Home

Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Sunday 8th January 2023

Reviewed by Steph Lott

5*****

Once again, it’s pantomime season! It was wonderful to join an enthusiastic and excited audience for Cambridge Art Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington and His Cat. This is a fun, vibrant and entertaining show, full of glitz, tradition and dodgy jokes. At the start of the show Dave Murphy, Chief Executive of the Cambridge Arts Theatre, and producer of the show, gave a heart-warming introduction to the performance and talked about the charities that have benefitted from funds raised from previous panto performances. He asked the audience to “go ballistic”, which we did, at the many opportunities to boo and cheer, to show our appreciation of a wonderful family show.

This production has a very strong cast who are skilfully directed by Michael Gattrell. The show ticks all the boxes for a great traditional piece of family entertainment.

Of course, we must have a pantomime dame and Matt Crosby as Sarah the Cook was superb, possibly even better that he was as Widow Twankey last year. He executes everything with perfect comic timing and a charming sauciness, clad in a splendid array of wigs and dresses, and a set of enormous eye lashes. Rolan Bell’s performance as King Rat is just as outstanding. He’s all velvet-voiced villain as he sings “Let’s Get This Party Started” with his fellow rats. He also has an excellent evil laugh! It’s no wonder that he won the award for “Best Villain” at the Pantomime Awards 2022.

A special mention must be made of Adrian Grove. I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to give anything away but boy! I’ll just say that he earns his crust.

And we must not forget the ensemble. They really were excellent, bringing the stage alive in each of the full ensemble numbers, accompanied by music from a live four-piece pit band (Musical Director Dean McDermott). I was impressed at how well all the performers could sing play and dance, given that it was a pantomime!

I want to give another special mention to the script. Once again, writer Al Lockhart-Morley has done a fabulous job. What I loved about it was that it was really funny, with some innuendo for the adults but it didn’t ever become too knowing or smutty. We were given a never-ending stream of the worst best kind of puns, plays on words and Christmas cracker jokes, which really are my favourite. We didn’t stop laughing the whole way through, both at the script but also at some great slapstick. The scene in the ship’s galley, when Sarah the Cook and Silly Billie (played by Nichole Bird) are haplessly trying to make dinner had us crying with laughter at their antics. It’s also the anticipation at knowing what’s going to come that I think is a large part of the pleasure of pantomime.

I loved everything about this show. From start to finish it never ceased to entertain both myself and everyone else in the audience, both young and old. This show is brilliant entertainment for all the family, embracing every well-loved panto tradition. It’s slick and full of laughs and there are some seriously talented players. What better way to keep the dark damp evenings at bay and get ready for Christmas.

New Wimbledon Theatre – until 31^st December 2022 

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge  

4 ½ **** 

Wimbledon brings you their Christmas Panto – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and what a spectacular panto it was! 

Filled with much fun, laughter and surprises along the way. This year’s story takes you to a magical land where Snow White (Hannah Lowther) is soon to be 21 meets Prince Lee of Lambeth (Lee Mead). Will sparks be flying the moment they meet? Or does Queen Lucretia (Ruthie Henshall) have other plans for the pair! Lee Mead played a very Prince like character that was wonderful to watch. He was charming and his voice was amazing alongside Snow White’s, making the performance complete. There was just enough romance between the pair and with a twist at the end to the original story line it was indeed very interesting and entertaining to watch. Hannah Lowther played Snow White with the right amount of sweetness and innocence needed for her role. Together the strength from herself and her Prince will help them to overcome the Wicked Queen. 

Queen Lucretia on the other hand who feels her beauty is above all. Only to be told this is untrue by her Magic Mirror which unfolds to her that her rein of beauty will be done as soon as Snow White hits 21! For with this news, her plan she begins to hatch. To destroy Snow White with immediate effect. Her only safety is for her friends to hide her away with the Magnificent Seven (Jonny Weston, Lucas Angelo Ward, Joshua Clemetson, Will Keeler, Jack Malin, Chris Otim and Jacob Smith) to keep her completely safe. They offered much amusement, all standing up to their names looking after their beautiful Snow White. 

