We take a look at what critics have had to say about Mother Goose at the Duke of York’s Theatre & touring, the pantomime starring John Bishop and Ian McKellen, currently touring until April.
‘Tremendous & extravagant evening out’: Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs – New Wimbledon Theatre
If you want an interesting funny and fabulous evening out with the family that’s full of sparkle as well as wicked, then get yourself down to Wimbledon Theatre for Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, a tremendous and extravagant evening out.
’An enjoyable trip to Neverland’: The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook – Fairfield Halls
Peter Pan flies into Fairfield Halls this Christmas with a brand new adventure for all the family. The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook features a star-studded cast led by EastEnders bad boy Ricky Champ as Neverland’s very own baddie, Captain Hook.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Jack & the Beanstalk at the London Palladium
Jack and the Beanstalk continues to play at the London Palladium until 15 January 2023. We take a look at what critics have been saying about the London Palladium’s latest pantomime.
‘An absolute family experience not to be missed’: GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS – Liverpool ★★★★★
Straight to the point, don’t wait until the end of this review to find out that Goldilocks & The Three Bears at the Epstein Theatre, Liverpool was the best pantomime I have ever seen. You must, must, must see it if you can. A love story, a traditional tale, a circus, a concert, a comedy masterpiece and a delivering of the most spectacular costumes sparkling and shimmering across the stage.
‘Hugely entertaining show’: THE PANTOMIME ADVENTURES OF PETER PAN – Manchester ★★★★★
It’s panto season! (Oh no it isn’t, etc…) Full disclosure: I haven’t seen a panto since I was a kid, and went in to the Opera House’s Peter Pan frankly a little bit cynical. I’d assumed it was just for parents wanting to introduce their kids to theatre – a great aim, but one with not much to offer someone like me. How wrong I was.
‘Fantastic balance of humour, singing & special effects’: THE WIZARD OF OZ – Winchester ★★★★
The Wizard of Oz is an all-time family favourite. Dorothy Gale (Abigail Coy) is swept away to the land of Oz after Kanzas is hit by a tornado. Killing the Wicked Witch of the East was never her intention. However, after her house lands on her, she is instantly revered by the locals and Glinda (Katie Stasi) the good witch.
‘A whole lot of spectacle sprinkled in with the silliness’: CINDERELLA – Woking ★★★★
It’s that time of year again (oh yes it is) where audiences flock to their local theatres to see the seasonal panto, and this year the New Victoria Theatre, Woking are providing the glitziest of night’s out with their version of Cinderella.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Mother Goose at the Hackney Empire
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon takes a close look at what critics have had to say about Mother Goose at Hackney Empire.
‘Brings the house down’: Dick Whittington: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto – Leeds ★★★★★
There was an infectious feeling of fun, frivolity and non-stop belly-busting laughter across Leeds as the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll panto presenting Dick Whittington, was showing at the fabulous City Varieties Music Hall. After receiving the most festive and friendliest of welcomes from the front of house team, an excited audience settled down for a pantomime that brought the house down.
‘Moves along at a cracking pace’: MOTHER GOOSE – Hackney Empire
Mother Goose at the Hackney Empire moves along at a cracking pace. Even with a short salute to the 120 years of the Hackney(wood) Empire, Mother Goose is one of the best options available this year, with fabulous costumes, a sparkling script with room for a bit of improv, and some amusing bits of slapstick.
‘Exciting, fabulous, entertaining’: SLEEPING BEAUTY – Theatre Royal Windsor ★★★★★
Theatre Royal Windsor brings you this year’s panto and what a panto it is. Sleeping Beauty tells us the story that we all know and love but with a few twists thrown in, alongside with much excitement, enchantment, many laughs and just a great entertaining evening for all.
NEWS: A musical about panto? Oh Yes I Am! at the King’s Head Theatre is proof there is nothing like a Dame
Is it a musical? Is it panto? Is it a musical about panto? Find out when you see OH YES I AM!, arriving at London’s King’s Head from 11-12 September 2022.
BOOK REVIEW: Dick Whittington (Petite Pantos)
Mama G is back with her special brand of storytelling, this time in picture book format. Dick Whittington is the story of a young man seeking asylum in a country where it is OK to be gay.
INTERVIEW: Vikki Stone on writing an Aladdin with unlimited wishes
Love London Love Culture chatted to Vikki Stone about writing her first pantomime, Aladdin, which is now running at London’s Lyric Hammersmith until 2 January 2022.
‘A panto mashup of mayhem, song & storytelling’: SLEEPING BEAUTY & THE BEAST – Battersea Arts Centre
Following the success of 2019 ‘slumber party panto’ Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers, Sleeping Trees are back for a live residency of mayhem, song, and storytelling in the Council Chamber at Battersea Arts Centre.
INTERVIEW: Rochelle Sherona on Hackney Empire’s Jack & the Beanstalk
Rochelle Sherona chatted to Love London Love Culture about starring in the Hackney Empire’s upcoming production of Jack and the Beanstalk as Jack Trot.
NEWS: Donny Osmond joins the cast of Pantoland at The Palladium
Donny Osmond will join celebrated pantomime royalty Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, Jac Yarrow and Sophie Isaacs in Pantoland at The Palladium which will open at the West End theatre on 4 December 2021 and run until 9 January 2022 for a strictly limited five-week run.
NEWS: Entertainment company Crossroads Live buys Qdos Pantomimes
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.