scherezade, who provides Aladdin with assistance throughout his journey, and who gets us moving in our seats as she belts out the numbers – the crowd absolutely loved her rendition of Bad Boys, and the ensemble provide the dance moves that we all expect from a spectacular panto like this.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2021

Eventually, after much turmoil and misadventure and the most amazing carpet ride, Aladdin gets his girl. But not before we are treated to the most hilarious number “What I would be” from Nickless, Dupree, Croke and Sanderson. The audience were doubled over laughing at the comic genius of this scene, the timing is impeccable and Ben Nickless deserved a standing ovation just for this!

The set and costumes are vibrant and majestic. The use of puppets for the genie and the snake are both comic and transfixing. Ceri Duprees (Widow Twanky) outfits are extravagant and mesmerising, just as she is. She is everything she should be. Hilarious, sarcastic, and with a pair of legs to die for! Her renditions of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and of Bang Bang will be talked about by this audience for a long while.

Pic copyright Phil Tragen 2021

This pantomime is the tonic we really don’t realise we need until we get it. With all the uncertainty at the moment this is the light relief that we Mancunians are desperate for, so get your booster and get down to the Opera House for an addition boost – that’s all you need this Christmas.

Aladdin is on at the Manchester Opera House until Sunday 2nd January tickets available here.

Sleeping Beauty

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Kate Goerner

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Theatre Royal in St Helens and Regal Entertainments continues with its welcome tradition of producing pantomines outside of the festive season with Sleeping Beauty for the October Half Term.

A much-loved tale of beautiful princess Aurora cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel by evil fairy Carabosse and sleep for a hundred years is brought to life by a hard-working cast – with all the requisite panto elements like glitter, songs and bags of audience participation.

Familiar faces in the cast include St Helens resident dame Si Foster. With a ‘You Hoo’ he is a good humoured figure who the audience clearly has real affection for.

As always Foster has great rapport with comic Lewis Devine (Chester the Jester) – a now familiar face in Theatre Royal pantos a clear audience favourite. His scene with the children from the audience on stage was as funny as you’d hope.

Samantha Palin is an impressive baddie Carabosse – striding about the stage and delivering some one-liners as wicked as her character. Clearly having bags of fun being the baddie, she almost made you root for Team Carabosse!

Mia Molloy and James Lacey play it straight as Love’s Young Dream Aurora and The Prince, both bringing like ability and great vocals to the stage.

Making up the principle cast is Warren Donnelly as The King and Abigail Middleton as Fairy Sparkle, who got to enjoy the spotlight at the end of of Act 1 with a powerhouse rendition of When You Believe.

A good panto in my eyes is one where I spend quite a bit of the show watching my little boy’s reaction to the on-stage action! And he was fully immersed in this show – booing, cheering, singing and laughing. His favourite bit? The “rude” nursery rhymes had him and the other young audience members in hysterics.

It’s a cheerful, crowd pleasing affair performed and received with warmth. And as ever the ticket prices are commendably affordable – starting at just £13.

Up next for Christmas at the Theatre Royal is Aladdin starring Strictly professional dancer Robin Windsor – we are looking forward to it already.

Just one cautionary note for parents of younger children – you can no longer borrow free booster seats at the theatre – instead having to purchase an inflatable one (which you get to take away with you) for £5 – a cost which could add up for larger groups. Just something to perhaps consider when deciding where to sit if you are with younger children and don’t want to shell out for a seat.

Sleeping Beauty is on at the St Helens Theatre Royal until Saturday 29th October. Tickets available here.

 

The Wizard of Oz

Leave a comment

The Wizard of Oz Image 4 - Credit David Munn Photography

Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Continuing their run of half term pantos Regal Entertainment bring The Wizard of Oz to St Helens Theatre Royal this Easter.

Their reimagined panto version of the much-loved family favourite sees an all new script as well as some star billing including a very glamorous Wicked Witch in the form of Linda Lusardi who is joined on stage by her daughter Lucy Kane, most recently seen on ITV’s The Voice.

The Wizard of Oz Image 1 - Credit David Munn Photography

Directed by Chantelle Nolan and written by panto legend Si Foster The Wizard of Oz tells the magical tale of Dorothy Gale who finds herself accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East by dropping a house on her. When the Wicked Witch of the West finds out about her sisters untimely death she makes it her mission to seek revenge but will have to get past the power of Dorothy’s newly acquired ruby slippers to do so.

While The Wizard of Oz isn’t traditionally a pantomime Si Foster’s script cleverly reworks the story to ensure there are plenty of opportunities for the traditional boos, cheers and shouts of ‘its behind you’.

The Wizard of Oz Image 3 - Credit David Munn Photography

Foster’s writing allows for Reece Sibbald’s Scarecrow to take on a ‘Buttons-esque’ comedy role which he laps up. A natural entertainer, both his comedic timing as well as physical comedy are exceptional as he gets into some hilarious scrapes and showers the audience with more than just the usual water pistols. My little reviewers absolutely loved the part where he shrinks in size & giggled about it all the way home.

Mia Molloy gives a great performance as Dorothy, she is in fine voice and more than does justice to Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Her dancing and acting abilities also impress proving she is indeed a worthy wearer of the ruby slippers.

The Wizard of Oz Image 2 - Credit David Munn Photography

The talented cast work well together and keep the story moving at a pace. There’s a sprinkling of cheeky jokes for the adults as well as lots of laughs for the little ones. One moment of corpsing from Lusardi & Sibbald absolutely bringing the house down.

Music of course plays a huge part in panto and its great to hear in addition to some of the traditional songs from The Wizard of Oz there are some recent favourites including Baby Shark as well as a roarsome song from The Greatest Showman.

The Wizard of Oz Image 6 - Credit David Munn Photography

With impressive sets, lavish costumes and strong support from both the senior and juvenile dancers The Wizard of Oz impresses visually as well as musically.

While the story doesn’t allow for a traditional love story element writer Si Foster has added just the right amount of comedic adjustments to give the show a panto feel while still remaining true to the story.

The Wizard of Oz is a hugely entertaining family friendly version of a much-loved classic with ticket prices starting at just £13 this Wizard of Oz is wonderful indeed.

Catch The Wizard of Oz at St Helens Theatre Royal until 22nd April tickets available here.

 

Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood

Leave a comment

The decorations may have come down and the tree has been packed away but there’s one festive treat still on offer as Robin Hood & The Babes in the Wood plays at Warrington’s Parr Hall until Sunday 13th January.

This traditional production is packed full of the usual pantomime favourites, cream pies in the face, water guns as well as being grabbed by the ghosties, or was it the ghoulies? There’s also a sprinkling of topical modern references including the floss, a certain Baby Shark song and even an appearance from the one and only Donald Trump as this fun, family show offers laughs a-plenty for all ages.

The Tony Peers Production written by Phil Beck (who also stars as Nurse Nellie) keeps things very panto traditional with Louise Willoughby playing Robin Hood to Charlotte Buxton’s Maid Marion. Willoughby makes for a strong and sassy lead with both ladies giving note perfect performances despite some hilariously difficult conditions brought about by comedy duo Nurse Nellie and Silly Billy (Phil Beck and Mike Carnell) whose comedy capers are greeted with shrieks of laughter from the audience.

As a double act both Beck and Carnell are fabulous fun, quick witted and enormously entertaining with impeccable comedy timing the duo ensure the action moves at a perfect pace as they gently guide us through the story throwing in plenty of laughs along the way. Ian Moore’s lecherous Sheriff of Nottingham revels in the boos while the Sheriff’s reluctant henchman Snarly played by Edward Leigh shows there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Robin Hood is a great fun production which offers the perfect introduction to festive theatre at a family friendly price. The small cast work brilliantly together, clearly having a lot of fun on stage they succeed in taking the audience along for this traditional and cheeky ride. While there aren’t the big show stopping numbers or dazzling choreography of bigger budget productions the laughs come thick and fast ensuring this panto covers all bases in terms of appeal, from toe-curling close to the bone jokes for the adults to slap-stick silliness for the kids.

My fellow mini-reviewer remarked on the way back to the car “My cheeks hurt from laughing so much” a true testament to the enduring appeal of panto; cheeky, charming and chock-full of fun.

Catch Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Warrington’s Parr Hall until Sunday 13th January. Tickets available here.

 

 

 

Dick Whittington

Leave a comment

D 1

Opening Night verdict 🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼

Qdos Entertainment, the worlds biggest pantomime producer bring their magical production of Dick Whittington to Manchester’s Opera House this festive season.

Starring the hugely popular John Barrowman, an absolute  panto pro he has the audience in the palm of his hand from the off, whipping off his trousers to reveal the tightest pair of pants to ever grace the panto stage! Joining Barrowman are legendary double act, The Krankies, stalwarts of the cabaret circuit since the 70’s, Dick Whittington marks their seventh season alongside Barrowman and their on stage chemistry is electric.

Sprinkled with lots of adult humour Dick Whittington is high on audience interaction and chock-full of laughs as Dick (Barrowman) falls in love with Councillor Krankie’s (Ian Tough) daughter Alice (Lauren Hampton). dastardly King Rat (Phil Corbitt) however has other ideas as he tries his best to come between our lovebirds.

D 2

Fun and frolics are high on the agenda as Barrowman greets the Manchester audience with an “Ey up chuck!” he is a highly entertaining, hugely charismatic, singing, dancing, innuendo spouting machine! Pair this with an outrageous performance from the Krankies and you really have got a match made in double entendre heaven. Lots to keep little ones and Mum & Dad highly amused with a few jokes perhaps a little too close to the bone for older children, who Mum and Dad may be desperately hoping don’t get certain jokes, let’s just say there could be some interesting conversations on the way home!

The rest of the sparkling cast compliment our leads perfectly with special mention to Jacqueline Hughes who delights as The Spirit of Bow Bells and Ryan Kayode as Tommy the Manc Tabby Cat who judging by the applause received was clearly an audience favourite too.

D 3

As you’d expect there are ad libs galore particularly between the hilarious Krankies who remain sharp as a tack. Jeanette Tough, now aged 70 could give Debbie McGee a run for her money as she’s flung around the stage, barely stopping for breath and even ending up inside a giant sharks mouth!

The choreography is executed perfectly by the Company who are joined on stage by local children from the Stalder Academy of Dance.

Many of the usual panto traditions are here, there’s ghosts & ghoulies, silly songs and sparkly sets plus a surprise soaking for some audience members, however this is as Dick with no Dame which for me seemed an odd choice, please Qdos can we have our Dame back next year? Preferably Manchester favourite Eric Potts. The 3D section is enormously impressive but scared my young guests to the point of having to cover their faces, much too frightening for young children.

D

The cast have undeniable chemistry, particularly evident during an underwater version of 12 Days of Christmas, which has the audience in hysterics from start to finish.  The storyline is secondary to the madcap mayhem playing out before us as Dick Whittington entertains and delivers a highly memorable night, for some this may be classic ‘British humour’ that needs a little updating, there was no doubt however that Dick Whittington brought a lot of laughter and festive cheer to Manchester last night, it’s a cheeky, festive treat!

On at Manchester’s Opera House until Saturday 7th January, tickets available here.