Category: Uncategorized

ice&fire –and Matthew Schmolle Productions Present

WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT!!

AN ALL-IMMIGRANT VARIETY SHOW

TOURING LONDON ARTS AND COMMUNITY SPACES

There’s something for everyone! (But should there be?)

Created by Olivier-award winning director Donnacadh O’Briain and playwright Amy Ng

Made in collaboration with Dr Sarah Fine and the Philosophy Department at King’s College London.

28 September – 16 October 2021

 Various venues across London Bethnal Green, Hornchurch, Wembley, Willesden Green, 

Catford, South Kilburn, Harlsden, Neasden, Norwood, Shoreditch

ice&fire –and Matthew Schmolle Productions are delighted to announce the London tour of a brand-newall-immigrant variety show. WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT is performed by a clown collective of immigrant performers, who take the audience on a journey of variety and satire. grappling with our decade’s stickiest subject; immigration.  It’s a show where karaoke meets moral philosophy, incorporating a stand-up pigeon double act, smorgasbord of characters, plenty of juice, plenty of biscuits and plenty of food for thought.

ice&fire have established themselves as a theatre company renowned for their use of performance to explore human rights issues, in WE LIKE TO MOVE IT MOVE IT, the cast do just that. Because while Brexit is now ‘done’ it seems we are still far from done with the age-old immigration ‘question.’ This all-immigrant variety show, has been created by Olivier award winner Donnacadh O’Briain (Ireland) and playwright Amy Ng (Hong Kong), with a company of actors; Jahmila Heath (Jamaica), Tomoko Komura (Japan), Gaël Le Cornec (Brazil-via-France) and Sergio Maggiolo (Peru). Collectively they are over 29,000 miles from home.

Touring to every corner of London, visiting venues in Bethnal Green, Hornchurch, Wembley, Willesden Green, 

Catford, South Kilburn, Harlsden, Neasden, Norwood, and Shoreditch – and serving up jokes, songs and satire, the performers ask; ‘What is behind our societal acceptance of immigration control? What does it say about us and what do those who have come to the UK from somewhere else want to say about it?’ 

Christine Bacon from ice&fire says: ‘As a company, ice&fire have for some time been concerned with the here and now of human rights stories and what can be done to make current systems more fair. With this project, we are trying to take a big step back and interrogate how and why immigration controls are seen as such a common sense and ‘natural’ feature of our world. But with clowns, so it will make you smile.’

Matthew Schmolle says: ‘We are passionate about getting this show out beyond the traditional theatre-world-echo-chamber, getting it in front of the broadest audience possible and seeing what all those people have to say about these over-looked issues which under pin so much of modern discourse around immigration’.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Tuesday 28^th September – Saturday 16^th October: 

Evenings (Timings vary, see www.iceandfire.co.uk/project/wltmimi for full information)

Tickets: Range from £Free – £15

Performance length: Approximately 60 minutes with no interval. 

Venues:

Tuesday 28th September & Thursday 30th September                         St Margarets House, Bethnal Green 

Tuesday 5^th October                                      Queens Theatre Hornchurch, 

Thursday 7^th October & Friday 8^th October                                                           The Yellow, Wembley

Saturday 9^th October                                     The Library at Willesden Green, Willesden 

Monday 11^th October                                                         Lewisham Irish Community Centre, Catford 

Tuesday 12^th October                                                                                  The Granville Community Centre, South Kilburn

Wednesday 13^th October                               The Roundwood Community Centre, Harlsden

Thursday 14^th October                                   St Catherine’s Church, Neasden

 Friday 15^th October                                       Stanley Arts, Norwood 

Saturday 16^th October                                                                RichMix, Shoreditch

LA VOIX

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Saturday 13 November 2021 at 7.30pm