Queen Lucretia brings darkness to the show with her peril laugh her red horns that matches her outfit of evil she totally has her own swagger going on practising black magic with her trolls following her close behind in fascinating gothic costumes. She played her part spectacularly well for a Baddy 

Snow White’s friends The Court Jesters (Dick & Dom) are very cheeky indeed. They have lots of charisma are very funny and have the audience entertained throughout offering many jokes to keep both adult and child amused shouting out BOGEYS only to be screamed back at with the same giggly word BOGEYS from the audience. Alongside them  Oddjob (John Archer) The Magician kept the show engaged with his entertaining jokes and blues playing on a ukulele and pulling bowling balls out of a briefcase what more could you ask for! 

Mrs Nelly Night Nurse (Matthew Kelly) with her wacky and outrageous outfits full of colour offering great slapstick comedy keeping all happy! 

How can we forget the Spirit of Pantomime (Brenda Edwards) She was most definitely rocking out her own tune. What an outstanding voice pure brilliance and much sparkle throughout.  

Was great to also see the audience have so much participation compared to previous years. 

Wimbledon your twelve days of Christmas was remarkable and fun with flying toilets rolls and water pistols and much chuckling in the process definitely a must see. 

If you want an interesting funny and fabulous evening out with the family. That’s full of sparkle as well as wicked, then get yourself down to Wimbledon Theatre for a tremendous and extravagant evening out.  

BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL

TO PLAY ITS FIRST EVER

RELAXED PERFORMANCE

AT THE ADELPHI THEATRE

ON 12 MARCH 2023

Lead producer Colin Ingram, together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back To The Future film trilogy, are delighted to announce that BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical will play its first ever relaxed performance at the Adelphi Theatre on Sunday 12 March 2023. Please click here to book.

Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but may benefit those who normally find it challenging to access and enjoy theatre. The performance will include reduced volume and lighting states with a laid-back approach to audience movement permitting and encouraging everyone to relax and respond naturally.

The critically acclaimed Olivier, WhatsOnStage and Broadway World Award-winning Best New Musical had its opening night in London on Monday 13 September 2021. The musical recently broke box office records at the Adelphi Theatre for the highest gross sales in one week.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical currently stars Cory English and Ben Joyce as ‘Dr Emmett Brown’ (until 3 January 2023) and ‘Marty McFly’ respectively, with Amber Davies as ‘Lorraine Baines’, Oliver Nicholas as ‘George McFly’, Jordan Benjamin as ‘Goldie Wilson’, Harry Jobson as ‘Biff Tannen’, Sophie Naglik as ‘Jennifer Parker’, Gary Trainor as ‘Strickland’, Will Haswell as alternate ‘Marty McFly’ and ‘Dave McFly’ and Emma Lloyd as ‘Linda McFly’.

Tony Award winner, Roger Bart, will return to the show on 5 January 2023. His final performance in London will be 20 March 2023 after which he will lead the cast of the Broadway production, which begins performances at Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) on 30 June 2023 with an official opening on 3 August 2023.

Also in the cast are Amy Barker, Simeon Beckett, Sia Dauda, Tyler Davis, Glen Facey, Dylan Gordon-Jones, Adam Margilewski, Cameron McAllister, Alessia McDermott, Bryan Mottram, Laura Mullowney, Anna Murray, Jon Reynolds, Melissa Rose, Georgia Tapp, Justin Thomas, Charley Warburton and Tavio Wright.

The Original Cast Recording, released on Sony Music’s Masterworks Broadway label, is now available on all formats, including vinyl, and has had over 3 million streams. It features the new music by multi-Grammy Award-winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard alongside classic songs from the movie including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode. 

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. The productions in London and Manchester have so far been seen by half a million people and the musical has broken box office records at the Adelphi Theatre.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical has a book by Bob Gale and new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including The Power of Love and Johnny B. Goode.

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr Emmett Brown.  But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is directed by Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown, On The Town), alongside the multi Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team of Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin (lighting), Hugh Vanstone (lighting consultant), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow and Illusions by Chris Fisher. Orchestrations are by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, with dance arrangements by David Chase. Casting is by David Grindrod Associates.

