BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME PANTOMIME LEGEND

MATT SLACK

TO PLAY PHARAOH IN

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

20 May – 1 June 2025

Michael Harrison is today delighted to announce that Birmingham Hippodrome panto legend, Matt Slack will return to the venue next year in a regal role when he appears as Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from Tuesday 20 May – Saturday 1 June 2025.

Matt performs in this sensational production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat next spring, having just performed in his 11^th pantomime season at the venue when Peter Pan – which he also co-wrote – opens at Birmingham Hippodrome later this month. Such are Matt’s services to the theatre, he has been honoured with his own dedicated seat in the auditorium (Stalls L15).

Matt Slack says of playing Pharaoh: “I am delighted to be returning to Birmingham Hippodrome next year to rock the venue when I perform ‘Song of the King’ in the iconic musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joseph has a magical ability to unite generations in joy, and I can’t wait to see faces new and old, as families come together to make treasured memories.”

As an actor, Matt Slack has performed in the West End and makes regular appearances in both TV and film. His TV and Film credits include Bergerac; Damsel (Netflix); FBI International; Casualty (BBC); EastEnders (BBC); Doctors (BBC); The Musketeers (BBC); Law and Order UK (ITV); The Raven; The Fall of the Krays; The Monster; Obsessions: Dark Secrets (Discovery Channel); Dr Xargle (CITV).

Matt’s theatre credits include Boogie Nights: The 70s Musical (UK Tour and the Artscape Theatre); Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre, UK & Ireland tour); Hot Flush: The Comedy Musical (UK Tour); Social Notwork (Rada Studios, Camden Fringe); Mrs Henderson Presents (Royal Alexandra Theatre); Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical (The Hall for Cornwall); The Addams Family Musical (UK & Ireland tour).

This year marks Matt’s 24th year in pantomime, and he is recognised as one of the country’s leading pantomime comics, having won Best Comic and Best Song Sheet at the Great British Pantomime Awards. Last year, Matt won Best Comic for a second time for his performance as Jake Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk. His previous Hippodrome appearances include Oddjob in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Silly Billy in Jack and the Beanstalk, Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Idle Jack in Dick Whittington, Buttons in Cinderella, Mr Smee in Peter Pan, Muddles in Snow White, Ringo the Ringmaster in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Dick in Dick Whittington.

As a Director, Matt’s credits include Cinderella (New Theatre, Cardiff), Aladdin (New Theatre, Cardiff), Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Richmond Theatre), and Cinderella (New Theatre, Cardiff). Matt started his career as a comedian. In 1995, the former Pontins Bluecoat turned professional after winning the major UK talent show Stairway to The Stars. The following year he won Best Comedy Act and outright winner of the Entertainer of the Year – Southwest Awards. He went on to headline at the Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay and starred in Comedy Bonanza at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool. Matt has also appeared at all the major holiday parks and cabaret venues across the UK.

Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoathas become one of the world’s most belovedfamily musicals. The multi-award-winning show – Tim Rice (Lyrics) and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s (Music) first major collaboration – has been performed hundreds of thousands of times including multiple runs in the West End and on Broadway, international tours in over 80 countries worldwide. Today, it is one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. Featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go, Joseph, the new London Palladium production received a rapturous reception during its 2019 and 2021 summer seasons, ahead of its first major UK tour in 2022.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is directed by Laurence Connor. Laurence’s credits include the acclaimed London production of School of Rock and the Tony-Award nominated production on Broadway, the recent London productions of Miss Saigon, Chess and Cinderella, the international arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and he is also the Co-Director of the new version of Les Misérables which has enjoyed worldwide success including Broadway, UK and US tours.

JoAnn M Hunter (who has 20 Broadway shows to her credit, including School of Rock and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever) is the show’s choreographer, set and costume design are by the award-winning Morgan Large with Ben Cracknell as Lighting Designer and Gareth Owen as Sound Designer.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is produced by Michael Harrison.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 20 May until Saturday 1 June 2025. Tickets can be booked at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0121 689 3000.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR LONDON CLASSIC THEATRE’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF

JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES

London Classic Theatre today announces the full cast for their UK tour of Alan Ayckbourn’s Just Between Ourselves as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary. Michael Cabot, the founder and Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, directs Judy Buxton (Marjorie), Joseph Clowser (Neil), Helen Phillips (Pam), Tom Richardson (Dennis) and Holly Smith (Vera).

Ayckbourn’s play, Just Between Ourselves, premiered at the Library Theatre, Scarborough on 28 January 1976. London Classic Theatre’s new tour opens at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich on 26 February and tours to a further 20 venues across the UK, concluding the tour at Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham on 12 July.

Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre, Michael Cabot said today, “I’m delighted to be directing Just Between Ourselves as the centrepiece of LCT’s 25th Anniversary celebrations.  Alan Ayckbourn seems to have become a regular feature for us when we hit a big milestone – we produced Absent Friends for our fifteenth anniversary and Absurd Person Singular for our twentieth!  Alan’s ambition, as a writer, both in terms of the worlds he creates, and the nuance of his writing is quite unparalleled.  Ostensibly, his plays are comedies, dealing with marital tensions, aspiration and that very British preoccupation with class.  Just Between Ourselves explores this familiar territory with aplomb, but under the surface lies another dimension, sometimes dark and often painful.  Ayckbourn treads the tightrope between comedy and tragedy with an expert hand and makes extraordinary discoveries in the tension between them.  Now in his 86th year, with 91 plays under his belt, Alan Ayckbourn is not only our most prolific playwright, but a genuine British institution. It’s a genuine privilege to be bringing Just Between Ourselves, one of his finest and most fascinating plays, to life in 2025.”

London Classic Theatre presents

JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES

By Alan Ayckbourn

26 February – 12 July

Cast: Judy Buxton (Marjorie); Joseph Clowser (Neil); Helen Phillips (Pam); Tom Richardson (Dennis); Holly Smith (Vera)

Director: Michael Cabot; Set and Costume Designer: Elizabeth Wright; Lighting Designer: Clare O’Donoghue

Five birthdays. Two unhappy marriages. One possessive mother.

It is 1976. Dennis tinkers in his garage, cheerfully indifferent to wife Vera’s impending breakdown. Marjorie hovers in the background, making tea and finding fault. Neil has planned a birthday surprise for his wife, but Pam doesn’t share his enthusiasm, preoccupied by frustrations of her own.

In perhaps his most emotionally charged play, Alan Ayckbourn masterfully evokes a world of hidden tensions and suppressed hostility. He expertly navigates the tightrope between comedy and tragedy, guiding us towards a hilarious, yet chilling finale.

Alan Ayckbourn is one of the most widely performed living English language playwrights and a highly regarded theatre director. He is an Olivier, Tony and Molière Award-winning writer who has written over 80 full length plays, more than half of which have gone on to the West End. His contribution to theatre has been recognised with both the Olivier Special Award and a Special Tony Award.

Judy Buxton plays Marjorie. Her theatre credits include The Greeks, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice (RSC), The School for Scandal (Royal Theatre Haymarket), Last of the Red Hot Lovers (Novello Theatre), The Ghost Train (The Old Vic), After All These Years (Tabard Theatre), Funny Turns (Grove Theatre, Eastbourne), Run For Your Wife, Move Over Mrs Markham (Mill at Sonning), Blithe Spirit, Secondary Cause of Death (UK tour) and The Art of Concealment (Jermyn Street Theatre). Her television credits include Close Relations, Next of Kin, On the Up, Lovejoy, Bergerac, By the Sword Divided, Diary of a Nobody, Chance in a Million, Chalk and Cheese, How’s Your Father, Rising Damp and The Sweeney; and for film, The Big Sleep, Aces High, Get Real and Once a Man.

Joseph Clowser plays Neil. His theatre credits include Hummingbird (Leeds Playhouse, Seven Arts), Private Peaceful (Cambridge Arts Theatre), Living Together (Sidmouth Manor Pavilion), Short Memory (Waterloo East Theatre), Present Laughter (Sidmouth Manor Pavilion, Pomegranate Theatre), Jamaica Inn (Sidmouth Manor Pavilion, Pomegranate Theatre, Windsor Theatre Royal), The Gift (White Bear Theatre), The Tail of Klaus and Shelly Waterbottom (Theatre503). For television Inside Balmoral; and for film, Time Cut.