Award winning star and Royal Family favourite La Voix is on tour with her brand new performance extravaganza, titled, ‘The UK’s Funniest Red Head.’ La Voix’s shows have become a phenomenon in many towns and cities around the world and 2021 sees La Voix’s most glamorous show yet taking the UK by storm! Most famously known for making it down to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent, La Voix has since gone on to be a regular on stage and screen! The show promises an impressive new repertoire of songs and gags and no less than 8 stunning new gowns! A Celebrity favourite, La Voix’s accolades are endless, even receiving validation from comedy icon – Jennifer Saunders who advises show goers ‘to wear thick pants because you’ll wet yourself laughing’ The diva’s effortless vocal performances are interspersed with a razor-sharp wit which brings audiences to their feet time and time again, whistling for more at every show. Broadway Baby wrote: “La Voix’s patter is lightning fast and stomach-punchingly funny.” La Voix’s unique act has not only caught the imagination of theatre goers and fellow performers across the globe, but when the feisty, flame-haired phenomenon is not giving it out on her hilarious talk show on BBC Radio Three Counties, she’s busy performing for the royal, rich and the famous. She has twice entertained Princes William and Harry at their New Year’s Eve party, and also topped the bill at Sir Ian McKellan’s 80th birthday bash when she was lavishly commended by the knight of the realm who said: “La Voix’s impersonations are surpassed only by her own cheekily entertaining personality. A genuine one-off!” This will be the hottest ticket in town and spoken about for months to come, so grab your ticket now to see The UK’s Funniest Red Head in action.

New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until 25 September 2021

Reviewed by Liberty Noke

4****

Bedknobs and Broomsticks is a classic movie I remember watching as a child and I was very excited to see it revived as a stage musical so that a new generation of children could enjoy it.

It is the story of 3 children who lost their parents to bombing during the war so are evacuated to the countryside. They meet the extravagant Miss Price who they soon learn is a witch who plans to use her magic to prevent further loss of life in the war. Using an enchanted bedknob the children and Miss Price travel in search of a spell and along the way they encounter many adventures.

In the beginning the stage appears small with just a bed set up in the centre but as the bombs fall the set is taken away to show the damage and reveal the whole stage. The set then changes to a large door to represent the museum where there was also a suit of armour.

Miss Price played by Dianne Pilkington had excellent stage presence from the moment she entered with her purple outfit and goggles. She had an extravagant manner about her but was likeable from the beginning. Pilkington played the part incredibly. Conor O’Hara gave a memorable performance as Charlie perfectly capturing the energy and cheekiness of a 13 year old boy and giving a show stopping performance of Negotiality.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show as did the rest of the audience. It was wonderful to see so many children there, for many their first time in a theatre. And to see them fall in love with theatre as I have. They were peering into the orchestra and whispering to their parents to ask how the bed was flying – I as an adult am still unsure of this but I think that is part of what makes this show so magical. Every audience member was watching in amazement.

A tremendous show that will have children and parents alike believing in magic!

Newcastle Theatre Royal – until 25 September 2021

5*****

“So, did you’hear the story of the Johnstone twins?”

Well, if you haven’t you must! The phenomenon that is Blood Brothers has been captivating audiences for over 30 years now. Willy Russell’s moving tale of two twin boys who are separated at birth and grow up on opposite sides of the social-class spectrum, only to meet up again with devastating consequences, has established itself as a contemporary classic around the globe. 

Having seen the show numerous times before, the characters and plot are familiar to me but, despite that, Blood Brothers grips me each and every time with its poignancy, humour, tenderness and tragedy.

The role of Mrs Johnstone must be one of the most coveted in musical theatre and the struggling single mother “with seven hungry mouths to feed and one more nearly due” has been played by a whole host of well-known actresses. Lyn Paul is the actress who is currently re-wearing the care-worn smile and crossover pinny for the last time.

Paul presents the audience with quite a different ‘Mrs J’ – although she is maternal, understanding, compassionate, earthy and warm-hearted, she also displays a nervous vulnerability. In addition to a phenomenal acting performance, she delivers her musical numbers with meaning and conviction and her voice is clear, rich and full of emotion.

Alex Patmore, as Mickey, and Joel Benedict as Eddie are outstanding. It can’’t be easy to convincingly play a seven year old child but both of them achieve it admirably, capturing every childhood nuance accurately. The transition to teenager, then man, is equally convincing. Both actors display great skill with the many poignant scenes that they share and the contrast between ‘posh’ Edward and ‘scruffy’ Mickey manifests itself perfectly in their performances. Patmore makes the most of Mickey’s comedic qualities without ever over-playing them and Benedict gives Eddie an endearing charm and vulnerability.

