The King’s Head Theatre and Charles Court Opera present:
3 December – 9 January
The King’s Head Theatre present Charles Court Opera’s legendary annual ’boutique panto’, now in its new home for 2015 after eight glorious years at the Rosemary Branch Theatre.
“a refreshingly different spin on the traditional panto that remains true to its spirit” Time Out on Billy the Kid, 2014
A terrifically evil Queen has all she could wish for – including an equally evil magic mirror. Enter a dashing Prince from a far off kingdom, more interested in a certain young filly in the town who spends her days playing housekeeper to seven dwarfs… cue disguises, booby traps, magic spells, and even murder by apple pie, all dunked in a delicious cocktail of jaw-dropping musical numbers, terrible puns and top drawer singers, and you’re all set for Charles Court Opera’s 9th boutique panto – a legendary part of North London’s Christmas (Time Out Critic’s Choice 2014).
“the future of panto is boutique… a must-see” Michael White, The Telegraph on Buttons, 2013
This year sees their uniquely alternative, inventive take on the tale of Snow White, and anyone who has seen any of their 8 boutique pantos to date knows to expect the unexpected! The cast will feature regular Charles Court Opera compatriots, including founder and resident dame (“Outrageously funny” Time Out) John Savournin. Charles Court Opera became an associate company at the King’s Head Theatre this year, which is also their 10th anniversary.
“If there is a better pantomime in London this winter I will eat my critic’s hat” Reviewsgate on Buttons, 2013
From adults-only performances through to children’s matinees, Charles Court Opera’s boutique pantos are perfect for families, couples, groups of friends or office parties, with this year’s promising to be bigger, better, and a glittering treat for all. Join them in their new home this year – don’t miss out!
Now in its 45th year, The King’s Head Theatre is celebrating this anniversary with an exciting new artistic policy after the departure of OperaUpClose, becoming a crucible for new writing and critical rediscoveries. Work from Irvine Welsh, Richard Cameron, Richard O’Brien and Arthur Miller, as well as Mike Bradwell directing for the first time since the 1970s, guarantees that if it’s on here, you won’t see it anywhere else. Led by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, second artistic director following Dan Crawford (who set up the King’s Head as the first pub theatre in 1970), the theatre is the first unfunded venue to have an Equity agreement to pay theatre-makers fair wages since 2011, and continues to do so despite receiving no public funding.