Helen Phillips plays Pam. She returns to London Classic Theatre after having appeared in Equus and The Importance of Being Earnest. Further theatre credits include The Lottery (Bury Court Opera), Crush! The Musical (Harold Pinter Theatre), And in the End (Jermyn Street Theatre), The Diary of Anne Frank (Upstairs at The Gatehouse and Broadway Theatre, Catford), Dad’s Army Marches On (UK tour) and State Fair (Finborough Theatre, Trafalgar Studios). Her television credits include This is Going to Hurt, Doctors, Call the Midwife; and for film, Arthur and Merlin and Big Day.

Tom Richardson plays Dennis. He returns to London Classic Theatre having previously appeared in Abigail’s Party. Further theatre credits include Hamlet (Orange Tree Theatre), The Hound of the Baskervilles (Eastbourne Theatres), Little Women (HOME Manchester), The Snow Queen, Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar (Storyhouse, Chester), Sherlock, Private Lives, Little Women (Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Watford Palace Theatre), As You Like It, She Stoops to Conquer, Twelfth Night, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Guildford Shakespeare Company), The Prince and the Pauper (New Vic), Lady Chatterley’s Lover (UK tour), Perfect Nonsense, Sense and Sensibility, Single Spies and The Rivals (Theatre by the Lake, Keswick and York Theatre Royal).

Holly Smith plays Mrs Prentice. She returns to London Classic Theatre having previously appeared in What The Butler Saw. Further theatre credits include A Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby (Theatre Royal Windsor), The Mirror Crack’d, Shadowlands, Flare Path, Blithe Spirit, Out of Order (UK tour), Don’t Misunderstand Me, Beauty of the Father, Boeing Boeing, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Candida (English Theatre of Hamburg), The Odd Couple (Vienna’s English Theatre), Miss Margarida’s Way (Leicester Square Theatre), National Mourning (Theatre503), The Hothouse (Trafalgar Studios), Teechers (Harrogate Theatre, Haymarket Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe), The Barchester Chronicles (Chichester Festival Theatre), Plaza Suite (Marlborough Theatre) and Annie (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre). Her television credits include Killing Eve, Zapped, Watson and Oliver, Coming of Age and The Frame; and for film, Ghost Stories, Closer and Appearances.

Michael Cabot directs and is the founder and Artistic Director of London Classic Theatre. He has directed all forty-eight LCT productions since their touring debut in 2000, including Faith Healer, Abigail’s Party, Boeing Boeing, Same Time, Next Year,Absurd Person Singular, No Man’s Land, My Mother Said I Never Should, Private Lives, Hysteria, The Birthday Party, Waiting for Godot, Absent Friends and Equus.  His recent freelance work as director includes three collaborations with award-winning playwright Henry Naylor, The Collector (Arcola Theatre/UK tour), Angel and Borders (Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Adelaide Fringe & Brits Off Broadway).

Wilton’s Music Hall – until 4 January 2024

Reviewed by Claire Roderick

4****

Potted Panto returns to Wilton’s Music Hall for a second Christmas season of joyful silliness and fun packing 6 pantos (and A Christmas Carol) into 80 minutes.

Writers Daniel Clarkson, Jefferson Turner and Richard Hurst give Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Aladdin the Potted treatment, and Clarkson and Turner perform the classic tales with the support of Sammy Johnson and Marie-Claire Wood.

Clarkson and Turner are a well-established comedy duo, and their onstage relationship is wonderful, with Turner doggedly persevering and trying to keep Clarkson’s manchild persona on track with the script. This allows lots of opportunities for Turner to patiently explain pantomime tropes and Clarkson to question the dodgier traditions. Clarkson bounds about like a puppy, interpreting directions with gleeful obtuseness and derailing every story in increasingly daft ways as Turner becomes more and more exasperated as Prince Charming and the Ugly Sisters steal the show.

The fast-paced mayhem is addictively silly, with the duo rushing on and off stage for quick changes (in Nicky Bunch’s fantastic costumes) and whizzing through the main plot points of each panto. Most of the gags land brilliantly, there is plenty of toilet humour for the kids and sarcastic jibes for the adults. Every panto needs audience participation and Potted Panto doesn’t disappoint with a brilliantly bonkers carriage ride sequence.

