Christian Patterson Archives - North West End UK

Mother Goose: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

29Nov

By Damian RiverolNo Comments

Wales

Mother Goose: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

After almost two years, we are getting a sneak peek at a part of the Theatr Clwyd redevelopment with the first show back in the main theatre, this years Theatr Clwyd panto, Mother Goose. The rest of the building is not quite ready, with an exciting opening season recently revealed for early Summer 2025. Theatr Clwyd are back doing what they do best, bringing excellent theatre to audiences, some new but many returning year after year for the famous Rock n Roll pantos that Theatr Clwyd do so well. You could feel the excitement tonight as we enter the auditorium with new carpeting and brand-new chairs, a feeling of coming home but a home that has had a beautiful new makeover. Mother Goose is once again written by Christian Patterson and brings all the great jokes and innuendos we come t...

10Aug

By Peter KinnockNo Comments

West Midlands

Pericles – Swan Theatre

We all have our off days and I think, amongst learned academics, we can safely agree Shakespeare was having one when he wrote “Pericles”. Not only is it a ramshackled, riotous romp of a plot with some unfathomable coincidences, it also seems Bill is not the only name on the poster. George Wilkins, who I’m sure I don't need to remind you, was a victualler, panderer (Google it), dramatist and pamphleteer, who dripped his quill in the ink pot, too. People better informed then I seem to think the Bard was responsible for the first half before handing over his parchment. Rarely is the play performed, so it’s a gamely director who’ll have a stab at it and the director on this occasion is new RSC co-AD, Tamara Harvey who, eighteen years after the previous production, clearly thought it was time t...

Sleeping Beauty: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

7Dec

By Coral MourantNo Comments

Wales

Sleeping Beauty: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Theatr Clwyd

A theatre renovation was never going to stop Theatr Clwyd from putting on yet another smash-hit pantomime. Instead, the team have created their very own “Big Top”, where the usual madness ensues. The outdoor Big Top features a giant thrust stage, adorned with webs of light and tiered seating all around. No matter which side of the auditorium you sit in, the boundless energy of the cast makes sure that you are fully immersed in the pandemonium of this year's panto. This version of “Sleeping Beauty” is not the tale you may have in mind. Christian Patterson's script has a brilliant balance of classic pantomime charm and modern flair. There's still the typical spinning wheel curse, but this Princess values friendship and freedom over romance. Part of the reason that this twist works, ...

13Dec

By Leanne RushtonNo Comments

North West

Cinderella – Regent Theatre

The theatre is alive with the buzz of hundreds of people gathering together for a tradition that sadly had to be broken last year. The atmosphere in the auditorium was in a word electric. The Regent Theatre always go above and beyond with Panto, this one is no exception. For their 14th year together we have Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson as Buttons and Baroness Heifer Hardup respectively. These two together is a match made in heaven. There is a reason they keep coming back, the people of Stoke adore them both. They’re regional treasures at this point frankly. We have a few more returning actors in Kai Owen, a massively watchable Dandini who gives off an air of Dad jokes coming to life in the best possible way. Naomi Slights as Cinderella was a perfect principal girl, she was ki...

26Nov

By Coral MourantNo Comments

Wales

Beauty and the Beast – Theatr Clwyd

The Theatre Clwyd pantomimes are legendary in the local area. It's been a few years since I've been but I'm happy to say that it lives up to, and even exceeds all expectation. Tamara Harvey, in her first year as pantomime director, has kept to the winning formula and brought some festive cheer back to the theatre. This year’s chosen fairytale is Beauty and The Beast. Christian Patterson (in his fourth year as writer) has spun the “tale as old as time” into a hilarious, magic-filled pantomime. With topical references to politics and local inside jokes, it's fun, fun, fun for all. This pantomime already separates itself from an overcrowded market. Rather than star castings, Theatre Clwyd has the actors play as the onstage band. With tunes like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Uptown F...