Reviews

Reviews by year...
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2012

Beauty & the Beast, Bridlington: The Spa

18 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

A tremendous romp...elevates it above standard panto productions!

Reviewed By Will Ramsey, The Stage - 24 December 2012

With its beastly lead character, secluded in his dark and dingy castle, there’s a pleasant chill to the Spa Bridlington’s panto… Read more...

Aladdin, Lowestoft: The Marina

18 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

A whole new generation of theatre goers are well and truly hooked!

Reviewed by Glen Pearce, The Public Review - 21 December 2012

Britain’s most easterly town looks to the far east this year, with an oriental Aladdin. Trouble is brewing in the court of Emperor Chop Suey the third. His beautiful daughter is fed up of being kept away from the general public and when she meets Jack the lad Aladdin, things are destined to be shaken up a bit. Despite his rags, Aladdin is destined for greater things – a fate the evil Abanazar is only too willing to exploit… Read more...

A spectacular, slick & unmissable panto!

Reviewed by David Bunkell, Lowestoft Marina - 20 December 2012

Directed by David Samuel, this is a spectacular and slick production in every way, with diverse music directed by Matthew Reeve, superb costumes, and a myriad of stunning stage sets… Read more...

It's a lavis, wow inducing panto!

Reviewed by Tony Mallion, The Stage - 19 December 2012

This Aladdin is blessed with an A-list baddie in Nigel Pivaro whose Terry Duckworth has caused more than his fair share of trouble among the cobbles in Coronation Street. He certainly gets some instant high decibel boo-ing and hissing as this tale of the Far East comes to Britain’s most easterly theatre… Read more...

Cinderella, Catford: Broadway Theatre

15 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

The icing on the cake!

Reviewed by Paul Vale, The Stage - 17 December 2012

It is always encouraging to see a distinctly traditional pantomime and this year’s Cinderella at the Broadway evidently prides itself on a simple recipe of old and new. For the youngsters their is the knockabout clowning of Andrew Hayden-Smith as a likable Geordie Buttons, aided and abetted by the old-school comedy of John Lyons’ Baron Hardup… Read more...

The icing on the cake!

Reviewed by Paul Vale, The Stage - 17 December 2012

It is always encouraging to see a distinctly traditional pantomime and this year’s Cinderella at the Broadway evidently prides itself on a simple recipe of old and new. For the youngsters their is the knockabout clowning of Andrew Hayden-Smith as a likable Geordie Buttons, aided and abetted by the old-school comedy of John Lyons’ Baron Hardup… Read more...

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Broxbourne: Civic Hall

14 December 2012 to 05 January 2013

Young & old alike will be hugely entertained!

Reviewed by Abigail Webber, The Stage - 18 December 2012

Denise Nolan leads a strong cast in Broxbourne’s panto this year, which is rich in fun and variety. Her evil Queen Grizelda is rather camp and petulant… Read more...

Cinderella, Redhill: Harlequin Theatre

14 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

The audience loves it...the only boos are for the Ugly Sisters!

Reviewed by Graham Gurrin, The Stage - 17 December 2012

Andrea McLean does surprisingly well as the Fairy Godmother, which is more than can be said for the other star name, Lloyd Daniels, who can only have been cast as Prince Charming to get bums on seats… Read more...

Sleeping Beauty, Weston-super-Mare: The Playhouse

13 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

Laughs galore from a pantomime savvy cast!

Reviewed by Jeremy Brien, The Stage - 17 December 2012

The tale of the remarkable effect of a kiss on the cheek is this year’s second most popular pantomime choice in the UK, although its 22 professional productions still trail way behind the 40 Cinderellas. On the evidence of another colourful Weston-super-Mare offering from Paul Holman Associates, it is easy to see why it is climbing the league table… Read more...

It's a highly polished family affair!

Reviewed by This is Somerset - 17 December 2012

This annual pantomime, which prides itself on being a family show, has a head start this year with father and son, and brother and sister partnerships involved in the production… Read more...

Beauty & the Beast, Newark: Palace Theatre

12 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

A show that could go beyond panto season & tour the country...never a dull moment!

Reviewed by Bernad Bale, The Stage - 17 December 2012

It’s not often that a panto is stolen by its choreography, but in this excellent Paul Holman production, that is exactly what happens. Helen Jekells does a great job as Witch Hazell but must also take a bow as choreographer, with some top-class work in specific dance numbers and in the village scenes, with a stage full of dancers of all ages and experience… Read more...

Jack & the Beanstalk, Chesterfield: The Pomegranate

07 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

Enjoyable, warm-hearted, stylish & ultimately satisfying!

Reviewed by Neil Bonner, The Stage - 10 December 2012

This panto has plenty to commend it, not least the amiable antics of Rik Gaynor as an endearing and energetic Simple Simon. With his natural warmth and cheeky ad-libs, he’s the star of the show, along with Gareth Davies as an excellent Fleshcreep… Read more...