This is festive fun for the whole family – a fantastic feel-good romp that will delight everyone’s inner child.

Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Sunday 12 January 2025

Reviewed by Amy V Gathercole

3***

“Festive fun with some mayhem!”

This year’s panto at TRCH is flying off on a swashbuckling adventure to Neverland with Peter Pan and his friends.

The colourful and lively production is full of larger-than-life sets, with tons of bright colours and glitter found in the scenery and embellishing the array of imaginative costumes. It brings the well-known tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up to life in a new way, with a vibrant mix of humour and music – with a sprinkle of magical pixie dust.

It’s around a decade since I’ve been to a panto and they’ve still got all the staples running in them. Funny celebs, double entendres galore and lots of classic audience participation from the classic ‘ Oh no he isn’t’ type lines to greeting certain cast members as they appear on stage, right through to parents being welcomed on stage to take part in embarrassing skits.

Taking a bit of a diversion from having a classic dame and instead here, much of the comedy comes from two of Captain Hook’s crew – Starkey (Paul Chuckle) and Smee (Steve Hewlett).

Steve and his ventriloquist act were the highlight of this panto for me, his timing was great, he really knows how to engage the audience – both old and young alike and he played off the other characters and actors brilliantly. There is one particular section where he and the Magical Merman play a dating game gag and musical cues and songs with Steve’s timing are just perfectly matched.

Loosely following the JM Barrie classic of Peter Pan and Disney favourite with familiar characters such as Peter Pan (Aiden Carson, his magical sidekick Tinker Bell (Kate Stewart) and the 3 Darling children – Wendy (Molly Farmer) and her brothers John (Matthew Allen) and Michael (Harley Butler).

Nottingham’s own Richard Windsor plays Captain Hook, taking on the role with gusto as the audience loudly boos and hisses as he arrives on stage and he clearly takes great pleasure in his dastardly villain role.

The role of the fabulous and fashionable Magical Merman is being played by Gok Wan, however, on this opening weekend the role was filled by the director and choreographer of the show, Alan Burkitt, as Gok was sadly ill. Alan did a great job as ‘the twin brother’ and the nature of the quick change actually added to the mayhem of the show.

The script was fun and as often goes with live theatre of this type, lines were occasionally missed and fluffed, but the team of professionals covered everything (mainly) in character and with support from the audience.

You’ll leave with a smile on your face, but there’s certainly more for older kids than the little ones here, as there’s a lot of adult content in the show, possibly a bit too much?

Musical numbers feature throughout , including new takes on catchy tunes like Taylor Swift’s popular Shake it Off. The ensemble cast’s performances left the audience tapping their feet and clapping along.

This year’s high-flying panto is in Nottingham until Sunday 12 January, letting you keep the magic running into the new year.

This year’s high-flying panto is in Nottingham until Sun 12 Jan, letting you keep the magic running into the new year.

You can secure tickets here https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/peter-pan/

Hall For Cornwall, Truro, Cornwall – until the 31st December 2024

Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert

5*****

Fee – Fi – Fo – Fum, a festive treat for Everyone!

Get ready for a giant pantomime fairytale extravaganza laced with Cornish spirit and all the festive fun you’d expect from Jack and the Beanstalk.  Starring the Kernow King himself Edward Rowe, who plays his bucket list role of Dame Trott alongside a cast of homegrown heroes and West End wonders.  Jack and the Beanstalk is perfect for children of all ages (grown – ups and grandparents!).

Written once again by Steve Marmion (Peter Pan, Treasure Island) and led by director and all round pantomime expert Joyce Branagh, they’ve reassembled the Cornwall Playhouse Productions team who brought you last year’s record-breaking smash Peter Pan.

Expect song and dance adventure as hero Jack (Patrick Dineen) his dear mum (Kernow King) and their beloved cow chuck caution (and magic beans) to the wind in a last ditch attempt to save their village from the wicked giant.  With songs you’ll know, a sack full of jokes, flying sweets, super-soakers, plenty of Cornish humour and more fairy infused fun than you can shake a beanstalk at, it’s time to set off on an unforgettable festive family feel good adventure. 

The atmosphere was lively, with everyone getting involved.  The hilarious 12 days of Christmas was undoubtedly a hit with the audience and my favourite part – with lyric changes to French men, Newquay lifeguards, Cornish pasties, 5 toilet rolls, Super-soakers (be prepared!) and a Penguin with a balloon!   Followed by a rendition of Trelawny (Anthem of Cornwall) led by Dame Trott with the adults in the audience singing proudly and loudly!   Some song lyrics were changed such as Moos like Jagga (the cow) which was very funny with the cow and cast dancing on stage!  There was lots of audience involvement which the children and adults absolutely loved, with a sing off singing the Cornish version of Heads, shoulders, knees and toes – Scone, Jam, cream on top, cream on top!  

The set design and costumes were truly fabulous, with the Giant standing at around 10 ft tall and the beanstalk rising from the stage, and Jack climbing it was remarkable.

No pantomime is complete without a wicked baddie, and Susannah Van Den Berg was excellent taking on the role of Judi Henchman.  Other Cornish cast members include, Gareth Cooper, Charlotte Rutherfoord, Aidan Nightingale and Colin Leggo.  The pantomime will also feature new talent Shen Leng Chow and Patrick Dineen, alongside West End talent Freya Karlettis and Jessica Manu. 

A truly heartwarming pantomime which will entertain and complete the Cornish Christmas – I’d highly recommend going to see this whilst you can!

Live Theatre Newcastle upon Tyne – until 22nd December 2024

Reviewed by Sandra Little

5*****

Blitzen on the Tyne was written by Danielle Slade in collaboration with pupils from three schools in the North East . This one hour performance describes itself as, “A wintry tales adventure for all the family,” and if you are looking for something different from the usual pantomime formula for children at this time of year, then this show could fit the bill.

The first characters we meet are Twinkletoes (Karen Traynor) and Head Elf ( Micky Cochrane) who are sorting presents ready for Santa to deliver. We then meet Blitzen ( also played by Karen Traynor) of Santa’s reindeer who is concerned about a lack of magic from the snow globe and encourages the audience to hug one another to create magic.

With the help of Blitzen, and some quite clever digital projections, we are transported toNewcastle where Blitzen meets a very grumpy Geordie pigeon called Jackie, ( also played by Micky Cochrane and a puppet). Jackie doesn’t believe in Christmas or magic. Classic Geordie fayre in the form of stottie and Gregg’s sausage rolls play their part in the story at this point.

As the story unfolds we learn of Jackie the pigeon’s difficulties in his past life and how this has impacted on his feelings. However, being as this is a Christmas story for young children, there is of course a happy ending and we are told that true magic is in your heart and comes from love, kindness and care and not a snow globe!

Although this wintry tale is by no means the most sophisticated performance you will ever witness it gained a warm response from a near full house who seemed to enjoy both the story and the audience participation that was included. The set is quite simple but good use is made of lighting and projections. Whilst costumes are by no means lavish, they are perfectly appropriate. The puppetry in the show is quite a novelty and adds a further dimension to the story. During the show we meet a puppet version of Jackie the pigeon and also Blitzen’s best friend Flake, a sparkly peach and white snow worm. Both puppets are voiced by Micky Cochrane.

If you are looking for a short piece of Christmas themed drama then Blitzen on the Tyne is definitely worth considering. With ticket prices of around £14, and £9 for children and concessions, Live Theatre is definitely offering good value for money.

Lichfield Garrick Theatre – until Sunday 5 January 2025

Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh

5*****

The New Old Friends have done it again with another feel good, smash hit production in full swing. In Christmas Present and Correct, Writer and director Feargus Woods Dunlop brings us the tale of Herbert Richards and his sister Dorothy, performer and writer, respectively, of the hit rural radio show ’The Cavalry’. All is well until the boss, Wyllis Guthrie, arrives unexpectedly, during the recording of the Christmas special, wanting to meet the cast of ‘The Cavalry’ and to make them an offer which could change the trajectory of the show forever. However, all is not what it seems. With the arrival of a stranger, the unravelling of some mysteries, the most beautiful love story and some truly hilarious moments, we have all the ingredients for a classic Christmas caper.

The stage consists of a beautifully designed radio studio with a recording booth and plexiglass. It also contains a visible recording desk with all the knobs and rotating recording tapes, wires and such. The stunning design by Heather Westwell, lighting by Tom Breakwell, sound design by Joseff Harris, and set build by Christopher Britton all combine to bring this delight to life. The small cast, consisting of the amazing Kirsty Cox, the brilliant Stuart Tavendale, the marvellous Rosie Coles and the sublime Mark Collier, work tirelessly and effortlessly to keep the narrative flowing. With nonstop entertainment, well thought-out humour ranging from visual gags, witty wordplay and the most hilarious quick change character roulette scenes performed by Stuart Tavendale, (I still can’t get my head around how he managed to remember it all) it was pure magic.

The beauty of this show is that there is something here for everyone: drama, mayhem and the most wonderful and unexpected romance. Throw in some slapstick, super sets, dodgy accents and some very interesting sound effects and you have a truly exceptional piece of feel-great entertainment. There is no better present I can think of receiving for Christmas. Be sure to catch this wonderful show.

York Theatre Royal – until Sunday 5th January 2025

Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

4****

York Theatre Royal are once again working with the extremely successful Evolution Productions. Aladdin being the fifth pantomime that Evolution have produced for the theatre. Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster, it draws on one of the most re-told fairy tales of all time, but with a York twist.

I was lucky enough to watch Aladdin on press night with my three eager grandsons. Even before the show started my middle one declared it was the best day ever.

Straight from the off, starting with a couple of Black Eyed Peas songs, and the appearance of the baddie, Ivan Tobebooed (the returning Paul Hawkyard), plus the Spirit of the Ring (Evie Pickerill), it had us hooked and we knew a great night was ahead of us.

Set in The Shambles Souk Aladdin (Sario Solomon), and his cheeky brother Charlie (Tommy Carmichael) live with their mother Dame Dolly (resident Dame, Robin Simpson), who runs a joke shop. Aladdin thinks he’s in love with Princess Jasmine (Emily Tang), even though he has never met her. Obviously when they do meet it is love at first site, but things don’t go to plan with Tobebooed’s shenanigans impacting on their love story.

The staging was vibrant and added an extra layer to the storytelling. We had some fabulous costumes and props, which included elephants, a cow, a hare and many more. The magic carpet scene was a highlight of the show, a scene to behold, which included flying, acrobatics, it was truly magical.

The whole cast showcased their talents with their engaging characters, bringing the story to life. With the acting, singing and high energy dancing, with impressive choreography, they kept the audience captivated.

Pickerill is most noted for being a presenter on CBeebies, her she not only played the role of Spirit, she was also the Genie. She was fabulous, full of spark with a twinkle in her eye. Her switching of roles made for some great comedic moments. She was funny, could act and had a beautiful singing voice, a full package.

Solomon is charming as Aladdin, full of energy, bouncing around the stage. Aladdin and Jasmine make for a gorgeous couple, just what you want from a fairytale.

Once again Hawkyard relished his turn as the baddie, encouraging all the boos solicited from the audience. Breaking into his, what I can only presume, normal Yorkshire accent, in between his baddie voice, with intention I might add, was great to watch and listen to. Long may his evil run continue, even though we know he is really a teddy bear.

Six ensemble complete the rest of the cast, bringing their bursting energy to the stage. Rowan Armitt-Brewster also played the part of PC World, with some scene stealing moments. He was hilarious with his gift of physical comedy, it was a shame his role wasn’t more to the forefront. I was fortunate enough to see him in Around the World in 80 Days earlier this year, and I look forward to catching him on stage in the future.

Of course I must mention Robin Simpson. He never fails to deliver. The many outfits were stunning as usual, my favourite involved slinky’s, strategically placed. He is a great performer and interacts with the audience with such ease. His “victim” during the show I saw was Adam, who was somewhat reluctant at the start, but soon came out of his shell, and was brilliant in his unexpected role as the Dame’s suitor. I’m so pleased to say that Simpson will once again be the Dame for next year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty, tickets on sale now.

The first half was enjoyable, but it is the second half where the show really came alive, topped off with an delightful closing scene. One of our favourite parts of the show was the ghost bench scene, my lot were jumping up and down with excitement. We also loved the booing, so much so that my voice was croaky the next day.

