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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 15, 2010 11:16:39 GMT
Leave your own reviews or ones you come across here..... To start off here is one for Russel Hicken. SHERINGHAM LITTLE THEATRE PANTOMIME IS A CRACKER By Steve Downes Monday 6th December 2010  It was a pantomime. But not exactly as we know it. There was a healthy dose of “oh no you don’ts”, plenty of great gags and even a touch of “he’s behind you”. But this was panto for the 21st century, complete with extraordinary renditions of songs by pop princesses Lady Gaga, Cheryl Cole and Pink. When thrown into the pot with dazzling, gravity-defying costumes, scenes that swept between Peking and Sheringham, and a dash of topical jokes about Tesco, it made for an unforgettable evening. I’m not easily convinced by pantos. But this is well worth catching. Superb scripts by local lad Greg Powles provided a framework on which some excellent actors wove their magic. Russel Hicken was outstanding as Widow Twankey, and rose to the occasion - and the high notes - during an X-Factor-style show where he donned the clothes and the attitude of Cheryl Cole and Lady Gaga. Cornelius Garrett had the look of Ming the Merciless in his role as the evil Abanazar. Boooo. And Dale Page as Aladdin and Clare Reilly as Princess Dewdrop played the lead roles with aplomb. The local touch really won me over, though. For, not looking at all out of place alongside the professionals, George Robson as Frank the genie, the six-strong Peeks and PC Pong’s team of Kiddicops did North Norfolk proud. With some toe-tapping, hand-clapping tunes and lots of laughs, this was one of few things that made all of my children - and their grumpy dad - smile. All in all, a pre-Christmas cracker. © 2010 Archant Regional Ltd © www.northnorfolknews.co.uk |
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Post by Eunice and Roísín on Dec 15, 2010 15:35:49 GMT
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 15, 2010 22:24:26 GMT
Thanks for the reveiws girls.......look forward to more before the end of the season ;-) xx
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Post by shaws07btinternet on Dec 16, 2010 16:46:04 GMT
hi its linda been to see two pantos one in my own town of hyde at the town hall CINDERELLAwith bruce jones LES BATTERSBY as DOC HARDUP coronation street casey-lee jolleys orchid from coronation street &channel 5 milkshake AS CINDERELLA caroline hacking from granada reports AS THE FAIRY danny jay and dave drewitt [deja vu] AS THE UGLY SISTERS and as the prince LEE OTWAY FROM HOLLYOAKS what a great panto for me and only one bus ride from home when the bus did come i had my walking stick which is my dad,s before i got my ticket i was sat out side the town hall this was when we had snow and all the school kids came pass me as i was swinging my walkingstick they looked at me it was after they all when in that i when in to see if i could get a ticket when i found the mangers office i thought that i would get one for next week or later in the week no they let me have one for todays show monday which was just about to start by the sound of the music it was 2.0clock start it cost me £14 and i could sit where i liked and i did i sat on the start of the row at the back behide all the school kids fill all the fronts rows up there was lots of laughing singing and all the school kids got up and danced so did i i,i had my coloured glasses on there was also people in wheelchairs having a great time all the cast were good and there were great singers and dancers dochardup and the ugly sisters were funny school kids enjoyed themselfs and so did i the stage set had nice soft colours which i liked a great way to get away from the snow and the cold on a monday aftenoon
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Post by shaws07btinternet on Dec 16, 2010 17:15:26 GMT
hi linda again this is my second panto this one was at oldham coliseum on saturday 11th december sleeping beauty with fine time fontayne as the dame the stage set this time was very colourful dont miss this captivating adventure full of evil spells, hazardous spinning wheels mischievous fairies and ahandsome prince stunning sets, sparkling costumes and all the usual pantomime magic i was sat on the end of row e which was ok because i could see what was going on ,on the stage lots of laughs the dame came on dressed like the tin man out of wizz of oz what a laugh in the second half i moved to the seat in front of me d because i asked and no one was sat there it was better for me the ladys next to me on row e made a lot of noise eating which got to much for me not to worry i enjoyed myself lost my programme must be in the theatre on the way home i stopped off again to look around the christmas market i took a photo of the pengin with my hats and scafes on this time it was 3 buses to get home
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 17, 2010 13:27:17 GMT
Wow sounds like you have had a fun time Linda  thanks for sharing with us xx |
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 17, 2010 13:30:13 GMT