Danielle Corlass plays Linda, the girl both boys fall in love with. She, too, gives a fine performance throughout, especially in the scene where she tries to persuade Mickey to stop taking the anti-depressants that have transformed him into an empty shell of a man.

Robbie Scotcher plays the significant role of the Narrator, a spectral figure who personifies the moral consciences of Mrs Johnstone and Mrs Lyons, and his performance is as strong and sinister as it should be. His ominous presence hovers around like a dark storm cloud on a sunny day and his strong and powerful voice is hauntingly beautiful.

The strong supporting cast includes Paula Tappenden and Grace Galloway who play Mrs Lyons and Donna-Marie respectively. Daniel Taylor is bad-boy Sammy and Tim Churchill is Mr Lyons.

Blood Brothers is a production that goes from strength to strength, its appeal growing over the years rather than diminishing. It is so powerful a play that it can be watched time and time again without ever losing any of its emotional impact or social relevance.

Wherever it is performed, Blood Brothers receives a standing ovation from an approving audience with no exception. This production is heart-warming, tear-jerking, uplifting, devastating and, above all else, brilliant!

The cast and audiences are currently collecting money in memory of Graham Martin, a much loved member of the Blood Brothers family, who sadly died last year.  The Graham Martin Bursary has been set up in conjunction with Arts Ed.  The bursary will provide a helping hand to young performers of exceptional talent during their years of study at ArtsEd.  In addition to being awarded financial support, the bursary recipients will also be mentored by well-established theatre professionals, reflecting the generosity with which Graham shared his own expertise and experience for so many years.  Donations can be made here Graham Martin Bursary Appeal

Jacksons Lane, London – until 29 September, then touring

Reviewed by Debra Stottor

4****

Jacksons Lane in north London has been closed for some time, not just because of the pandemic, but for extensive refurbishments, so it was good to see this community arts centre open its doors again, in advance of the full reopening at the end of October.

This is the world premiere of Luminosa, a brand-new, thrill-a-minute circus cabaret from Jacksons Lane and Lost in Translation. The venue is the UK’s leading supporter of contemporary circus, so it’s appropriate that the reopening show is a display of some of the most skilled acrobatics you’ll see, all performed with style, panache and a healthy dose of humour.

The skills on show are both breathtaking and spellbinding – we were treated to a feast of Chinese pole, silks, straps, aerial hoop, hand balancing, acrobatics, hooping, flying pole and much more. I was particularly in awe of the juggler lying on her back juggling five football-sized balls with her hands and feet, but equally astounded by the skill, strength and extreme flexibility of all the participants as they twisted, twirled and threw each other around for 70 minutes.

Special mentions go out to Zaki Musa, who managed to work his way up, down and around a spinning pole while rocking sky-high heels (and leaving very little to the imagination, clothing-wise), and to Roisin Morris and Massimiliano Rossetti for their Korean cradle work – he stands high in a frame, swinging her back and forth and releasing her to unleash spectacular somersaults and twists, then catching her as she returns. The teamwork here truly makes the dream work.

The original music, written and performed by Peter Reynolds, gave an air of pre-war Berlin cabaret, and made the perfect match for the drama of the action on stage.

Having seen an earlier Lost in Translation production, The Hogwallops, I knew I was in for a treat, and certainly wasn’t disappointed. This is one of the UK’s leading circus ensembles, touring internationally throughout the year, and Luminosa will be showing nationwide from October.

Jacksons Lane is the flagship arts and cultural venue in Haringey, and the transformative redevelopment of this historic building aims to improve accessibility, create a better audience experience, modernise the studio spaces and provide a flexible working environment. Work is still under way, but if Studio One, where we enjoyed post-show drinks, is anything to go by, this is set to be a space well worth visiting in the future.

Bristol Hippodrome – until 25 September 2021

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

3***

It’s electrifyin’!

Grease comes to Bristol Hippodrome to tantalise the audience with well known and loved songs intertwined with some unknown ones also. Dan Partridge and understudy Ellie Kingdon, as Danny and Sandy, along with Peter Andre as Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel made for an exciting show.

For me, the stand out performance of the night was Maeve Byrne as Jan. She bought such exuberance and character to the stage, that I could not take my eyes off her throughout the scenes. Her comic timing, coupled with the upbeat dances from Arlene Phillips choreography made her performance extra special and she revelled in her time on stage and within the character.