Peter Pan the Pantomime, Rickmansworth: Watersmeet

07 December 2012 to 31 December 2012

Plenty of audience participation in pantoland!

Reviewed by Nicola Curtis - 17 December 2012

The light show opener to Peter Pan, this year’s festive offering at Rickmansworth’s Watersmeet, is vibrant, colourful and contemporary, contrasting well with the pretty Edwardian scene disclosed as the curtain rises… Read more...

Plenty of audience participation in pantoland!

Reviewed by Nicola Curtis - 17 December 2012

The light show opener to Peter Pan, this year’s festive offering at Rickmansworth’s Watersmeet, is vibrant, colourful and contemporary, contrasting well with the pretty Edwardian scene disclosed as the curtain rises… Read more...

Cinderella, Telford: Oakengates Theatre @The Place

07 December 2012 to 31 December 2012

Touches the heart and delights the eye!

Reviewed by Richard Edmonds, The Stage - 12 December 2012

You don’t need a million pound budget to stage a successful panto, you just need commitment, warmth, and a spoonful of that elusive ingredient - theatre magic… Read more...

Cinderella with 21st Century twists!

Reviewed by Kirsty Smallman, Journalism & PR - 07 December 2012

Christmas officially arrived for me today as the first panto performance of the season kicked off at The Place in Oakengates, Telford… Read more...

Sleeping Beauty, Worthing: Connaught Theatre

07 December 2012 to 05 January 2013

A lovely start to the festive season!

Reviewed by Lee Stevens for The Latest7 - 10 December 2012

This show has really hit the ground running, for which the cast should be justly proud. Yes there was the odd small glitch but they were smart enough to use it to its fullest comic effect. Panto is of course for the kiddies and they are properly catered for (be it sprayed with water, sweet catching, fake bucket of water) but the adults will enjoy it too with the smattering of innuendo although too many ‘poof’ references for my liking. Bobby Crush is a tremendous dame and even brought out the ol’ Joanna for a tinkle. A lovely start to the festive season.

Beautifully portrayed & makes for a fabulous Christmas treat!

Reviewed by Editor Sussex Coast, Families Sussex Coast - 12 December 2012

It’s Panto time! I love panto! The ingredients to a perfect panto to me are the comedy dame, cheesy jokes and fabulous music. The Connaught Theatre has excelled itself this year with Sleeping Beauty, a traditional pantomime which ticks all the right boxes… Read more...

The Pantomime Adventure of Peter Pan, Derby: Assembly Rooms

05 December 2012 to 06 January 2013

A surefire hit from a 21st century pantomime

Artsbeat Review - 08 December 2012

Glitz, gags and George a combination which will make Peter Pan a surefire hit with the audiences in Derby this season… Read more...

A magical sense of journeying above the rooftops of London...with the perfect Pan!

Reviewed by Pat Ashworth, The Stage - 10 December 2012

The creative team has gone a long way to solving the difficulties of staging panto at the Derby Assembly Rooms, a venue that doesn’t lend itself to live theatre. Video projections on to rippling gauze soften the large and uncompromising stage area and create a magical sense of journeying above the rooftops of London or through the lagoons of Neverland… Read more...

Right up there with the best!

Reviewed by Nigel Powlson, Burton Mail - 12 December 2012

THIS year’s Derby panto hits the heights in more ways than one. Not only is the show a rip-roaring slice of family fun, we also get to see most of the cast take to the air at some point during the evening, while the boy who never grew up soars right over the heads of the audience more than once… Read more...

Jack & the Beanstalk, Leeds: The Carriageworks

30 November 2012 to 05 January 2013

Has the colour, magic and interest of a child's pop-up book!

Kevin Berry from The Stage - 04 December 2012

Now that the City Varieties Music Hall has opted for a regular rock’n’roll pantomime, the Carriageworks is the one place to go to in Leeds for traditional panto entertainment. There is a loyal audience, built up over many a Christmas at the old Civic Theatre (which the Carriageworks replaced). This audience expects to join in and it does… Read more...

A tremendous romp...elevates it above standard panto productions!

Reviewed By Will Ramsey, The Stage

24 December 2012

With its beastly lead character, secluded in his dark and dingy castle, there’s a pleasant chill to the Spa Bridlington’s panto.
The production has the festive fail-safes - groan-worthy jokes, pump-action water pistols and a celebrity appearance. But the spookier aspects more than offset the sugar.

Craig Phillips is nicely self-deprecating as the arrogant Gaston - along with the body-builder poses, and the kisses on his biceps, there’s a twinkle in his eye. While he’s too pleasant to be a true panto baddie - no-one could bring themselves to boo him - the one-time handyman was more than willing to laugh at himself, not least at the onslaught of a series of DIY gags.