Back to the Future the movie was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr Emmett Brown. The film grossed $360.6 million (£279 million) at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical is produced by Colin Ingram, Donovan Mannato, Frankel/Viertel/Baruch/Routh Group, Hunter Arnold, Gavin Kalin Productions, Playing Field, Crush Music, CJ ENM, Teresa Tsai, Ivy Herman/Hallee Adelman, Robert L. Hutt, Universal Theatrical Group, Ricardo Marques, Augury, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, in association with Kimberly Magarro, Stage Entertainment, Glass Half Full Productions/ Neil Gooding Productions.

Website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com

Link to relaxed performance

Twitter: @BTTFmusical

Instagram: @BTTFmusical

TikTok: @BTTFmusical          

LISTINGS INFORMATION

BACK TO THE FUTURE The Musical

Adelphi Theatre

Strand

Covent Garden

London WC2R 0NS

Current booking period to 23 July 2023

Performances:

Mondays, Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, Sundays at 3pm

(Please note, there will be additional performances at 6pm on Sunday 12 February and at 2.30pm & 7.30pm  on Tuesday 14 February plus 2.30pm on Monday 10 April and  Monday 29 May 2023. There will be no shows on Monday 13 February or Monday 20 February and no matinee on Thursday 9 February. The show on Monday 1 May will be at 2:30pm)

N.B  Sunday 12 March will be a relaxed performance

Sunday 2 April will be a signed performance

Sunday 23 April will be an audio described performance

Sunday 14 May will be a captioned performance

Tickets: from £19.55

Please book via the website: BackToTheFutureMusical.com – no booking fees  

Booking line: 0203 925 2998

Christmas 2022/23 Performance Schedule

Sunday 18 December                1pm & 6pm

Monday 19 December               No performance

Tuesday 20 December               2.30pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 21 December          2.30pm & 7.30pm         

Thursday 22 December              2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 23 December                  7.30pm

Saturday 24 December              2.30pm

Sunday 25 December                No performance

Monday 26 December               No performance

Tuesday 27 December               2.30pm & 7.30pm

Wednesday 28 December          2.30pm & 7.30pm         

Thursday 29 December              2.30pm & 7.30pm

Friday 30 December                  2.30pm & 7.30pm

Saturday 31 December              2.30pm

Sunday 1 January                      No performance

Monday 2 January                     2.30pm & 7.30pm

Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Eilene Davidson Productions present

Vardy v Rooney:
The Wagatha Christie Trial

• BACK OF THE NET! VARDY V ROONEY: THE WAGATHA CHRISTIE TRIAL WILL MOVE TO THE AMBASSADORS THEATRE IN THE WEST END FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED RUN FROM 6 APRIL 2023 – 20 MAY 2023
• TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT FOR THE FINAL 4 PERFORMANCES OF THE VERBATIM PLAY AT THE WYNDHAM’S THEATRE

Due to popular demand, Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial will play for a strictly limited run at the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, opening on 6 April – 20 May 2023. The final 4 remaining performances at the Wyndham’s Theatre on 6th, 13th and 20th Dec 2022 and 10th January 2023 are now sold-out.

The verbatim production opened on 15 November and has played to packed houses and standing ovations ever since. The trial that gripped the nation has been adapted from seven days of High Court transcripts by Liv Hennessy (finalist in the Paines Plough’s Women’s Prize for Playwriting) and directed by Lisa Spirling (Artistic Director of Theatre503).

Tickets will go on sale on at midday on Tuesday 6th December from www.wagathaplay.com / Box Office 0844 871 7615.

From sting operations to sensational headlines, this verbatim production will reveal what went on behind closed doors in the case that turned social media sleuthing into high drama. Audiences will see first-hand, and in the words of Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney, how the extraordinary week in court played out.

Vardy v Rooney is a story stranger than fiction, with lurid one-liners and revelations blurring the boundaries of tabloid and court case, social media and soap opera. This unique moment in British media history captivated the country but while public debate raged, only a handful of people witnessed what happened in the trial. Now audiences can watch the intrigue and intricacies of the case live on stage in the West End. 

