Pantomime

Writer: Michael Chapman Director: Michael Jenkins Reviewer: Victoria Field Every year the Stiwt Theatre panto seems to be more magical than the year before – and 2017's offering of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is no exception. LHK Productions' take on Snow White stays true to the Disney plotline we all know and love but with a fresh and ...

Writers: Michael Harrison and Alan McHugh  Director: Michael Harrison Reviewer: James Garrington Each year the Birmingham Hippodrome panto seems to be more spectacular than the year before – and 2017 is no exception. This time it’s Cinderella, and you know you’re going to be in for something special when you find a famous soul diva belting out the opening number ...

Writer: Alan McHugh, with additional material by Billy Pearce Musical Director: James McCullagh Choreographer: Stillie Dee Director: Ed Curtis Reviewer: Sue Collier Bradford Alhambra’s annual pantomime is always entertaining. On entering the Theatre, one is met by a children’s choir and the friendly and believable Santa who whips up excitement for the days ahead regarding the number of sleeps left ...

Writer: Alan McHugh Director: Bob Tomson Reviewer: John Roberts The Empire Theatre’s annual pantomime may have undergone a change of producer, but that doesn’t mean the largest Christmas show in Merseyside has lost any of its glimmer and shine, in fact this year’s offering of Cinderella starring Duncan James (Prince Charming) and Jodie Prenger (Fairy Godmother) still provides a winning ...

Director: Stuart Wade Musical Director: Dean McDermott Choreographer: Emily Taylor Reviewer: Mark Clegg Although not a fairy tale that traditionally received the panto treatment, Beauty and the Beast has become increasingly popular to adapt following Disney’s 1991 movie. Having this production coincide with this year’s release of the live-action remake has been a canny business decision and although the basic ...

Writers: Berwick Kaler Music: Elliot Styche Director: Damian Cruden and Berwick Kaler Choreographer: Grace Harrington Reviewer: Sophie Dodworth Britain’s longest-serving pantomime dame Berwick Kaler is back once again to entertain the eager Christmas crowd gathered at the York Theatre Royal. Over the decades, the actor has created a seasonal institution and one that is part of many families annual Christmas ...

Writer and Director: James Savournin Lyrics and Arrangements: David Eaton Reviewer: Maryam Philpott In the well-trodden panto furrow, genuine innovation is pretty rare, so Charles Court Opera’s latest “Boutique Pantomime” at the King’s Head Theatre is something a bit special. While the political jokes are updated every year and the gender-swapped casting may be de rigueur, the essential elements of ...

Writer and Director: Richard Gauntlett Reviewer: Lu Greer The tree lights are twinkling, presents are being wrapped, and there's still no sign of snow. This can only mean two things: Christmas is coming and Richard Gauntlett has got a giant multi-coloured dress on again. The Theatre Royal Norwich panto is once again written and directed by Gauntlett, with him also taking on ...