It's panto time - oh yes it is! Review of Sleeping Beauty, The Sands Centre, Carlisle  Sleeping Beauty There was everything you’d expect to see in a pantomime in Sleeping Beauty – comedy, romance, a pantomime dame, villain and audience participation. And while it was packed full of all of these there was much more to this tale of good versus evil, something audiences have come to expect from the panto at The Sands. Craig Chalmers gave a solid performance as Will Barrow and there was clear chemistry with his love interest Princess Amelia, played by Kristina Castellina. Chalmers may be better known for his vocal ability in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat but he showed that he can act as well. When he did break out into song he didn’t disappoint and there were references to Joseph thrown into the script, with an amazing coloured kilt and a rendition of Any Dream Will Do. While Chalmers was likeable and charming, CFM radio favourite Robbie Dee was the perfect panto dame as Mrs Barrow. He had a crucial comedy role throughout and an early slip in his lines only added to the spirit of panto fun. It took a while for the audience to get going but thanks to an excellent performances from the wicked Nefarea (played by Yvonne Patterson) she was soon being booed by the crowd, as every panto villain should. Energetic performances by Victoria Roberts and Jo Ashcroft as Payne and Mabel, who made an entertaining duo, also helped to get the audience into the swing of things. There were also strong performances by Tim Messent as the King and Lloyd Warbey as Oscar and plenty of jokes for the adults in the audience, with everything from poking fun at Ann Widdecombe to James Bond and local references – and it seems there’s no escaping from a royal wedding. There were also fantastic puppets and monsters, a Wizard of Oz scene and the show was packed full of musical numbers, everything from Eye of the Tiger to Don’t Stop Believing. Sleeping Beauty is certainly an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza for all the family and a fitting way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Sands Centre. by EMMA MORLEY © www.newsandstar.co.uk |
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 17, 2010 13:37:17 GMT
Cinderella Ashcroft Theatre; Croydon Reviewed Theo Spring I have been won over by Basil Brush! Playing Buttons to Gemma Bissix's delightful Cinderella, he hit just the right note both with the script and the children, to which I think the appropriate response is Boom Boom! The show is full of glitter, lovely costumes and a varied choice of music - none of your continuous pop songs - and Simon Schofield really wowed as Prince Charming with a powerful singing voice which he used to great effect. This said, being a panto traditionalist, I still baulk at the principal boy not being a girl. Further here, the story was I feel, badly changed, to say that Cinderella was Baron Hardup's step daughter (because he found her on his step). This idea changes the whole premise of the tale. A further glitch on Monday night was the omitted explanation of the magic of the ball gown ending at midnight. I do guess this might have been a case of simply forgetting the script but it's such an important part of the fairy tale. The transformation scene was beautifully handled and really did seem like magic with the Shetland ponies completely stealing the show. Malcolm Lord and Simon Bashford made an excellent pair of Uglies - outrageously dressed, with hairstyles to match, but elegance did creep in for Simon's rather glamorous ball gown, owing more to a Strictly Come Dancing gown rather than a clown gown. In this tale, much hinges on the powers of the Fairy Godmother and sad to say Shirley Anne Field seemed to have left her fairy dust at home that night with a lack of good interaction between both the audience and Cinderella. Keeping up the comedy and humour, Spencer K Gibbins provided a good jobbing Baron Hardup, particularly when dealing with the two children chosen to come up on stage. I do wish, however, that pantos would abandon giving a gift to one child and leaving the other empty handed, then making up for it by heaping presents. Daniel Whitley's bright Dandini helped roll the tale along and the also bright and lively eight-strong chorus entered into the whole show with verve and enthusiasm. Children from the Bright Sparks Theatre School added the 'ahhh' factor, particularly when dressed as hounds with a cheeky fox to hunt. Short enough to be do-able for even quite young theatregoers (two hours 10 minutes including the interval), the show has much to recommend it. © www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After such a visually impressive show in Bromley, I wondered how on earth was the Fairfield going to compare so it was with some trepidation that I took the tram on yet another cold, snowy night, this time with my middle daughter in tow. The answer was in two words – Basil and, Brush. That, and the venue itself but more of that in a moment. First, Willa was demanding to know how they were going to ‘do’ Basil. I haven’t a clue, I offered as I sunk down into my seat amidst crowds of enthusiastic show-goers, already limbering up their voices for a little light heckling but, I added, “never forget he’s real fox.” And that’s just it, not for one second do you imagine that there isn’t a tiny reynard heart beating beneath Buttons’ bellhop coat. This guy was soooo good and so funny and so spontaneous that his performance was as gripping as any be-knighted behemoth of the boards. You just couldn’t take your eyes and ears off him. He was utterly believable from the moment he entered to the theme tune of a vastly famous TV drama – I don’t want to spoil the surprise, suffice it to say he gets my vote for the next regeneration – to the end, when the children went on stage for the customary shout-along and quiz and the little girl determinedly looked round the back of the box to check for tricks when it was the other one’s turn for the ritual teasing. Then she stood on tiptoes and peered up and in. Then, satisfied he was indeed pukka, she couldn’t help herself from needing to pat him and kiss his snout. Meanwhile, Basil’s range for one so small and furry is amazing and he had us falling about with a single nod of the head or snapping open of the mouth, bottom jaw slightly askew. Excellent stuff. Quite aside from possessing the most beautiful safety curtain in the business (there should be a book of those and I’d put this on the cover), the rest of the production ticked all the right pantomime boxes, without much danger of tastefulness. Thankfully. Aw c’mon. We were in Croydon after all! The Ugly Sisters weren’t dissimilar to the old axes I can recall staggering about