Tendai Rinomhota as Rizzo captured the stage through her rendition of ‘There are Worse Things I Could Do’. Peter Andre had such presence on stage, that I can hardly believe he has not performed in Musical Theatre before! Whenever he was on stage, regardless of being the forefront or not, he was so animated and funny that he truly embodied the essence of Grease. The ensemble were superb; the dancing was so clean and rehearsed. Dan Glover kept the show rooted in the 1950’s style with his excellent band-a treat for the ears!

There were, however, some points where the singing was slightly drowned out by the band but when the balance was right it was a real feast.

Overall, this feel good show is a must see if you are a fan of the film-it has been given boost with the addition of new songs and you will leave the theatre humming and dancing!!

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Fiery Angel Entertainment present…

CIRCUS 1903

• A WORLD-CLASS LINE-UP OF INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS ARE ANNOUNCED FOR THE EXHILARATING INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT CIRCUS 1903 AT THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL THIS CHRISTMAS
• JOINING RINGMASTER WILLY WHIPSNADE AND HIS TWO LOVABLE ELEPHANTS WILL BE NEW ACT THE RUSSIAN BAR, A FOUR-PERSON TEETERBOARD, ROLA BOLA, THE CYCLING CYCLONE, CONTORTIONIST, AERIAL ARTISTS ‘THE FLYING FREDONIS’, A RUSSIAN CRADLE, A SPINNING ICARIAN DUO, A JAW-DROPPING JUGGLER, THE WHEEL OF DEATH AND A HULA BALL
• BURSTING BACK ONTO THE STAGE BRINGING SOME MUCH-NEEDED LAUGHTER AND JOY FROM 16 DECEMBER – 2 JANUARY, THIS EXTRAORDINARY SHOW BRINGS ALL THE GLAMOUR AND ROMANCE OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS TO THE STAGE TO DELIGHT ALL THE FAMILY
• FOR TICKETS VISIT WWW.CIRCUS1903.COM

Circus 1903 is delighted to announce a world-class line-up of performers from across the globe who are limbering up for their anticipated third Christmas Season at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall from 16 Dec 2021 – 2 January 2022, with a press night on Thursday 16 December. Tickets are available from www.circus1903.com.

A range of astounding new acts will accompany old favourites, transporting audiences back to the wonders of the Golden Age of Circus.  Undoubtedly the most charming puppet elephants on any stage around the world, Queenie and Peanut will return for 2021 alongside the magnificent Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade (award-winning magician David Williamson) who will preside over the whole extravaganza, delighting audiences young and old.

Joining the Circus 1903 family adventure for the first time this year is ‘The Russian Bar’ (performed by Ukraine trioTymofii Chemko, Oleksii Balakhchy and Mykola Mykytchyn) which will entertain with exploits of equilibrium acrobatics in a delightful and delicate display unmatched on terra firma! These intrepid champions of balance and acrobatics are unrivalled, performing fearless feats of equilibristic exploits with courageous concentration and consummate composure.

This new act will join the stomach-churning heights of ‘The Daring Desafios’ (a foursome of Brazilian teeterboard daredevils João Guilherme de Lima Siqueira, Luan de Souza Vieira, Leonardo Louzada de Freitas and Vinicius Vasconcelos da Silveira), the legendary balancing act Rola Bola by ‘The Sensational Sozonov’ (performed by Russian artist Mikhail Sozonov), ‘The Cycling Cyclone’ (performed by German artist Florian Blummel), unrivalled Ethiopian contortionist ‘The Elastic Dislocationist’ (Senayet Asefa Amare), the astonishing aerial artist duo ‘The Flying Fredonis’ (performed by Russian artists Daria Shelest and Vadym Pankevych), the Russian Cradle featuring breath-taking performances from ‘Les Incredibles’ (Olavo Rocha Muniz and Denise Torres de Souza), mind-bending juggler ‘The Great Gaston’ (Roberto Carlos), Dizzying Ethiopian duo ‘The Remarkable Risleys’ (Abiy Saleamlak Negash and Seife Desta Buser) will bring their Icarian Games act and finally the furious flexible feats of Russian Rolling Ball Hula Hoopist ‘Mademoiselle Natalia’ (Natalia Leontieva).