Vardy v Rooney: The Wagatha Christie Trial is adapted by Liv Hennessy, directed by Lisa Spirling and designed by Polly Sullivan, the lighting designer is Ben Bull, the composer and sound designer is Richard Hammarton and Lizzie Manwaring is assistant director.

LYCEUM, SHEFFIELD – UNTIL 3RD JANUARY 2023

REVIEWED BY ALISON BEAUMONT

4****

This year’s Panto stars Wendi Peters as Fairy Sugarsnap (famous for playing her role as the mouthy Cilla in Coronation Street), Damian Williams as Dame Trot returning for his 15th year at the Lyceum, playing Charlie we have Sheffield’s very own busking sensation Maxwell Thorpe who wowed everyone with his audition for Britains Got Talent and making it to the final, Marc Pickering as Luke Backinanger, Sam Turrell as Jack Trot, Joey Wilby as Billy and Sarah Freer as Jess.

The first Act took a little bit of time to get the audience warmed up but the use of a drone got the audience involved and showed Damian’s talent at unrehearsed jokes. There was a point where there was a man in the audience with a blue beard and he joked about him being Papa Smurf.

As usual with Panto’s there is always one person who seems to get picked on and in tonight’s performance ‘Chris’ took this all in good fun. When Waffle The Wonder Dog made an appearance the show seemed to step up a gear.

I thought the beanstalk growing on the stage was creative and added that extra dimension.

The best part for me was during the second half when Dame Trot was in the weather machine, this really made everyone laugh especially when there were a few mishaps that just added to the pantomime humour.

The villagers were all good dancers and the boys showed off some of their acrobatic skills. I would have liked to have seen some children playing villagers as well.

The gold star for enthusiasm had to go to James, the musical director who really did try to gee up the audience.

I particularly liked Sam Turrell and Joey Wilby throughout and thought they worked well together.

A few of the jokes were lost slightly on the audience but there were still plenty of laughs to be had. Everyone had fun and lets face it that’s what going to the Panto is all about. Well done the Lyceum for getting everyone into the festive spirit.

Runaway Entertainment presents

2:22 – A GHOST STORY

The hit play by Danny Robins

Directed by Matthew Dunster
@222AGhostStory #222AGhostStory 
 

• 2.22 – A GHOST STORY ANNOUNCES THE FIFTH CAST FOR ITS RUN AT THE LYRIC THEATRE 
   
• CHERYL WILL PLAY JENNY; HUGO CHEGWIN WILL PLAY BEN; LOUISE FORD WILL PLAY LAUREN AND SCOTT KARIM WILL PLAY SAM
   
• THE CURRENT CAST AT THE CRITERION THEATRE WILL PERFORM UNTIL 8 JANUARY 2023 WITH THE NEW CAST TAKING OVER AT THE LYRIC FROM 21 JANUARY – 23 APRIL 2022
   
• TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW FROM WWW.222AGHOSTSTORY.COM
   

Producer Runaway Entertainment is delighted to announce casting news for the fourth West End  transfer of Danny Robins’ edge-of-your-seat, supernatural thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story. Moving from the Criterion to the Lyric, the show’s biggest house to date, the transfer follows a record breaking run at the Noel Coward before moving to the Gielgud Theatres followed by two hugely successful runs, including with the current cast, at the Criterion Theatre, plus three Olivier Nominations including Best New Play, and winning the Best New Play category in the Whatsonstage awards.

Cheryl (who will play Jenny) said: ‘I am really excited to be taking part in what is such a new challenge for me. I have always loved and been a big fan of theatre so I’m especially excited to be playing the role of Jenny in this production of 2:22. It is a brilliant role and subject matter with a very interesting plot! Danny Robins is such an intriguing character which is evident throughout this play and his style of writing has an odd sense of familiarity to me, being a fellow Geordie! I look forward to working with Matthew and the other cast members and can’t wait to get going.’

Hugo Chegwin (who will play Ben) said: ‘I am so appreciative to have been asked to be a part of the next cast of 2.22. It’s a big jump out of my comfort zone but it is going to be amazing.’

Scott Karim (who will play Sam) said: ‘It’s a real treat to be part of a production like 2:22 A Ghost Story, that grips and chills all types of theatregoers. I can’t wait to join the exciting new cast and help tell this thrilling story.’

The production began its life in the summer of 2021 at the Noel Coward Theatre starring Lily Allen, Julia Chan, Hadley Fraser and Jake Wood. It then transferred to the Gielgud Theatre for 10 weeks from 4 December 2021. The production there, starring Stephanie Beatriz, James Buckley, Elliot Cowan and Giovanna Fletcher, completed its run on 12 February 2022. The first cast at the Criterion Theatre featured Tom Felton, Mandip Gill, Beatriz Romilly, Sam Swainsbury and the current Criterion Theatre cast Tamsin Carroll as Lauren; Felix Scott as Sam, Matt Willis as Ben and Laura Whitmore as Jenny, ends its run on 8 January. The US premiere of 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles opened on 29 October and ended its run on 4 December 2022.

2.22 – A Ghost Story is written by award-winning writer Danny Robins, creator of the hit BBC podcast The Battersea Poltergeist and it is directed by Matthew Dunster. Intriguing, funny and scary, it takes audiences into one adrenaline-fueled night where secrets will emerge and ghosts may appear….What do you believe? And do you dare to discover the truth?

“There’s something in our house. I hear it every night, at the same time.”

Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and her new partner Ben. Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they are going to stay up… until 2.22am… and then they will know.

Danny Robins said ‘I’m hugely excited to be moving into the Lyric, another brilliantly atmospheric theatre, and to be welcoming Cheryl to the show. She’s someone we’ve watched grow from her Girls Aloud days to the icon she is now, and seeing her in this very different light will be an utter thrill. We’ve had a great tradition of Jennys making their West End acting debuts and blowing audiences away, and I know that Cheryl is going to be absolutely sensational and spine-tingling. Also, we grew up very close to each other in Newcastle so I can’t wait to hear Jenny with a Geordie accent! Add into the mix the brilliantly funny Hugo, who a load of us will love from having watched People Just Do Nothing, and the huge talents of Louise and Scott, and you have a cast that is going to cause a major buzz I think.’ 

2:22 – A Ghost Story features set design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Cindy Lin, lighting design by Lucy Carter, sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph Sound, casting by Matilda James, CDG, illusions by Chris Fisher, and associate direction by Matt Hassall.

2:22 – A Ghost Story is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment, Isobel David and Kater Gordon. 

HAMPSTEAD THEATRE SUFFERS A 100% CUT IN ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING 

Hampstead Theatre announced today that, in the light of the 100% cut in its Arts Council grant of £766,455, the theatre will need to change direction and can no longer continue solely as a new writing theatre.  As a consequence, very sadly, Roxana Silbert has decided to step down as Artistic Director. 

Hampstead has long been one of the UK’s foremost new writing theatres, with a 60-year track record of commissioning, developing and producing new plays.  It is tragic that a leading writers’ theatre, having launched so many careers over the years and created work that has been enjoyed across the UK, should be treated in so summary a manner. 

Going forward, Hampstead’s Executive Producer, Greg Ripley-Duggan, will be responsible for the transition to a new model. 

Roxana Silbert said: “Due to financial constraints, which are well documented, and after thorough reflection, it feels appropriate for me to resign my post at Hampstead Theatre. This has not been an easy decision.  Hampstead will have to recalibrate and change in order to go forward and I wish it every success. I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the staff, freelancers, writers and artists – onstage and backstage – for their wonderful contributions to the work on our stages and beyond. And, of course, to our audiences who have made everything worthwhile.” 

Irene Dorner, Chair of Hampstead Theatre, said: “Obviously, we have all been devastated by the cut to Hampstead’s grant, and we will all be very sad to see Roxana go. She has been an inspirational leader for Hampstead and has directed some truly wonderful productions on both our stages.  As part of our new strategy, we trust that she will often be able to return to Hampstead as a visiting director.” 

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR NO LIMITS COMING TO LONDON NEXT YEAR!