There’s camp support from Ian Parkin as the dame, Madame Fifi, and Apphia Adomakoh as Witch Hazel - a villain who seems to channel the strut of Tina Turner.

But it’s Gary Tushaw as the Beast who carries the show - post transformation, from handsome prince to hairy-faced outcast, he conveys the bewilderment and anger at his predicament.

Beauty and The Beast is a tremendous romp - spooky, without being too scary for the younger audience members, there’s some dark drama which elevates it above standard panto productions.

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A whole new generation of theatre goers are well and truly hooked!

Reviewed by Glen Pearce, The Public Review

21 December 2012

Britain’s most easterly town looks to the far east this year, with an oriental Aladdin. Trouble is brewing in the court of Emperor Chop Suey the third. His beautiful daughter is fed up of being kept away from the general public and when she meets Jack the lad Aladdin, things are destined to be shaken up a bit. Despite his rags, Aladdin is destined for greater things – a fate the evil Abanazar is only too willing to exploit.

Having established a return to professional panto over the last five years, the Marina Theatre and producer Paul Holman certainly know how to put on a family spectacle. All the traditional panto elements are here but throw in plenty of contemporary musical references and there’s something for all ages – including this year’s must-have panto accessory, the obligatory Gangnam Style routine.

The Marina may not have the largest stage in the world but they make full use of every inch with Stephen Wilson’s colourful and effective sets, switching between multiple locations with ease. Of course no Aladdin would be complete without a magic carpet and it doesn’t disappoint with a clever and well executed flying sequence.

Nigel Pivaro is probably used to audiences railing against him from his days as Coronation Street Bad Boy Terry Duckworth, but the Marina audience certainly provides a vocal reception to his Abanazar. Pivaro revels in the evil of the role but never seems entirely comfortable in it.

There are impressive performances from Matt Brinkler as Aladdin and Ellie Stevenson as Princess Jasmine. Brinkler captures the boy next door charm perfectly, while Stevenson has just the right level of feisty independence as Jasmine. There’s real chemistry between the pair and both sing beautifuly with everything from pop to Gilbert and Sullivan.

The operatic theme is picked up by Britain’s Got Talent’s Christopher Stone, whose rendition of Nesum Dorma soars across the footlights.

Sam Johnson and Sam Humphries deliver beautifully observed performances as comedy policemen PC Ping and PC Pong, working in harmony to create plenty of comic clowning, a theme picked up by Mike Newman’s Wishee Washee and Simon Howe’s Widow Twankey. The quartet threatens to bring down the recently refurbished theatre’s roof with a breath-taking (in more ways than one) exercise routine, resplendent with giant exercise balls and hula hoops.

Of course an Aladdin wouldn’t be complete without a Genie and Lowestoft pushes the boat out with two – Kelly Sims singing Slave of The Ring and William Elliott’s Smurf meets Welsh Valley Avitar Genie of the lamp.

Successful panto needs something for all ages to connect to and Director David Samuel ensures that there’s something for all the family and in an age where many pantomimes are moving to pre-recorded musical backing tracks it’s a pleasure to hear a score played live under Matthew Reeve’s musical direction.

Critics in many ways become redundant during panto as the true measure of success is to watch the faces of the children in the audience. This Aladdin has them captivated from the outset and the volume of audience participation suggests that a whole new generation of theatre goers are well and truly hooked. A word of warning though – beware the water pistols!

Runs until 6 January 2013

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A spectacular, slick & unmissable panto!

Reviewed by David Bunkell, Lowestoft Marina

20 December 2012

Directed by David Samuel, this is a spectacular and slick production in every way, with diverse music directed by Matthew Reeve, superb costumes, and a myriad of stunning stage sets.

The cave in particular was most striking, albeit rather hard to see at first, through an enthusiastic dose of smoke.

The cast is led by Nigel Pivaro as Abanazar, better known for his role as Terry Duckworth in Coronation Street. Matt Brinkler is a highly creditable Aladdin, making his pantomime debut.

Christopher Stone as the Emperor of China would be equally at home on the operatic stage, and Ellie Stevenson captivatingly plays Princess Jasmine.

Mike Newman Junior is Wishee Washee, keeping the audience of every generation entertained in the links between main scenes without ever resorting to innuendo or anything more risqué than an occasional reference to knickers.

Despite a throat infection, Simon Howe is a glorious Widow Twankey, with a countless array of dazzling frocks.

The remaining cast members, including a chorus of local children, are equally impressive.

This unmissable production continues at the theatre until January 6.

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It's a lavis, wow inducing panto!

Reviewed by Tony Mallion, The Stage

19 December 2012

This Aladdin is blessed with an A-list baddie in Nigel Pivaro whose Terry Duckworth has caused more than his fair share of trouble among the cobbles in Coronation Street. He certainly gets some instant high decibel boo-ing and hissing as this tale of the Far East comes to Britain’s most easterly theatre.

And it’s almost the venue which takes the starring role. A year into a life-saving new era as a trust, the auditorium’s transformed with new carpets, seats and the art deco interior of stylish blue and gold. It provides the perfect setting for some of the best sets - from nearby Suffolk outfit Scenic Projects - ever seen. With lavish costumes this is a wow-inducing spectacular, especially in the magic cave and the finale.

The witty script mixes tradition and topicality deftly handled by a well-balanced cast including Matt Brinkler with boy band looks and voice to match as Aladdin who is nicely paired with Ellie Stevenson as the princess. Simon Howe is a good but not over dominating dame and Mike Newman’s Wishee Washee is a bundle of energy and the life and soul of this top-notch panto from Paul Holman who comes originally from Lowestoft.

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The icing on the cake!

Reviewed by Paul Vale, The Stage

17 December 2012

It is always encouraging to see a distinctly traditional pantomime and this year’s Cinderella at the Broadway evidently prides itself on a simple recipe of old and new. For the youngsters their is the knockabout clowning of Andrew Hayden-Smith as a likable Geordie Buttons, aided and abetted by the old-school comedy of John Lyons’ Baron Hardup.

For the parents there is the racier comedy of the ugly sisters, portrayed with gusto in an array of vulgar outfits by Duncan McCann as Nicole and Stephen Richards as the inevitably named Tulisa.

The icing on this particular cake however, comes in the shape of the legendary Floella Benjamin. Benjamin, a favourite of children’s television long before CBeebies appears a little unsure at first as Fairy Godmother but soon warms to her duties, no doubt spurred on by the genuine affection of her audience.

It is encouraging to see that this particular Cinderella has a magical ballet, a feature which - in a world so taken with street dance - is in danger of becoming as obsolete as a female principal boy. Thankfully, principal girl Suzanne David makes an excellent Cinders looking spectacular in her ballgown and able to win our hearts with a winning smile and positive thinking.

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The icing on the cake!

Reviewed by Paul Vale, The Stage

17 December 2012

It is always encouraging to see a distinctly traditional pantomime and this year’s Cinderella at the Broadway evidently prides itself on a simple recipe of old and new. For the youngsters their is the knockabout clowning of Andrew Hayden-Smith as a likable Geordie Buttons, aided and abetted by the old-school comedy of John Lyons’ Baron Hardup.

For the parents there is the racier comedy of the ugly sisters, portrayed with gusto in an array of vulgar outfits by Duncan McCann as Nicole and Stephen Richards as the inevitably named Tulisa.

The icing on this particular cake however, comes in the shape of the legendary Floella Benjamin. Benjamin, a favourite of children’s television long before CBeebies appears a little unsure at first as Fairy Godmother but soon warms to her duties, no doubt spurred on by the genuine affection of her audience.

It is encouraging to see that this particular Cinderella has a magical ballet, a feature which - in a world so taken with street dance - is in danger of becoming as obsolete as a female principal boy. Thankfully, principal girl Suzanne David makes an excellent Cinders looking spectacular in her ballgown and able to win our hearts with a winning smile and positive thinking.

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Young & old alike will be hugely entertained!

Reviewed by Abigail Webber, The Stage

18 December 2012

Denise Nolan leads a strong cast in Broxbourne’s panto this year, which is rich in fun and variety. Her evil Queen Grizelda is rather camp and petulant.

Victoria Scott’s Snow White inspires all the little girls in the audience with her beauty and charm, and John Wilding makes the most of a rather thin part as Prince Valiant. He is best in the slapstick scenes, joining in energetically with Dame Kitty Dumpling (Keith Hopkins, on sparkling form) and Michael Otton’s Pickles - together they ramp up the jokes and stimulate a high level of audience participation.

Otton also does a nice line in magic tricks, which add to both the fun and the sense of wonder, and this is enhanced by the Forest Fairy (Nikki Ionescu), who performs a stunning aerial silk gymnastic display.

Ross Lee as Herman the Henchman is endearingly changeable as he keeps switching sides but seems to enjoy the boos as much as the cheers.

At two and a half hours, this show is long and can feel repetitive on occasion, but its energy is unfailing, and young and old audiences alike will be hugely entertained.

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The audience loves it...the only boos are for the Ugly Sisters!

Reviewed by Graham Gurrin, The Stage

17 December 2012

Andrea McLean does surprisingly well as the Fairy Godmother, which is more than can be said for the other star name, Lloyd Daniels, who can only have been cast as Prince Charming to get bums on seats.

While McLean remembers and delivers her rhyming couplets with charm, and even sings well, Daniels’ acting is wooden, his movements awkward and, although his voice is pleasant enough when singing solo, invariably it is drowned out by those around him. This problem is unfortunately exacerbated by the fact that his pal Dandini is performed with panache by Ezra Tafari, who can act, sing, dance, ad lib and has considerable stage presence.