Following dizzying new levels of awe and wonder in 2019, The Wheel of Death will return for 2021. This ginormous rotating apparatus featuring large metal hoops at each end will see Colombian trio Carlos Mayorga Macias, Mauricio Venegas Torres and Andres Felipe Daza Venegas carry out eye-popping acrobatic skills whilst the wheel is rotating.

SWIPE RIGHT THEATRE ANNOUNCES

SOHO THEATRE DATES AND UK TOUR OF

SCREAM PHONE

Swipe Right Theatre today announce the UK tour of Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019 musical hit Scream Phone written and performed by Natasha Granger (Melody) and Kerrie Thomason (Janice) with further cast to be announced. Directed by Tom Parry, the production opens at Soho Theatre on 29 October, with previews from 28 October, and runs until 30 October before embarking on a UK tour, visiting Birmingham, Guildford, Bristol, Bath, Leighton Buzzard, Cambridge and concluding in Brighton on 26 November.

Swipe Right Theatre present

Scream Phone

By Natasha Granger and Kerrie Thomason

Directed by Tom Parry; Arrangements and Music: Martin Higgins; Set Design: Casey Jay Andrews

Lighting Design: David Doyle

UK tour: 28 October – 26 November 2021

It’s 1989, the girls are having a sleepover and you’re like, totally invited!

Pillow fights in their underwear, singing into hairbrushes, and gossiping about their crushes, what could possibly go wrong? As long as they don’t answer the over-sized pink phone… dun dun DUUUN!

Based on the retro classic game Dream Phone, Scream Phone will take you on a killer journey back to the ‘80s with an infectious soundtrack.

Tom Parry directs. His theatre credits include The Reunion by Max and Ivan (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) and Don Rodolfo by Ciaran Dowd (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Soho Theatre). As one third of the award-winning sketch group Pappys he wrote six Edinburgh shows, twice being nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award; and as a stand-up his credits include Yellow T Shirt (Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Best Newcomer nomination), which was also developed into BBC Radio 4’s Fancy Dressed Life. As a writer, his television credits include Class Dismissed and Badults; and the upcoming film, Your Christmas Or Mine?.

Natasha Granger is co-writer and plays Melody. She is co-founder of Swipe Right Theatre; her credits for the company include 2 Become 1 (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Brighton Fringe/King’s Head Theatre). She is also co-founder of Anglo-Swiss theatre company, Theatre Fideri Fidera, where her credits include Ugg ‘n’ Ogg and the World’s First Dogg, Pitschi: The Kitten with Dreams (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/UK tour), and Oskar’s Amazing Adventure in the Snow (UK tour). Her other theatre credits include Don Rodolfo, The Wrestling and The Reunion (Edinburgh Festival Fringe).

Kerrie Thomason is co-writer and plays Janice. She is co-founder of Swipe Right Theatre, her credits for the company include 2 Become 1 (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/Brighton Fringe/King’s Head Theatre). Her stage credits include Single White Slut (Edinburgh Festival Fringe/UK tour/Duchess Theatre/The Melbourne Comedy Festival), and Max & Ivan: Prom Night and Hamlet (Edinburgh Festival Fringe). Thomason also volunteers for Scene And Heard, a theatre based children’s charity.

SCREAM PHONE

LISTING

Soho Theatre

28 – 30 October 2021

Box Office: 020 7478 0100 / www.sohotheatre.com

Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

3 – 6 November 2021

Box Office: 0121 200 1892 / www.oldjointstock.co.uk

Yvonne Arnaud Guildford – The Mill Studio

10 November 2021

Box Office: 01483 44 00 00 / www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol

11 – 12 November 2021

Box Office: 0117 902 0344 / www.thewardrobetheatre.com

The Rondo Theatre, Bath

13 November 2021

Box Office: 0333 666 3366 / www.rondotheatre.co.uk

Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

17 November 2021

Box Office:www.centralbedfordshire.ticketsolve.com/shows

Town and Gown Theatre, Cambridge

18 – 20 November 2021

Box Office: 01223 309796 / www.townandgown.co.uk

Komedia, Brighton

26 November 2021 

Box Office: 01273 647100 / www.komedia.co.uk/brighton

SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

RETURNS FOR 2022

Wiltshire Creative today announce Salisbury International Arts Festival will return in 2022 with a full programme for the first time in two years. From 27 May – 19 June, the festival will feature a diverse programme of music, theatre, film, dance, spoken word, visual arts, family and free events,  created by Wiltshire Creative’s Artistic Director Gareth Machin and Associate Artist violinist Harriet Mackenzie, and Festival Producer Lucy Babb, alongside a team of associate curators.