●    TIK TOK AND WEST END STAR HANNAH LOWTHER JOINS THE CAST OF NO LIMITS BY SAM THOMAS.

Sam Caldwell He/Him for Paper House Productions is pleased to announce the full cast of No Limits – A Song Cycle by Sam Thomas He/Him.

Directed by Dean Johnson, He/Him, (BKLYN, LIFT), this exciting new production will open in London at the Turbine Theatre on 15^th February 2023. 

Joining Natalie May Paris (SIX The Musical), She/Her, in the role of #DREAMER will be, Owen Clayton (Julie: The Musical and It’s In The Air), They/He, as #ROMANTIC, Hannah Lowther (Heathers The Musical, Millennials, Emojiland), She/Her, as #CATFISH, Michael Mather (Soho Cinders and But I’m a Cheerleader), He/Him as #FIGHTER, Mary Moore (Grease and Little Women) She/They, #FUNEMPLOYED, Saffi Needham (Recently graduated and making her professional debut),  She/Her as SWING.

West End and Tik Tok star Hannah Lower said She/Her said “I’m so excited to be joining the original London cast of No Limits, the team have been working so hard and we’re all so excited to finally share the show with an audience!”

Producer, Sam Caldwell He/Him said, “I am delighted to reveal the cast for our upcoming production of No Limits – A Song Cycle at the Turbine Theatre. I can’t wait to see this talent take to the stage and bring a fresh take to this wonderful material in this brand new, exciting production. This show has been a long time coming and I am looking forward to seeing how audiences connect with it in February.”

Joining Director Dean Johnson, He/Him, is Musical Director Ella Ingram She/Her, Associate Director Liv Byrom She/Her, Choreographer Rhys Wilkinson He/Him. No Limits – A Song Cycle also has set design by Justin Williams He/Him, lighting design by Alex Musgrave and stage management by Jack Evans He/Him.

No Limits – A Song Cycle deconstructs the concept of falling behind in life. It follows a diverse cast of characters from all walks of life as they dare to believe in themselves and strive for a brighter future.

This powerful collection of songs sees characters let go of their anxieties, take leaps of faith, and fight for who they truly are, from confessing their dreams of becoming a rockstar to catfishing their attractive neighbour.

No Limits – A Song Cycle features heartfelt and queer stories. This brand-new production emphasises that we are all in the same boat, and that with enough self-belief, we can always overcome our setbacks. There truly are No Limits to your journey.

Tickets for No Limits at the Turbine Theatre are on sale now

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre – until 2 January 2023

Reviewed by Sue Portman

4.5****

Let’s be honest, you cannot really go wrong with a good old traditional Panto, and you simply shouldn’t be there if you don’t think this way.

Aladdin is one of the favourites on the Christmas circuit, and the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury pulled out the stops for an extravaganza par-excellence.

So, what do we all want from a Panto? Plenty of colour, innuendo, gags and laughs. We demand a flamboyant dame, improbable costumes, a baddie to boo every time they appear on stage and some great music and stage props to boot. Did I forget the cast and crew? The good news is, this production has it all. Aladdin has been presented in so many ways over the decades – is there a new way to present this classic? Well, clearly yes there is.
Here is the official advertising…

We are delighted to announce that the devilishly good Davood Ghadami (EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City, Strictly Come Dancing) will be joining us as the evil Abanazar in Aladdin this Christmas!

Starring alongside the hilarious Andy Collins (BBC 3 Counties Breakfast Show) as Wishee Washee and the fabulous La Voix (Britain’s Got Talent, Queen of the Universe) as Widow Twankey, this is going to be a carpet ride to remember!

Expect fun by the lamp-load, stunning costumes, sensational song and dance numbers, and an adventure full of memories to treasure.

Rub the magic lamp and book your tickets now if you haven’t already!

The first half of the show began with Jenny O’leary (Spirit of the ring) singing so impressively that I wondered if this could be bettered by anyone else. In my view, it wasn’t, but fine vocal performances from the likes of La Voix and Andy Collins were also very impressive.

The storyline of course is that the poor commoner Aladdin falls in love with Princess Jasmine and has to navigate his way to her. Her father the Emperor (played proficiently by Vas Constanti) and the evil magician Abanazar (Davood Ghadami) wish to prevent their marriage. The Emperor wants someone with a better social standing for his daughter and Abanazar rather fancies her for himself – the villain! Aladdin, played with gusto by Kian Zomorodian was energetic and professional in his craft, but I would like to have seen him come to the fore a little more as the main character. In a way I felt the same of Melanie Elizabeth, ably playing the Princess Jasmine but it must be nigh on impossible to outshine the likes of Collins and La Voix.

Whilst all of the cast were excellent, for me the performances of Andy Collins (Wishee Washee) and La Voix as Widow Twankey were the most impressive. In this confusing technological age, it was amazing to witness how a simple scene with two people and a few balloons could produce raucous laughter from the audience. The choreography set to classical music was hugely memorable and a brilliant concept.

I felt that these two had the best rapport with the audience, but in fairness this was probably due to the roles that they played. La Voix was absolutely brilliant and knew how to squeeze every last drop from the enthralled onlookers, with prepared lines and ad-libs alike. And what of the audience? The Waterside was packed, stuffed to the gunnels as it was with children and adults. True, some of the innuendo was very close to the bone for youngsters but Panto is Panto and it caters for everyone. That’s what makes it work.

The youngsters in the ensemble gave their all and never let anyone down – credit to their passion and hard work in rehearsing for this memorable production.

I must mention the other aspects of Panto – the interaction with the audience. I was belly laughing at the water pistol fights as ‘Wishee Washee’ duked it out with the audience and he got as good as he gave when he waded into the gleeful and expectant crowd.

Then there was a gorgeous moment towards the end when he pulled four young lads out to help sing ‘Old Macdonald had a Farm’ and they made various animal noises. I have not laughed so much for ages. Those kids stole our hearts and Collins was a master at getting the best out of them.

The music was perfect for the scenes, and indeed the songs were contemporary and older in number. The stage props, costumes, and scene changes were excellent and the lighting created the necessary atmosphere in the theatre. Credit must be extended to the director and technical staff for that.

We have all endured some tough years what with Covid-19 and lockdowns, as well as the current recession and cost of living crisis. There have been many times when we all needed to laugh, to forget our troubles. If we could have rubbed a lamp, summoned a genie and simply disappeared on our own magic carpet to another place, we would have. Well for one night, you can. You cannot go wrong with Panto; it is a colourful, happy medicine in a sometimes ailing world.

I implore you to go and see it for yourself. Ticket prices are very reasonable and you (and the kids) will be guaranteed a laugh, to kickstart your Christmas.

Arts Theatre, London – 4 December touring until April 2023

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

The fabulous Queenz tour came to London on their UK tour and blew the roof off the Arts Theatre. The five drag Queenz are fierce and funny, with vocals to die for. The show’s biggest selling point is that the Queenz amazing vocals are live, with incredible versions of uplifting anthems.

The five Queenz Belle DuBall (Ben Sell), Dia Monte (Jaymi Hensley), Billie Eyelash (Luke Hall), Candy Caned (Josh Hanson) and ZeZe Van Cartier (Lew Ray) have beautiful voices and share some great schtick in the first sections, with faux battles for the spotlight as they belt out songs by Whitney, Cher and Tina Turner. Their Spice Girls medley has the audience on their feet and the party atmosphere is intoxicating.

Dia Monte takes care of most of the audience interaction, roasting willing victims with glee so that it’s hard to tell who’s enjoying it more. Each Queen gets her big solo in the latter part of the show, getting the chance to showcase their vocals and individual style. The wonderfully poignant finale begins with a gorgeous version of True Colours (with a proper boyband style key change as they abandon their stools) in a heartfelt message of tolerance, solidarity and love for the LGBTQ+ community. After such emotion, the night has to end with another joyous medley of hits from the Queenz that leaves the audience screaming for more and dancing out of the theatre as they wait for a photo with the Queenz.

This sequinned spectacular is one hell of a night out – grab your glow sticks and have a ball.

For tour dates and venues check queenztheshow.com