Crossroads Live has announced the acquisition of Qdos Pantomimes, the leading producer of pantomime across the UK. The transaction represents a further expansion of Crossroads Live, following its acquisitions of London-based David Ian Productions in 2019 and leading Australian producer, The Gordon Frost Organisation in 2020. The new company, Crossroads Pantomimes, will be led by Crossroads Theatrical Group chairman David Ian …
‘The script is jam-packed with jokes’: CINDERELLA LIVE – THE EASTER PANTO (Online review)
Packed with new jokes and songs, Cinderella Live brings an immersive and interactive home experience through a live-stream performance.
‘Brings some cheer to dull January days’: PRESS PLAY HERE – Theatre Royal Stratford East (Online review)
Choose your own programme with some mini delights in and around the Theatre Royal Stratford East building thanks to Press Play Here.
‘People can now have an audience for their work across the planet’: Mark Potter launches online company Crowd Pleaser Theatre
Director Mark Potter chatted about his new online theatre company Crowd Pleaser Theatre.
‘I wouldn’t count on us being safe until the summer at the earliest’: Mark Shenton shares his thoughts with a new daily blog for 2021
One of my new year resolutions — and one I intend to keep — is to revitalise this personal website ShentonStage as my primary editorial home this year.
‘Both mocks & celebrates this most British of theatrical styles’: POTTED PANTO (Online review)
Potted Panto is a quick and jolly canter through Pantoland hosted by a couple of energetic and resourceful performers.
‘Riotous fun from start to finish’: COVIDELLA & THE MASKED BALL – Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
Created by those involved and studying at the Musical Theatre Academy, Covidella & The Masked Ball really puts a quirky twist on the traditional story of Cinderella.
‘Incredibly imaginative & energetic’: POTTED PANTO (Online review) ★★★★
With so many pantomimes on offer at this time of year it can be tough to choose which one to watch. Thankfully Potted Panto has come to the rescue with a show which takes you through seven pantomimes in just 70 minutes.
‘The performances are wonderfully flamboyant’: RED RIDING HOOD – Hounslow (Online review) ★★★★
Overall, this is a refreshing and entertaining take on the story of Red Riding Hood that provides families a way to still have fun and joy through pantomime this Christmas season.
‘The perfect tonic to these darker times’: THE SNOW QUEEN – Ipswich (Online review) ★★★★
Full of joy and imagination with some hilarious jokes and great music choices, The Snow Queen at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich is guaranteed to brighten your spirits this Christmas.
‘Has all the good cheer you could want in a panto’: RAPUNZEL: THE PANTOMIME – Musselburgh (Online review) ★★★★★
While a live audience is oxygen to panto performers, recorded Rapunzel at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh is a triumph, and placing the trials of 2020 the heart of this retelling of this well-loved tale makes perfect sense.
‘Lively & sharp – with just a hint of cheekiness’: Snow White In The Seven Months Of Lockdown – Charles Court Opera (Online review) ★★★★
Putting a hilarious twist on the story of Snow White and still allowing for audience participation, online pantomime Snow White In The Seven Months Of Lockdown is a real joy to watch.
‘Lively, funny show’: Snow White In The Seven Months Of Lockdown – Charles Court Opera (Online review)
The Charles Court Opera team, working at the King’s Head Theatre in Islington, presents Snow White In The Seven Months Of Lockdown.
‘All out for some action & adventure’: FROSTBITE: WHO PINCHED MY MUFF – Garden Theatre
Despite the show only having a week’s run and now closed due to London’s descent into Tier 3, Frostbite: Who Pinched my Muff? deserves recognition.
‘We’ll keep the blue gags flying here!’: PANTOLAND – London Palladium
Not for the very youngest probably, but for the rest of us over-7s and our inner child Pantoland at the London Palladium is a proper, silly, defiant showbiz shot in the arm.
‘A festival of filthy fun’: CINDERELLA : THE SOCIALLY DISTANCED BALL – Turbine Theatre ★★★★
Turbine Theatre’s adult panto Cinderella: The Socially Distanced Ball is a festival of filthy fun that you can’t help but love.
NEWS: Hackney Empire announces 2021 Christmas panto Jack & the Beanstalk
Hackney Empire today announced Jack and the Beanstalk, which was previously scheduled to open in December 2020, will now open in December 2021, marking the 22nd pantomime at the East End venue.
‘Welcome home Dan & Jeff’: POTTED PANTO – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
They’re at it again. And in this dour year, crowned with the financially reckless renaissance of West End theatre, Dan and Jeff – Daniel Clarkson and Jeff Turner – are welcome home to the daytime West End with Potted Panto.
‘A fun, festive frolic for the whole family’: THE LEGEND OF MOBY DICK WHITTINGTON – Sleeping Trees (Online review)
The Legend of Moby Dick Whittington is a fun, festive frolic for the whole family. So grab yourself a mince pie and kick off panto season in true 2020 style from the comfort of your sofa.
‘Glorious, campy & traditional’: JACK & THE BEANSTALK – Online review
A glorious, campy and traditional pantomime conceived and co-directed by Peter Duncan, Jack & the Beanstalk steams into Everyman cinemas/online from 4 December 2020 and Showcase cinemas from 11 December.