Returning for the first time since 2019 and running for an extended period of 3 weeks, the 2022 Salisbury International Arts Festival will be inspired by the drama, opportunity and danger of islands, and the wide variety of emotions they evoke, delving into the mysterious allure of remote locations. The programme will feature a spectacular line-up of events spanning multiple genres, including circus arts, music, comedy, dance, and a variety of free family events across May half term.

Tickets for Salisbury International Arts Festival will be onsale from 1 March 2022. To be the first to hear when tickets are available sign up here: https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/your-visit/mailing/

Lucy Babb, Festival Producer, said today, “After a two-year hiatus we can’t wait to bring together communities to share in the wonder of the arts once again. 2022 will see the return of the Salisbury International Arts Festival back to the venues, churches, countryside and streets of Wiltshire.” 

Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, said today, “I am delighted to be bringing Salisbury International Arts Festival back to Wiltshire with a spectacular programme of events in 2022. Fascination, fear and love of islands has long fired our collective imagination. After 300 years we are still reading Robinson Crusoe and, after 75 years and over 2,000 episodes, Desert Island Discs is still going strong. However, our interest in islands runs much deeper than their dramatic potential. In our highly connected world, we are increasingly craving the isolation and tranquillity that islands can offer. Even with modern amenities, islands consistently draw us in as holiday locations and meccas of fun and leisure.”

With the full programme to be announced in due course, events already confirmed for the programme include:

• Contributions from Wiltshire Creative’s SHIFT programme for young creatives, with opportunities for young people to get involved announced in due course
• The world première of Stone Songs composed by Howard Moody and featuring the Festival Chorus and La Folia musicians, in a performance inspired by the Medieval chants that have resonated from the Cathedral’s stones since the 13th century.
• A one-off Jubilee Concert and additional performances in celebration of the upcoming Platinum Jubilee
• The return of the vibrant City Encounters events, offering free pop-up events around Salisbury

Salisbury International Arts Festival will go on sale Spring 2022 at www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk.

SEE IT SAFELY – We have been granted the use of Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s See It Safely mark. The mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences. You can find out more here https://officiallondontheatre.com/see-it-safely/ about the measures we have been putting in place ready for your visit, and what you will need to know beforehand.

Roll up roll up!

The cast of Birmingham Hippodrome’s first pantomime since 2019 arrives in Brum to launch Goldilocks and the Three Bears

This week, the cast of Goldilocks and the Three Bears came together for the first time in costume to launch this year’s Hippodrome pantomime, which runs from Saturday 18 December 2021 – Sunday 30 January 2022.

This year’s spectacular festive show will be the first pantomime back in the Hippodrome since the venue recently reopened after almost 18 months of closure and will also mark Jason Donovan’s panto debut.

Alongside Jason – who will be playing the Evil Ringmaster – and Matt Slack as Ringmaster will be Doreen Tipton as Doreen the Lion Tamer, Andrew Ryan as Dame Betty Barnum, Alexia McIntosh as Candy Floss and Samantha Dorrance as Goldilocks.

The UK’s biggest regional panto follows Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks, who are battling to save their Big Top circus from the Evil Ringmaster who is intent on stealing their three loveable bears and leaving them in ruin.

Alongside the headline cast, the Hippodrome have also revealed a spectacular line-up of circus acts including the magnificent magician Phil Hitchcock, awe-inspiring motorcycle act Peter Pavlov and The Globe of Speed, the Death-Defying Gemini Sisters and international circus artist Pierre Marchand. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is the first circus-themed pantomime at the Hippodrome for 24 years and includes the set and production values of the sell-out London Palladium pantomime in 2019, alongside lots of new material created especially for the Birmingham cast and audience.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears runs at Birmingham Hippodrome Saturday 18 December 2021 – Sunday 30 January 2022. To book visit birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 338 5000 (4.5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge).