Potted Panto – Apollo Theatre, London

I’m always sceptical when a show claims it can cater for ages six to 106, but this is Panto season, so I let myself go for the festive ride – and thank the jingle bells on high I did, because ‘Potted Panto’ is the funniest panto I’ve ever seen.

From the start you’re not really sure how the dashing duo of Dan (Daniel Clarkson) and Jeff (Jefferson Turner) will turn out seven pantomimes in 70 minutes, until you realise the sheer creative power this pair have. Incisive and utterly brilliant they take the panto punchline and regale the tales in the most madcap funniest display of wit and fun. Their energy and enthusiasm are boundless and infectious. I laughed until my teeth hurt.

I know some people aren’t fans of the panto genre, but to call this Olivier Award nominated festive celebration a panto, seems somehow do it a disservice. ‘Potted Panto’ is comic genius. Not only do they romp through the best-loved characters with manic costume changes and sparkling dialogue, they top it all off with witty relevance and satirical social commentary at a level most children wouldn’t understand but has the adults roaring with laughter.

When it comes to audience interaction ‘Potted Panto’ is on another level entirely – think Tom Jones knicker-throwing and you’re almost there. Even if you went in feeling like a scrooge, you’d struggle to sit back and not enjoy the fun. I swear I will never forget my Cinderella carriage ride. And when it comes to double-entendres, I think we need to come up with a new word for the dialogue in ‘Potted Panto’ – I’m thinking quad-entendres, because they’re definitely double the fun.

I don’t know what your plans are for Christmas, but I would have to say whatever you’re doing, fit in watching this show. I’ve never had so much fun in a theatre.

Potted Panto runs until 8th January 2023. https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/potted-panto/

Reviewer: Samantha Collett

Reviewed: 18th December 2022

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★