Full of humour, music, dance, vibrant costumes and great performances. This is not quite your classical retelling of the beloved tale, but Aladdin is a delightful and magical theatrical experience, that transports the audience to a world of wonder. Suitable for both children and adults alike. Make sure you book tickets now, as they are selling well.

Darlington Hippodrome – until 31 December 2024

4****

It’s almost Christmas, so what better way to celebrate than a trip to the pantomime.

We joined the inhabitants of the land of Darlo, just before Princess Auroras 21st birthday. Aurora had a curse put on her at birth, by her evil aunt Carabosse who is desperate to be Queen. But the Spirit of Pantomime has thwarted her plans and destroyed all the spinning wheels, so Aurora can no longer prick her finger. However Carabosse tricks Prince Lee of Long Newton into giving Aurora a spinning wheel as a birthday present. But when Aurora pricks her finger, The Spirit of Pantomime puts Aurora to sleep until she receives her true loves kiss to wake her up.

Josh Benson as Muddles is the back bone of the show, hardly ever off the stage he brings so much fun and energy to every scene. Jamie Jones joins him as Nurse Nellie, showcasing an amazing array of fabulous outfits, all made by Jamie himself. Whilst he had more stage time this year, he was still underused. More Jamie next year please.

Prince Lee Mead showed off his stunning vocals, treating us to “Any Dream Will Do”, and also some duets with Stephanie Costi (Aurora). Su Pollard shone as Carabosse, fantastically evil but with a sensational pair of legs, I hope I look that good when I am 75 (she really can’t be 75!!!). And Olivia Foster- Browne makes sure we get a happy ending as the Spirit of Pantomime.

Scarlett Behl, Ben Carter, Natasha Fenn, Joseph Hasnaoui, Alice Lupton and Kasey Robinson make up the ensemble, moving seamlessly from dancing villagers to dancing demons and wedding guests. And the live band, Tim Hammond, Peter Brent, Tim Farmer and Ben Phillips are excellent instrumentalists. And a big shout out to the technical team for all the magic

Sleeping Beauty is a family favourite, full of daftness, jokes, wonky donkeys, audience participation (5 year old Ronnie was hilarious). Grab a ticket now for some festive family fun!

Civic Theatre, Rotherham – until 5th January 2025

Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth

3***

Rotherham Civic Theatre is feeling festive and getting in the Christmas spirit with its band of merry men. Join Robin Hood and his entourage to get festive this December and by doing so you will encounter all the usual pantomime delicacies that Imagine Theatre has in store for you and the family.

The show opens and you are transported into Sherwood Forest to follow the tale of Robin (Kieran Lynch), his men and his love interest Maid Marian (Alicia Belgarde). Things are not going too merrily in the Forest as the evil Sherriff of Nottingham (Bethan Searle) has raised taxes. Marian has run away into the forest with Peter and Penny (the Sheriffs niece and nephew) and Robin has to try to recruit a team of his men, to try save the day alongside him. Will they manage to save the day and get everyone smiling again…There are lots of your typical panto gags, innuendos from Little Jane, played by Neil Varu, and audience participation.

The first act is quite slow with a lot of dialog, which sometimes loses the attention span of the little people in the audience. But this does a rapid upturn in the second act starting off strongly and keeps the audience on their toes, with some regular scene changes and more musical numbers. The audience particularly loved the tricks and jokes during the haunted bedroom scene, when seemingly the ghosts were trying their hardest to get Little Jane when she was trying to get to sleep, great use of trap doors and spinning beds. Lots of laughs from the children and adults too in the auditorium.

Great performance from Phoebe Nixon playing the Fairy Faraway, consistent and professional all the way through. She also has a great ‘rhyme off’ with the Sherriff. Emily Vinnicombe plays Freya Tuck and has one of the standout performances on the stage. Comedic timing and charisma is all spot on. Belgarde has a well-trained, wonderful voice for musical theatre, although was let down in this particular performance by the low microphone levels at times. Lynch added some beautiful vocals in to the mix along with his playful charm.

Brilliant costumes, especially notable for the Little Jane with many flamboyant dame changes. Well done to the creative Imagine Theatre team for delivering.

A fun-filled, gags-a-plenty, festive cracker suitable for the entire family.