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Polka Theatre Wimbledon – until 29^th January 2023 

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge 

5***** 

The Polka Theatre brings you a beautiful production of imagination, excitement and adventure. Mia (Katherine Carlton) is excited as she knows her Grandad (Gorden Warnecke) will be visiting soon; she is crossing off the days till he comes. In the meantime, Mia and teddy too have a relationship via skype with him. He is in Argentina where the weather is a lot hotter than where she is. She always notices his sweaty nose because she always very gently tries to wipe his nose dry for him through the screen, making the children laugh in the audience. Mia knows Grandad is making the long journey to come and visit her in which she so desperately wants to play and have a tea party with him. As Grandad makes his journey, above the stage a tiny airplane circles the area, representing his travel to see Mia. The children found this fascinating to watch. When Grandad finally arrives, a bond is formed, and her imagination is ignited, taking them on magnificent adventures of magic carpet rides and more. With many moments of laughter along the way through cheeky and fun play as well as making music with balloons, and of course, having fabulous tea parties. All this made in the safety of her playroom, but now her Grandad must leave, leaving Mia sad. However, they soon connect once again on skype, continuing their delightful, engaging and gentle relationship that they both hold so dearly to their hearts.  

This production is aimed at 2–5-year-olds and encourages you to bring your own teddy along. It was lovely to see so many little ones engaged and happy watching the performance as well as some participation being shown by the children. The set was simple but effective with wooden box shelves on the walls filled with plants and toys, a desk with a screen at the centre, a relaxing tepee like tent in the corner. A toy box for all her special toys and a rug in the middle for tea party play.  

Katherine Carlton played Mia realistically well as a childlike figure and was intriguing to watch. Gorden Warnecke played a very loving, gentle Grandad that was pleasant to watch. All in all, a brilliant, peaceful and compassionate show. Excellent for a young audience, definitely a must see. 

Brixton House – until 31 December 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Brixton House’s Christmas show is a madcap take on Alice in Wonderland set in Brixton. Eleven year old Alice runs onto a departing tube train and is separated from her mother after a blazing row. As she tries to keep calm, things take a bizarre turn, and she finds herself surrounded by strange characters. Some of the favourites from Lewis Carroll are here – the white rabbit becomes a nervous business rabbit who worries about work all the time, the Cheshire cat becomes a disembodied glitch in the computing system until we see his physical introverted self, and the mock turtle is a friendly tortoise observing the chaos but staying safely in her shell.

The train is under the control of the Queen of the Line, using the terrifying Jabberwocky and brutish guards to control the passengers. The passengers live in fear, repeating the mantra that the Queen is keeping them on the right track and taking them where they need to go, but a revolution is being planned. Unfortunately, the revolution is being planned over and over again by former driver Chatter and her motley crew of Rat, Pigeon and Nose – the three worst things you can find on a tube train – and they just can’t commit to actually revolting.

Alice is studying Lewis Carroll at school so is convinced this is all a dream at first, before deciding to face her fears and help defeat the Queen. Shankho Chaudhuri’s set is deceptively simple, with the audience seated on both sides of the train carriage and Rajiv Pattani and Alice Boyd’s lighting and sound design creating a magical and threatening atmosphere. Commuters who have lost all hope are weirdly disconcerting, the Jabberwocky’s simplicity doesn’t diminish the jeopardy, and hearing “Mind the Gap” will never feel quite the same again after seeing this show.

Balancing the needs of a family show – with a myriad of tube puns and Brixton jokes for the adults that will also make younger audience members connect with Alice, and slapstick silliness for the children – makes the show a little erratic pace-wise, but the charm and energy of the production is as unstoppable as the tube train the characters are trapped on, with director and lead writer Jack Bradfield keeping everything on track admirably. Gerel Falconer’s lyrics and the fabulous rap performances by Nkhanise Phiri and Toyin Ayedun-Alase are a joy, adding so much to their characters’ stories. Phiri is a revelation as Alice – embodying the stroppy tween whose belligerence is a shield for the confusion and pain she feels brilliantly. Ayedun-Alase is wonderful as the dual Wonderland aspects of her mother character – keeping them very similar on the surface and letting both their fears emerge more subtly than you would expect in a family show. Khai Shaw, Rosa Garland and Will Spence play the other passengers and trainlines with great wit and physicality.

The resolution, with Alice and her mother realising that they need to talk to each other about their feelings, being brave enough to break a cycle of behaviour and show the world who you really are, is surprisingly quiet after such an outlandish show, but feels just right. This might seem a little mawkish for some, but it is a family show and this is an important message for children and adults alike – and it is Christmas.

A wonderfully Brixton-centric production that will delight young and old, this Alice is a weird and wonderful trip through the wonderland of the underground full of heart and spirit.

Soho Theatre – until 23 December 2022

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

5*****

My face is still aching after watching this show. Nick Mohammed’s Mr Swallow shows are always hilarious, but A Christmas Carol-ish is the glittering star at the top of the tree. The cheesy Christmas set with giant candy canes and mountainous towers of presents is soon explained as Swallow’s long-suffering partner Mr Goldsworth (David Elms) explains that they couldn’t get the rights to perform the Dickens classic. So instead of a Victorian miser, we have a self-centred Santa and his neglected and abused reindeer and elves. Kieran Hodgson plays Rudolph (Hess) the reindeer while Elms plays head elf. The fates of the other North Pole staff are discovered in a hilarious song later in the show.

AS Mr Goldsworth and Swallow squabble over the script, the Scrooge/Santa story plays out with flashbacks and flash forwards and it all gets ridiculously meta, and sillier. The voice of God turns up , leading to an excruciating funny attempt by Swallow to remember the lyrics to Silent Night before we get to witness the birth of Jesus – complete with midwife. Adding to the chaos is Mr Swallow’s friend Rochelle (Sarah Hadland), who sits impatiently on the side of the stage, waiting for her chance to sing a number from her album, and receiving alerts about which character a desperate Lloyd Webber needs her to cover today (she was in Cats once).

Santa’s whining and laziness – maybe he could just deliver presents to 5 children? – should ultimately lead to a redemption arc, but the ghosts’ visits (including him annoying Marley with the burning question – 3 or 4 ghosts?) simply lead to more and more idiocy. The skill it takes to perform something that appears so chaotic is incredible, and the entire cast are at the top of their game. Musically, the Christmas variety tone is perfect, with insane lyrics from Mohammed reaching a pinnacle with Sarah Hadland’s bonkers number about loving a turkey. That song is worth the ticket price alone. In true panto style, there is some audience participation, leading to a brilliant physical performance from Mohammed that draws gasps from the audience.

This nonsense is a ridiculous and silly joy. The perfect Christmas show for anybody wanting to escape the cold – come in and embrace the chaos of Mr Swallow.

Richmond Theatre – until 31^st December 2022

Reviewed by Carly Burlinge and SJ Burlinge Aged 10 

5***** 

Richmond Theatre brings you this year’s Panto Goldilocks and the Three Bears “The Greatest Panto on Earth” and indeed it was!  

Much Sparkle and pizzazz an all-rounder extraordinary show full of fun and laughter that you must get yourself down to see. Pure excellence! 

The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is not the original that we all know but adapted with a twist. When Goldilocks’s (Tamara Morgan) Circus is under pressure as they have lost their star of the show and with a rival Circus owner being the enemy wanting to ruin all they have. Can Goldilocks and her Circus friends work together to save their Circus? With a lot on the line and a fight against the Evil Countess Von Vinklebottom (Jessica Martin). Will they succeed or will they need a little help from 3 Fantastic Bears – Mummy Bear (Nova Skipp) Daddy Bear (James Paterson) Baby Bear (Lucy Conley) in order to conquer the Countess!!! 

Ringo The Ringmaster (Phil Walker) whilst on his adventures to save the circus with his friends, offers many jokes with his infectious laugh as well as being loud and sparkly and getting the audience to laugh throughout. Goldilocks is sweet and pure, delightful and pleasant all while offering welcoming songs, inviting you to the greatest show on earth. Joey the Clown (Matt Baker) would love to be the star of the show. He is ambitious and willing to do anything that would impress Goldilocks and get her attention. He was upbeat and entertaining to watch at all times along with his spectacular tightrope act. Dame Betty Barnum (Nigel Ellacott) gave us an absolutely eye-catching performance with her many outrageous but fun and amusing costumes with her slapstick comedy. One thing’s for sure, she definitley brings a tremendous experience for all audiences to see. Countess Von Vinklebottom plays a very deceiving character, who’s only wish is to get her hands on Dame Betty Barnum’s circus animals. When she tells everyone that all the animals will be hers, the audience have a quick response of “Oh no they won’t”, “Oh yes, they will”. True pantomime style. This production offered so much and more, at times I had to remind myself that I wasn’t actually in a real a circus. With some phenomenal acts such as the Magical Mysterioso (Phil Hitchcock) rocking some extravagant and alluring tricks, keeping both adults and children quiet and absorbed with excitement, what a splendid job done there and what a smile. Finally, El Mariachi Maquez (Gorden Maquez) a juggler of international experience, showed off his spectacular skill of different combinations and speed in juggling. Just extraordinary. With 3 dancing bears, what more could you ask for? 

This panto was just exceptional from beginning to end, with costumes that were outstanding, full of colour and totally unique. Great lighting with sparkles and feathers everywhere. So much glamour from one show! The atmosphere in itself was energetic and remarkable. What a performance, with so much talent involved! Richmond you’ve done it again, a production with an atmosphere of greatness and pure delight. 

Alexandra Palace Theatre, London – until 15 January 2023, continues on UK tour until 19 February 2023

Reviewed by Celia Armand Smith

4****

Sean Holmes’ production of Bugsy Malone could not have come at a better time. Based on Alan Parker’s 1976 film of the same name, Bugsy Malone follows two sets of mini gangsters armed with attitude, ridiculous names, and splurge guns. Set in the dingy streets of prohibition era New York, singer Blousie Brown is trying to make it big and finds herself at the colourful Fat Sam’s speakeasy where she meets one time boxer and ‘nice guy’ Bugsy Malone. There are car chases, glittery dance numbers, and custard pies. What more could you want?

The iconic music and lyrics by Paul Williams are so familiar to all of the grown-ups in the audience that you can feel everyone trying not to sing along, instead quietly whispering “I love this song” and tapping their feet. The lead cast of 9-15 year olds is exceptional, supported by a fantastic older ensemble known as the “overs” that lead the showstopper dance numbers and provide some excellent moments of physical comedy. There are three different casts of “unders” (kids) in rotation on the tour, and we saw Team Doodles. Albie Snelson as Fat Sam is energetic and hilarious, and had real stage presence. Mia Lakha and Jasmine Sakyiama as Blousey and Tallulah respectively were perfect in their roles, belting out the classics, and Gabriel Payne as Bugsy really came into his own in the second half, in particular the car chase and the last number. We were really impressed with the entire cast.

The design of the production by Jon Bausor was beautiful and effortless in bringing together the grown up elements of the city with the playfulness of the kids. It was the perfect platform for Drew McOnie’s spectacular choreography. The best numbers in my opinion are the big ones where the cast are being flung about, utilising every part of the stage. My favourites were Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, Bad Guys, So You Wanna Be A Boxer, and Down and Out.

From the opening number right through to the curtain call, you couldn’t help but smile, clap, and whoop even when there were some fleeting technical difficulties. The energy and joy is completely contagious, and just what everyone needs at the end of 2022

Bristol Hippodrome – until 31st December 2022

Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock

4****

The classic fairytale has hit Bristol Hippodrome for a night of fun, oh yes it has!!

With its classic pantomime setup full of slapstick, hilarity and audience participation, this this is not one to miss!

A sterling cast headed by Lauren Hampton as our protagonist have a brilliant connection and make for a feel good show. Craig Revel Horwood is Baroness Hardup, Cinderella’s evil stepmother and is fab-u-lous darling! He embodies the role well and really got the audience on side…or against him in fact! The children had a great time booing and hissing his character!!! Lauren Hampton and Andy Ford as Cinderella and Buttons were superb! Andy Ford is the quintessential pantomime actor-I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a picture of Andy in the dictionary under ‘pantomime’!!!

The costumes and set were incredibly sparkly and well thought out-creating a wonderful atmosphere from the get go! This really is the perfect way to start off your Christmas celebrations-there is something for all ages to enjoy!

The Rose Theatre, Kingston-Upon-Thames – until 2nd January 2023

Reviewed by Bobbi Fenton

5*****

As we dive headfirst into the festive season this year, there is nothing better to get into the Christmas spirit (no pun intended) than ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Rose. Filled with wonderful music, festive joy, and a very fun story, this retelling of the famous story by Charles Dickens is genuine magic.

The children of the Ragged School, played by the members of the Rose Theatre Young Company (Blue Cast), takes the original story, and makes it even better. We see the magic of Charlie Dickens (Elexi Walker) as she encourages the children to create their own version of the story. Together they discover the reason why Scrooge (Penny Layden) is so miserable and greedy, even at Christmas. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Chloe Nichols), a creepy child ghost, takes Scrooge back to her youth and we witness the painful loss of young Scrooges (Penny Bennett) siblings, Edmund (Edmund) and Fan (Isla Griffiths), and Scrooge’s first experience as an apprentice under the cheerful and jolly Fezziwig (Killian Macardle). Then, the Ghost Of Christmas Present (Lizzie Winkler), who starts off as a clown but later transforms into a more eerie character along with the children ignorance (Silvia Shea) and want (Chloe Nichols), shows Scrooge the reality of Christmas that year. We see Bob Cratchit (Killian Macardle) and his family laughing at Scrooge and her greed and misery. Scrooge is bewildered, both by the Cratchit family’s generosity in giving away food to the food bank and that they do not like her. We finally see the Ghost of Christmas yet to come, brilliantly puppeteered by Jacob Towey, Ellie Searle, and Elliot Shepherd. Scrooge is forced to face the reality that she is not very popular, and if she carries on hoarding her money and being generally unpleasant to everybody, when she dies people will not care, and just take her belongings to sell.

Throughout the story, Robin (Amelie Abbott) one of the children of the ragged school becomes more and more annoyed at the other children, particularly Maud (Lily Rowell) who begin to pity Scrooge after seeing her past, present, and future. However, Robin soon stops feeling so angry when Scrooge decides to change her ways, and gives the children full control of all her money following the events of the previous night.

Overall, this show is filled with absolutely brilliant songs, and even has one or two jokes about our current political climate compared with the poor of Victorian England during Dickens’ time. This should definitely not be missed as it is absolutely fantastic.

Production Photos Released for MOTHER GOOSE Starring Ian McKellen and John Bishop

Production images have been released for the UK and Ireland tour of MOTHER GOOSE starring Ian McKellen and Josh Bishop.

The production also stars Anna-Jane Casey as Cilla The Goose, Oscar Conlon-Morrey as Jack, Simbi Akande as Jill, Sharon Ballard as Good Fairy Encanta and Karen Mavundukure as Evil Fairy Malignia. The cast is completed by Mairi Barclay, Adam Brown, Gabriel Fleary, Becca Francis, Shailan Gohil, Richard Leeming, Genevieve Nicole and Laura Tyrer.

MOTHER GOOSE is currently playing at Theatre Royal Brighton until 11 December 2022, before a season at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London’s West End (15 December 2022 – 29 January 2023). It will then play Chichester Festival Theatre (7 – 11 February 2023), Sheffield Lyceum (14 – 18 February 2023), Wolverhampton Grand (22 – 26 February 2023), Liverpool Empire (28 February – 4 March 2023), Oxford New Theatre (7 – 11 March 2023), Bord Gais Energy Theatre Dublin (22 – 26 March 2023), and Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff (28 March – 1 April 2023) with further venues to be announced soon. www.mothergooseshow.co.uk  

It is written by Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street, Gimme Gimme Gimme) and directed by award-winning director Cal McCrystal. Set and Costume design is by Liz Ascroft, Choreography by Lizzi Gee, Lighting design by Prema Mehta, Sound design by Ben Harrison andPuppet Design and Creation by Chris Barlow. Casting is by Anne Vosser and the Production Manager is Ben Arkell.

Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester – until 14th January 2023

Reviewed by Peter Cockerill

5*****

I doubt any performer would not be familiar with rehearsing in a village hall. Even the stars of TV’s Strictly can often be seen honing their moves atop of a badminton court, preparing for the final show with all it’s sparkle and glamour. So ‘BETTY A Sort of Musical’ begins with the Dewsbury Amateur Players’ weekly meeting in this most minimal setting with just a Formica counter with an old tea urn.

Meredith Ankle (Maxine Peake) is the self assured ‘Director’ and steers the rest of the players to stage a play about the life of Dewsbury’s own Baroness Betty Boothroyd, from her humble up bringing to her outstanding career in politics (via a stint as a Tiller Girl).

The first half focuses on the strained relationships within the group; It can be said that directing am-dram can be like herding cats. But Meredith Ankle is a self-assured tour de force and appears to believe she must steamroller the group, including her own daughter Angela (Eva Scott). This is followed by a health and safety incident, which sets up a surprising act two, transporting the audience to a world away from the village hall.

I must say all of the cast were perfect in their characters, each one delighted as they delivered this very funny script. Maxine Peake is outstanding, reminding me at times of her former work colleague Julie Walters, and Eva Scott’s performance was also brilliant.

The live band delivered a top-notch music score, again with excellently funny lyrics. Sometimes giving me a flavour of Tim Minchin’s theatre work.

The show may have started on a badminton court, but the finish very much sparkles!

EMPIRE THEATRE, LIVERPOOL – UNTIL SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2022

REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN

5*****

Last night the audience at the Empire could not help but feel the enchantment of nostalgic old school musical, theatre magic. A magic that did not feel dated but was a glorious representation of everything that is wonderful in theatre and movies. Theatre is so often an immersive experience and last night the audience were treated to a night of Hollywood glamour with a red carpet and snow falling, creating a festive atmosphere. White Christmas the musical, is originally based on the iconic 1954 American musical film, which is one of my all-time favourite festive films, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This musical is still growing strong over two decades after it premiered and the theme song is inescapable, it can stir the heart of even the grouchiest Grinch.

Having narrowly escape with their lives from Europe in 1944, at the height of World War ll, veterans Bob Wallace (Jay McGuiness) and Phil Davis (Dan Burton) team up to become a successful double song and dance act, always on the lookout for the ‘million-dollar proposition’. Serendipitously their paths cross with the beautiful and talented Haynes sisters, Betty (Jessica Daley) and Judy (Monique Young). They find themselves in Pine Tree Vermont, at the ‘struggling to stay afloat’ Inn, owned by their former General Henry Waverly (Michael Starke).

This musical unfeignedly lives up to expectations and Irving Berlin’s score is brought to dazzling life by Ben Van Tienen’s band of talented musicians. Directed by Ian Talbot OBE and choreographed by two-time Oliver Award winner Stephen Mear, the stellar cast and ensemble delivers each routine with precision and slickness. The old school Hollywood glamour costumes, designed by Diego Pitarch immediately transports you back to a time of top hats, tailcoats and evening gowns.

Each number is like a glorious old school chorus but my favourite musical stand out performance was ‘Blue Skies’ by Bob (The Wanted’s Jay McGuiness) and company. I also thoroughly enjoyed ‘Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep’ and ‘Falling Out Of Love Can Be Fun’ as it makes you think more hopeful and positive, especially with all the doom and gloom of the this year.

White Christmas is a story of friendship, love and loyalty. It is a like a warm hug full of festive cheer and top drawer sing along music, I smiled the whole way through.