Latest Articles - Page 12 of 653

10Dec

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Robin Hood – Opera House, Manchester

It’s pantomime season once again, that magical time of year when theatres fill with laughter, music, mischief, and festive cheer. Robin Hood is my second pantomime of the season, and it captures everything that makes panto such a cherished Christmas tradition for families. It remains the perfect introduction to musical theatre for children as it’s colourful, silly, interactive, and bursting with joy. But make no mistake, the adults were laughing just as much as the kids. Jason Manford leads the show as Robin Hood, the familiar hero of Sherwood Forest who steals from the rich to give to the poor, all while hopelessly smitten with Maid Marion, played delightfully by Sarah Vaughan. Manford’s ease with an audience and natural stand-up rhythm makes his Robin warm, nimble, and consistently fu...

Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Leeds City Varieties

9Dec

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Leeds City Varieties

The first I time I saw the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto in Leeds the Iraq War had just ended, Novak Djokovic has secured his first Wimbledon crown and Prince William got hitched to Catherine Middleton Since then, this traditional pantomime with a musical edge has become a must see for families across the generations – oh, yes it has – and taken its place in the pantheon of great shows in one of the North’s most historic theatres. It may be entering its fifteenth run, but the latest Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto basically is the same show, albeit with a different name, and a few more topical gags. This time star-crossed lovers A-lad-in-Leeds (see what they did there?) and Princess Peachblosoom are helped by a motley crew of friends to overcome evil villain Abanazer before they find true love. Oh, yes th...

Traveling Dancers: Cabaret Show – Kunstraum Gallery

8Dec

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Traveling Dancers: Cabaret Show – Kunstraum Gallery

Travelling Dancers: Cabaret Show was a memorable showcase. One could sense the joyous celebration that was deeply meaningful for each of the dancers, some of whom were on stage for the first time. Curated and performed by SWANA artists, the evening had something for everyone. Ana Gabriela Hernández curated the endearing programme featuring her Bellydance Lab group; a percussion duet by Ana and Seda; Juzour Dance Collective; Politika; a work-in-progress by Lucia; and her own character performance, Venus. Following her degree in Dance and Anthropology at the University of Roehampton, Ana self-produced the evening at the cosy Kunstraum Gallery. For those not aware, this unique space supports artists with roots in the African and Caribbean diasporas and people of colour across the world. Ku...

8Dec

By Anna SmithNo Comments

North West

Peter Pan – Gladstone Theatre

What a great way for families to start the Christmas Panto season with The Pantomine Adventures of Peter Pan written by Fortina Stone, directed by Laura Newnes and produced by Dreamworld Entertainments. The Gladstone Theatre is transformed into Neverland and Dreamworld Entertainments bring J M Barrie's magical tale about the boy who never grew up to life delivering traditional family entertainment. The story starts with Peter (Lewis Pryor) entering the nursery at the Darling household where Wendy (Darcey Blake), Joan and Michael are going to bed. Peter has visited before and is looking for his shadow which he had left behind and Tink (Tasha Rowson) the mischievous fairy has accompanied him. Peter tells them that he lives in Neverland as Captain of the lost boys and persua...

8Dec

By Roger JacobsNo Comments

Scotland

Dancing Shoes – Traverse Theatre

Unbridled joy. A tonic. In an almost panto-style atmosphere this brilliantly written work of Edinburgh-based duo Stephen Christopher and Graeme Smith is brought to life in celebratory fashion, complete with audience participation, and the themes (NOT memes); addiction, isolation and depression. Still with us? The set is comprised of five chairs and an Eric’n’Ernie curtain through which, eventually, reluctantly, steps our Byrne-esque hirsute hero Donny (Stephen Docherty). ‘Dancin’ Donny’ encounters Craig (Lee Harris) and Jay (Craig McLean) in a local community centre where amongst the Craft Workshops, Yoga (and Baby Yoga) activities on offer are sessions for recovering addicts. With Maggie, who always takes the central chair and alternates the direction of conversation depending on the d...

The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe – Union Theatre

8Dec

By Alan Stuart MalinNo Comments

London

The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe – Union Theatre

There are times in the theatre when you can feel an entire room surrender to delight, when a show strikes the rare balance between clever writing, full throttle performance and joyful mischief. ‘The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe’ at the Union Theatre delivers exactly that kind of night. It is, without exaggeration, pure writing genius. Joshua Coley’s unapologetic and confident script spins a riotous adult panto that is as sharp as it is shameless, packed with more wit, filth and surprise than should reasonably fit into two hours. Every gag lands well, every callback builds, every twist feels fresh. It is a gleefully untamed carnival of comedy, queerness, and musical mayhem! The premise alone sets the tone. Two hapless, fruity East London wartime young lovers, evacuated to the hilario...

8Dec

By Michelle KnightNo Comments

London

Cinderella – The Rose Theatre

The Rose Theatre hosts Chris Bush and Roni Neale’s Christmas characterisation of Cinderella featuring a cast of professionals and the young company. What strikes you immediately is the set, with its small compact house, with its larder fridge, cereal boxes, chairs emulating stepping stone access to the attic bedroom above. The illusion of a fully functional home was truly amazing. Throughout the production the revolving house becomes the scenes of the pumpkin carriage, the castle and the forest. A clever use of the staging and lighting that enabled a sense of magical wonder, credit to Ryan Dawson Laight. The young cast kick off the show with lanterns and ensemble of “Where does the time go”. A strong start to open Act 1 and into the story of Ella pla...

8Dec

By Anisha PucadyilNo Comments

London

Private View – Soho Theatre

Private View is the debut play by playwright Jess Edwards, a vulnerable portrayal of queer love that burns itself by moving too close to the flame, too soon. It is held together by sincere performances from Patricia Allison (Sex Education) and Stefanie Martini (The Gold), who draw you in from the tantalising portrait shots on the show poster to their believable portrayals. Directed by Annie Kershaw, Private View runs at Soho Theatre from 27th November – 20th December. https://sohotheatre.com/events/private-view/ Come for the sizzling chemistry of the hot flush queer romance; stay for the realities of staying in love—true to any relationship. The play captures the essence of the tenderness of attraction. It ruminates on how, in falling in love, we open ourselves to the spotlight, ...

6Dec

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Pantoville – St Thomas’s Church Hall

Written & directed by Michael Pirks Returning once again to review a Michael Pirks Soup Production feels less like an assignment and more like coming home. Since first meeting Pirks in 2024, I’ve been hooked on his brilliantly spirited writing, and Pantoville - my fifth of his shows, proves yet again that his creative well runs deep and delightfully wild. While his previous works I’ve seen have been plays, this venture into pantomime is nothing short of a triumphant stroke of genius. With all the essential ingredients of a classic panto - singing, dancing, audience participation and of course the timeless cries of “He’s behind you!” and “Oh no you didn’t!”, Pirks not only honours the tradition but elevates it. The script is enriched with beloved Disney and storybook characters, g...

5Dec

By Tracey BellNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

A Christmas Carol – Crucible Theatre

What a start to my Christmas celebrations, a joyous and heart-warming new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic – A Christmas Carol. Set in Sheffield and dripping with the festive custom of Carols, these harmonic vocal bells charm the local audiences and provide the grounding human link between our past and our present. Long before the well-known choral carols in churches, Christmas regional songs were sung ad hoc in pubs and this tradition remains strong and striving in Sheffield. What better way to highlight Dicken’s story of change and redemption than with a kaleidoscope of a vocally created backdrop, replacing much of the instrumental music and also gifting the community audience with localised lyrics and customs encompassing and highlighting the moral story to inclusiv...