Writer: Steve Boden
Director: Michael Vivian
Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas is the star attraction as Dartford’s Orchard West hosts its second pantomime in its temporary tent.
The production is a riff on the typical Sleeping Beauty story, though this one relies a little more on time travel than other versions. As soon as the curtain pulls back, this production delivers plenty of warm and festive sparkle.
Christmas’ incredible vocal range is put to the test from the off, kickstarting the production with a rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow. Christmas’ vocal prowess is without question, yet some of the song choices which allow her to show this off feel a little out of place in a pantomime setting. Nevertheless, this is a commanding performance from Christmas as Fairy Christmas and is deserving of great plaudits throughout.
Alongside Christmas is the real-life father-son comedy duo Keith and Ben Simmons (aka Simmons and Simmons), who star as King Prawn and Lord Chamberlain, respectively. The chemistry between the pair is natural, with the older Keith Simmons falling quickly into the punchline in this set-up. It is a fun performance from the pair, though they do feel a little overused, especially in a first half moment where their gigantic icing guns misfire and the routine fails to live up to expectations. That said, it evens out in the second half during a brilliant and risqué slapstick routine involving a frying pan and a bell on a string.
Magician Christian Lee is Josh the Jester. Lee’s magic tricks are not particularly mesmerising, but there is enough in them to keep you guessing as to how he pulls it off. What Lee does have is a strong stage presence and more than carries off the Buttons-esque role. Lee’s audience interaction is a strength, and his routine as the play reaches its conclusion, with an enormous balloon, has a worthwhile punchline.
Lucy May Pollard and Cleve September, Princess Beauty and Prince Galileo, bounce off each other well, and both seize their moments to shine. They also work well with the superb Larissa Alexandrovnia, who, as the devilish Fairy Carabosse, threatens to steal the show as the amusingly mean villain.
Although a little understated than in previous years, Dartford’s pantomime offering carries more heart in it than other iterations. This is a hardworking cast, clearly having a lot of fun, and the local origins of Christmas and the Simmons pair help this piece to land. The leads are also supported by a hardworking ensemble, who, despite their small numbers, ooze confidence through a range of routines.
It is also clear that the theatre feels a little more comfortable in its temporary home than twelve months ago. The set is given more space to breathe, designed well to make the most of the limited space while also making use of two smaller castle structures to flank the wings and provide a bit of extra sparkle. In addition, Will West’s charming lighting design makes good use of small bulbs over the audience to evoke a sense of celebration and warmth. Despite the challenges, this is a production that looks good. This is also furthered by a striking use of puppetry with an enormous dragon deployed in the second half, which dazzles in a tense and climactic scene.
There may well be glitzier and more glamorous pantomimes out there, but with Christmas’ help, this show more than hits the high notes and is a fun way to settle into the festive season.
Runs until 5 January 2025
While this was exciting for the 3 Children in our group (7, 7 & 4 years), I personally found it disappointing. In today’s times we are getting less and less for our money. Performed by cast of 12 it just did not do it for me. Perhaps being an older person and having been to many, many Panto’s over the years and spoilt with top billing artistes I just found this to be a let down. No reduction for Children so 6 Tickets cost £250. On Christmas Eve I am off to see Robin Hood ( the adult version) in the West End of London and our Stall Tickets are only £10 more.