Abigail Welford is a graceful Cinderella while her ugly sisters are played by Oliver Gray and Dean Horner, as proper old-school dames with increasingly garish costumes. They are very nasty to Cinders, and highly insulting to the audience, who respond as expected. Comedy double act Jason Francis and Neil Wheatley are Baron Hardup and Buttons, and they put a lot of energy into making sure things don’t go too smoothly, Wheatley verging for much of the time on anarchy.

The comedy is way past the knuckle, but the only boos are for the ugly sisters The show is brash and energetic, and the audience loves it.

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Laughs galore from a pantomime savvy cast!

Reviewed by Jeremy Brien, The Stage

17 December 2012

The tale of the remarkable effect of a kiss on the cheek is this year’s second most popular pantomime choice in the UK, although its 22 professional productions still trail way behind the 40 Cinderellas. On the evidence of another colourful Weston-super-Mare offering from Paul Holman Associates, it is easy to see why it is climbing the league table.

Holman has assembled as pantomime-savvy a cast as the Somerset resort has seen for a while, with Lorraine Chase still in fine Cockney form, although moving on now from principal boy to glamorous and hissable evil witch Carabosse. Father and son Keith and Ben Simmons direct and provide plenty of knockabout comedy, as well as adapting Ian Billings’ script in the first place.

Another family duo, X Factor finalists Same Difference, supply far more than their impressive speciality pop concert spot, with Sean Smith (Prince Robin) romancing Beth Gore’s powerfully voiced Princess Aurora, while his sister Sarah Smith is no shrinking violet as the Lilac Fairy.

There are laughs galore from experienced panto players Adam Daye (Nurse) and Terry Gleed (Muddles) although the show, which has a pretty thin storyline, could do with pruning by at least 20 minutes

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It's a highly polished family affair!

Reviewed by This is Somerset

17 December 2012

This annual pantomime, which prides itself on being a family show, has a head start this year with father and son, and brother and sister partnerships involved in the production.

Keith and Ben Simmons not only make up a good comedy duo as King Prawn and his Lord Chamberlain, but also direct and have written the pantomime.
In their guise as writers, they have provided themselves with one of the comedy highlights, in the form of a misguided flying act.

Sean and Sarah Smith, former X Factor finalists, where they appeared as Same Difference, have plenty of chances to show off the vocal style that won them that place on national TV, in a show which makes full use of pop music for vocals and dance routines.
Sean's dashing Prince Robin rescued the attractive Beth Gore's Princess Aurora, a singer who proved in Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious that she could handle more than just high voltage pop songs.

Sarah Smith played the Lilac Fairy in the traditional style of someone who had been performing in pantos for years. This was just as well because her adversary, the wicked fairy Carabosse, was safely in the hands of the highly polished Lorraine Chase.
Looking like the proverbial million dollars, in one of the many lovely costumes on view, Lorraine sailed serenely through the role of the pantomime villain, even when things did not go according to plan.

With Adam Daye, and Terry Gleed on hand, as Nurse Katie Cough Drop and Muddles, to provide traditional fare, strongly supported by the locally based young dancers from the Tina Counsell School of Dancing, this panto's heart was always in the right place for a family show.

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A show that could go beyond panto season & tour the country...never a dull moment!

Reviewed by Bernad Bale, The Stage

17 December 2012

It’s not often that a panto is stolen by its choreography, but in this excellent Paul Holman production, that is exactly what happens. Helen Jekells does a great job as Witch Hazell but must also take a bow as choreographer, with some top-class work in specific dance numbers and in the village scenes, with a stage full of dancers of all ages and experience.

This is a happening show with never a dull moment - very fast, very colourful and with good comedy routines. Overall it’s a first-class presentation of the difficult Beauty and the Beast.

Bernie Clifton returns to the Palace as Professor Crackpot and has lost none of his manic comedy skill, while John Pickard as Pierre and Robert James as Madame Fifi add their own individual humour, the latter even showering the audience with crisps - cheese and onion, actually.

The music and songs are all well presented, especially the duets involving Naomi Slater as Beauty and Richard Hurst, the excellent Beast.

This is exactly what we want from a panto, good all-round entertainment, a lot of fun, some drama, some slosh and plenty of opportunities for kids to deafen grown-ups.

Special mention, too, for the sets and costumes, which are of the highest standard. This is a show that could go beyond the panto season and tour the country throughout 2013.

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Enjoyable, warm-hearted, stylish & ultimately satisfying!

Reviewed by Neil Bonner, The Stage

10 December 2012

This panto has plenty to commend it, not least the amiable antics of Rik Gaynor as an endearing and energetic Simple Simon. With his natural warmth and cheeky ad-libs, he’s the star of the show, along with Gareth Davies as an excellent Fleshcreep.

As well as being a fabulous Giant Blunderbore, Phil Price demonstrates impressive circus skills, while Natalie Law and Andy Steed combine well as Princess Amelia and Jack Trott.

But there are a few disappointments. For instance, the excitement that should accompany the revelation of the beanstalk simply doesn’t happen. Instead of a jaw-dropping moment when a decidedly climbable creeper slowly manifests itself, we have a cop-out piece of scenery that generates hardly a second glance. Similarly, the mundane production of a golden egg passes by almost unnoticed. These are critical moments that can add so much magic to a panto when presented more imaginatively.

Also, a promising slapstick scene involving bucketloads of goo ultimately delivers little. And Charlie Dimmock, who plays an able Fairy Organic, is strangely starved of horticultural references to link with her TV gardening expertise.

However, atmospheric sets, great dancers and classy costumes make this generally enjoyable, warm-hearted show a very stylish and ultimately satisfying affair.

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Plenty of audience participation in pantoland!

Reviewed by Nicola Curtis

17 December 2012

The light show opener to Peter Pan, this year’s festive offering at Rickmansworth’s Watersmeet, is vibrant, colourful and contemporary, contrasting well with the pretty Edwardian scene disclosed as the curtain rises.

London in pantoland is pastel, with perfect houses and flawless residents. How lovely it is to be temporarily removed from reality.

Alas, the first song does little to maintain the magic. Hook’s hapless right-hand man Mr Smee has instant audience rapport and a powerful voice, but the number itself is pretty tuneless.

Some sparkle does return when a very likeable Peter Pan swoops over the London rooftops with the Darling children on their journey to Neverland. Craig Daniel Adams, who plays the lead role, deserves praise for his singing, dancing and acrobatic skills, as well as his aerial antics.

Peter John, as Dame Able Mabel, shines too. Popping up all over the place in fabulous frocks, the panto veteran has immaculate comic timing and a great voice. TV hard man Chris Ellison is a dastardly Captain Hook and even manages to turn Mr Darling into a wide boy. And the dancers, young and younger, are excellent.

But despite an impressive beginning and plenty of good audience interaction, the production does lack some depth and that crucial pathos. The adventure on this occasion is just not quite big enough.

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Plenty of audience participation in pantoland!

Reviewed by Nicola Curtis

17 December 2012

The light show opener to Peter Pan, this year’s festive offering at Rickmansworth’s Watersmeet, is vibrant, colourful and contemporary, contrasting well with the pretty Edwardian scene disclosed as the curtain rises.

London in pantoland is pastel, with perfect houses and flawless residents. How lovely it is to be temporarily removed from reality.

Alas, the first song does little to maintain the magic. Hook’s hapless right-hand man Mr Smee has instant audience rapport and a powerful voice, but the number itself is pretty tuneless.

Some sparkle does return when a very likeable Peter Pan swoops over the London rooftops with the Darling children on their journey to Neverland. Craig Daniel Adams, who plays the lead role, deserves praise for his singing, dancing and acrobatic skills, as well as his aerial antics.

Peter John, as Dame Able Mabel, shines too. Popping up all over the place in fabulous frocks, the panto veteran has immaculate comic timing and a great voice. TV hard man Chris Ellison is a dastardly Captain Hook and even manages to turn Mr Darling into a wide boy. And the dancers, young and younger, are excellent.

But despite an impressive beginning and plenty of good audience interaction, the production does lack some depth and that crucial pathos. The adventure on this occasion is just not quite big enough.

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Touches the heart and delights the eye!

Reviewed by Richard Edmonds, The Stage

12 December 2012

You don’t need a million pound budget to stage a successful panto, you just need commitment, warmth, and a spoonful of that elusive ingredient - theatre magic.

All those ingredients are here, in a memorable small-scale production of Cinderella, which presents the fairytale in a way which delights the eye and touches the heart.

Pantoland is a special place, filled with men dressed as women and ersatz emotions. But there are more delicate matters at play in this production, directed skilfully by Ian Billings.

For example, we know Buttons (the splendid Ricky K) is hopelessly in love with Cinderella (admirably performed by Lucy Pollard) and usually we weep crocodile tears. But here, Buttons is re-invented as a kind of Littlechap and his predicament was touching. How Ricky K found the door into this melancholy garden of the heart is a mystery, but he does, and you weep for him.

Prince Charming’s courtliness (Dean Read) and Dandini’s cheekiness ( Marcus Evans) are admirable, also.

The Uglies (Mark Two and Jamie Steen) were quite correctly wickedly anarchic - tangle with these two and you risk annihalation. At various gorgeous moments the plot was less important than what these masterful performers were doing or saying, and clearly the author was content to let the venom drip!

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Cinderella with 21st Century twists!

Reviewed by Kirsty Smallman, Journalism & PR

07 December 2012

Christmas officially arrived for me today as the first panto performance of the season kicked off at The Place in Oakengates, Telford.

As a family with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a 20-month-old, we joined hundreds of school children from across the county to watch Cinderella.

With flamboyant costumes and a show packed full of quality singing and dancing including a special song named the “Happy land of Telford!” the excited children were taken on Cinderella’s journey with 21st Century twists including mentions of iPhone 5′s, X Factor, reality TV shows and chart topping songs.

Of course no panto would be complete without the water guns to get us all in the mood for mayhem!

With some fantastic humour from Cinderella’s hilarious ugly step-sisters Wicked Wanda and Ravishing Rita (who must be exhausted after changing their huge costumes up to 20 times throughout the show) the youngsters clearly had a great time – and they weren’t the only ones – parents, teachers and grandparents had a fantastic time too (and could often be heard sniggering at the gags aimed at the more mature members of the audience!)

With quality dancing from talented youngsters from local dance schools and of course Telford’s own star Lucy Pollard as Cinderella it is a first class production which can be enjoyed by all generations.

The second half was my favourite as Strictly Come Dancing’s Camilla Dallerup who played the Fairy Godmother gave a very special dancing performance while Cinderella and Prince Charming belted out yet another note perfect song.

Whilst those Strictly fans also enjoyed an appearance from “Brucie” before a dancing and singing treat from “Tina Turner” and “Lady Gaga” – all with a little difference of course.

And we all enjoyed the traditional happy ending of Cinderella which left everyone leaving the theatre with a smile on their face and all ready for the joys of the festive season ahead.

A fantastic show which boasts talented stars from the television screens but also our own town and a production of this standard is something to be proud of – and what’s more it’s right on our doorstep.

Don’t miss out – book your tickets today.

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Beautifully portrayed & makes for a fabulous Christmas treat!

Reviewed by Editor Sussex Coast, Families Sussex Coast

12 December 2012

It’s Panto time! I love panto! The ingredients to a perfect panto to me are the comedy dame, cheesy jokes and fabulous music. The Connaught Theatre has excelled itself this year with Sleeping Beauty, a traditional pantomime which ticks all the right boxes.

Bobby Crush quite clearly loves his role as Nurse Katy Cough-Drop, providing over the top costumes and slap stick comedy.

Muddles is the classic joker as played by Tony Rudd. He peppers his performance with jokes and impressions, some of which are lost on the children, however keeps the adults in the audience very amused!

Prince Valiant will be recognised as Jon Moses who was a finalist in ITV’s Superstar programme. He is your perfect prince, with chiselled good looks and an incredible singing voice. I am sure by the end of panto season he will have many more fans!

Princess Aurora was played by Sophie Bloom, who also wowed the audience with her incredible singing. Her character was sweet and adorable and perfectly portrayed. Also, very sweetly portrayed was the Lilac Fairy played by Helen Peters. She once again filled the auditorium with her incredible singing voice, yet was quirky and in fact my favourite character.

No panto is exempt from its evil side, which was incredibly scarily played by Nikki Kelly. Fairy Carabosse had my 7 year old rather subtly grabbing my hand every time she entered, whereas my 3 year old stared at the panto flier in his hand in the hope he wouldn’t be able to see her!

Of course, good over rides evil, and after Sleeping Beauty is awoken by loves true kiss, Fairy Carabosse does indeed leave the dark side. The story was beautifully portrayed and makes for a fabulous Christmas treat. Well worth a visit! Book your tickets for Sleeping Beauty at The Connaught Theatre Worthing by calling 01903 206206 or online www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

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A surefire hit from a 21st century pantomime

Artsbeat Review

08 December 2012

Glitz, gags and George a combination which will make Peter Pan a surefire hit with the audiences in Derby this season.

Derby Live’s pantomime opened to a raptuous welcome from fans of both Britain’s Got Talent star George Sampson and the city’s favourite Mike ‘Squeaky” McClean as the comic genius. Dancer George made a perfect Peter Pan and was strutting his stuff from the first scene.

The young star received a roar of approval every time his twinkle toes touched the boards and when he flew through the air and swooped above the Assembly Rooms audience there was practically a standing ovation.

Derby loved Mike McClean last year and he didn’t disappoint this time around. His cheeky wink and slapstick routines were great value and he worked the audience from the second he steped on stage.

Paul Holman Associates which is presenting the show, made a shrewd move in teaming him up with Jason Sutton as the panto’s dame Able Mabel. They were an indomitable pair and made sure the laughs kept coming. Mabel appears in a different over-the-top costume for every scene with some incredibly imaginative headwear.

If you are not a fan of George (is there anyone out there who isn’t?) then these two are the best reason to go and see the show. One of the most memorable scenes has Mabel swinging from a wire in a marvellous mermaid costume and the duo cooking in the pirate ship galley was pure old fashioned comedy.

Larry Lamb, the show’s other big name, is the evil Captain Hook and the Gavin and Stacey star plays along with the pantomime fun, clearly enjoying the role of the baddie with the huge scary roar.

