Sarah Pearson Archives - North West End UK

The year Billy Pearce began his panto career at this historic venue Bill Clinton had just become President, Microsoft released Windows and Jurassic Park was pulling the crowds in. 25 years on, and Pearce is no dinosaur as for a performer in his seventies he still has energy to burn His festive turn as the leading man at the Alhambra is now as traditional as turkey stuffing, and from the moment the kids (and big kids) bellowed back ‘hello Billy’ (oh, yes they did) he has a very lively intergenerational audience in the palm of his hand. It really is a masterclass in how to work a crowd, and as a veteran of the Yorkshire club circuit his timing and ability to think on his feet is still razor sharp. This year (as he notes on stage) for his silver jubilee he is The Man In The Mirror - com...

Taking your seat in this historic theatre you can’t help reflecting that for the local mill workers who made this city rich a festive trip to the panto must have been a real treat, and this old school spectacular with a modern sensibility proved to be just that. Unlike other pantos that often push the boundaries of good taste this is very much a family show, so grannies and the little kids being carried into the venue can all share some good clean fun. Cinderella is a no expense spared panto from Britain’s biggest festive producers that starts with Strictly star John Waite flying down onto Ian Westbrook’s big set. The hard working cast then gleefully go over the top from there with daft jokes aplenty, flamboyant costumes, energetic dancers, pyrotechnics, a couple of real Shetland ponies...

Tag: Sarah Pearson

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Alhambra Bradford

Cinderella – Bradford Alhambra