The energy and pace of the other performers is breathtaking especially the acrobatic routine by one of the dancers on the ship’s rope. She fully deserved her applause.

As always the youngsters were a delight to watch and the singing by Carys Gray, who played Mrs Darling, was tremendous.

The special effects proved that this was truly a 21st century pantomime as Wendy, Michael and John fly with Peter from London to Neverland.

Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to leave before Smee brings youngsters from the audience on to the stage at the end. It was an absolute scream and totally unexpected.

Escape from the real world for a couple of hours and immerse yourself in the festive fun – laughs are guaranteed and the colourful show is full of seasonal joy right up to the shower of artificial snow that drifted down as we left the theatre.

Peter Pan is being staged in the Great Hall at Derby Assembly Rooms until January 6. For ticket details go to http://www.derbylive.co.uk or phone the box office on 01332 255800

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A magical sense of journeying above the rooftops of London...with the perfect Pan!

Reviewed by Pat Ashworth, The Stage

10 December 2012

The creative team has gone a long way to solving the difficulties of staging panto at the Derby Assembly Rooms, a venue that doesn’t lend itself to live theatre. Video projections on to rippling gauze soften the large and uncompromising stage area and create a magical sense of journeying above the rooftops of London or through the lagoons of Neverland.

So does George Sampson as Peter Pan. He flies a long way out into the auditorium, soaring high above the audience’s heads, and it’s a really enchanting sight. The show is a vehicle for his acrobatics and breakdancing and because his body moves in these extraordinary, impossible ways, he seems insubstantial and otherworldly - perfectly Pan.

A few liberties have been taken with the story, notably the introduction of a dame in the shape of Jason Sutton’s Able Mabel. And the crocodile is a cuddly beast who wouldn’t harm a flea. But Larry Lamb, a magnificently swashbuckling Captain Hook, plays it straight and holds the show and the company together, while Mike McLean’s in-yer-face Smee brings the house down. Just when you think it’s all over, he produces a ventriloquism act with the children who come up on stage that almost steals the show.

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Right up there with the best!

Reviewed by Nigel Powlson, Burton Mail

12 December 2012

THIS year’s Derby panto hits the heights in more ways than one. Not only is the show a rip-roaring slice of family fun, we also get to see most of the cast take to the air at some point during the evening, while the boy who never grew up soars right over the heads of the audience more than once.

As Peter is played by streetdance star George Sampson, expect whoops of delight from any teenage girls in the audience
who find themselves closer to their idol than they ever thought possible.

Playing Captain Hook is Gavin and Stacey and EastEnders’ favourite Larry Lamb, who revels in his villainous duties and who makes his one-handed pirate devilish but never ridiculous.

But for the second year in a row, the panto is stolen by comedian Mike McClean. He became an instant Derby favourite a year ago as Idle Jack in Dick Whittington and repeats the trick asSmee. He’s at the heart of most of the panto’s best
moments – not least his brilliant turn with a trio of young volunteers from the audience at the finale.

Peter Pan is always an audience favourite, such is the love for JM Barrie’s story, but it doesn’t always make for a great
panto. There’s a lot of detail to cramin and the trick is to get the balance right between storytelling and all the elements that make a panto such seasonal fun. So top marks to directors Keith and Ben Simmons, who have crafted a fluid and
thoroughly entertaining show, with the help of Lee Waddingham and Mike McLean, again, in the script department.

There’s hardly a foot out of place here and even the addition of a dame (Able Mabel played by Jason Sutton) pays dividend
when so often the role seem superfluous in Peter Pan.

Derby Live and Paul Holman have been crafting pantos at Derby Assembly Rooms for a decade now and they really have got
it down to a fine art.

The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is right up with the best they have staged and will have with laughter.

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Has the colour, magic and interest of a child's pop-up book!

Kevin Berry from The Stage

04 December 2012

Now that the City Varieties Music Hall has opted for a regular rock’n’roll pantomime, the Carriageworks is the one place to go to in Leeds for traditional panto entertainment. There is a loyal audience, built up over many a Christmas at the old Civic Theatre (which the Carriageworks replaced). This audience expects to join in and it does.

Jack And The Beanstalk has the colour, magic and interest of a child’s pop-up story book. There is adventure and fun. Marshall Lancaster makes an exciting Fleshcreep, bringing strong acting skills to the role.

The fun is in the hands of Jez Edwards, making his fourth consecutive appearance here. On stage with Steve Bruus, who is also the king, he has a slosh scene so beautifully timed that children are in fits of giggles even before the sloshing starts. Children so rarely see comedy like this. They will never have heard of Laurel and Hardy.

Super dancing, from vocational students at the nearby SLP College, adds to the visual impact and the standard of performance. This is a traditional pantomime which has a commendable freshness in the staging.

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