The Standard and such like on a Friday night circa 1972. “We like lots of boos,” growled the very professional and supremely ‘orrible Malcolm Lord as he clutched his handbag and teetered off. Gemma Bissix was very sweet as Cinders, managing just the right degree of patience with the rest of the cast who were clearly enjoying themselves, which was fortuitously infectious and soon we all were! The singing was also excellent, especially Simon Schofield as Prince Charming, who can’t half belt out a power ballad. Blimey, we dangled off every note. There was an extremely comical strip-tease involving the sisters and a string of sausages and, cue the ahhs, real life ponies to pull the silver coach. Even more real than Basil. The gags were reassuringly ancient - “Shall I slip into something cool and white?” asks an Ugly Sister. “Hide the fridge,” replies Basil – and there were just enough topical references to ensure tradition was maintained. “Oooh, it’s like Downton Abbey in ‘ere..” at the ball. The usual end of show wedding was pleasingly extravagant though there was less than an awed response when it snowed on the stage. When the special effects were planned months back, I bet they didn’t for one minute suppose we’d have had a ruddy bellyful of the white stuff before opening night. Overall, this was Basil Brush’s evening. His verbal dexterity and abject wit was a thrill to behold. Surely Sir Basil in the New Year’s honours? And the night belonged to the Fairfield Halls too. Newly redecorated and re-modelled, the gloomy trellised restaurant blocking the foyer that I remember getting lost in on trips with my mum has been ripped out and replaced by comfortable seating and elegant tables beneath the striking undulating ceiling that reflects and absorbs the light. With the tinkling of a grand piano, it was all so impossibly glamorous. And Croydon deserves no less than that. By Justine Crow © blog.thetransmitter.co.uk |
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 18, 2010 14:38:35 GMT
Aladdin Friday 17 December 2010 by John Hannam This Fareham Aladdin has so much to commend it. It contains a Genie who makes the biggest impact in this role I have ever seen, Peter Duncan as a baddie, exciting special effects and some very strong singing throughout. The show really takes off the minute the charismatic Nathaniel Morrison rushes on stage, following the first rub of the magic lamp. His disco classics are expertly sung and his infectious performance continues throughout the show. Raquel Jones, as the Genie, is also very impressive and her singing and dancing talents are most evident. Peter Duncan’s Abanazar is a far cry from his Blue Peter days in the eighties and he brings his own magic to the character, in more ways than one. He is a little less boisterous and harsh in the role than some and it really works. He gets the boos and hisses to prove it. Chris Edgerley, a current favourite from children’s television, gets the opportunity to sing, dance and create some of the comedy. He is a complete young entertainer. Paul Bentley has such a powerful voice and he puts this to good use as the Emperor. Zoe Nicole Adkin is a confident Princess So Shi and Lisa Mathieson plays the traditional thigh-slapping principal boy with great energy and poise. Personally, these days I feel the role is much more effective and accepted played by a boy. The cast is completed by Robert Rawles as Widow Twankey who, at times, underplays the role just a little. The magic carpet scene is beautifully perfected and the illusions used by Abanazar have the youngsters spellbound. For a small provincial county town this is a real credit to all concerned. © 2010 The Stage Newspaper Limited © www.thestage.co.uk |
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 23, 2010 21:12:58 GMT
 Phillip Arran as the genie in Aladdin - Courtyard Theatre, Hereford Thanks to Phillip for the fab photo ;D |
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Post by Tanith Messenger on Dec 30, 2010 22:56:39 GMT
Whitehaven News It's panto time - oh yes it is! Review of Sleeping Beauty, The Sands Centre, Carlisle Sleeping Beauty There was everything you’d expect to see in a pantomime in Sleeping Beauty – comedy, romance, a pantomime dame, villain and audience participation. And while it was packed full of all of these there was much more to this tale of good versus evil, something audiences have come to expect from the panto at The Sands. Craig Chalmers gave a solid performance as Will Barrow and there was clear chemistry with his love interest Princess Amelia, played by Kristina Castellina. Chalmers may be better known for his vocal ability in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat but he showed that he can act as well. When he did break out into song he didn’t disappoint and there were references to Joseph thrown into the script, with an amazing coloured kilt and a rendition of Any Dream Will Do. While Chalmers was likeable and charming, CFM radio favourite Robbie Dee was the perfect panto dame as Mrs Barrow. He had a crucial comedy role throughout and an early slip in his lines only added to the spirit of panto fun. It took a while for the audience to get going but thanks to an excellent performances from the wicked Nefarea (played by Yvonne Patterson) she was soon being booed by the crowd, as every panto villain should. Energetic performances by Victoria Roberts and Jo Ashcroft as Payne and Mabel, who made an entertaining duo, also helped to get the audience into the swing of things. There were also strong performances by Tim Messent as the King and Lloyd Warbey as Oscar and plenty of jokes for the adults in the audience, with everything from poking fun at Ann Widdecombe to James Bond and local references – and it seems there’s no escaping from a royal wedding. There were also fantastic puppets and monsters, a Wizard of Oz scene and the show was packed full of musical numbers, everything from Eye of the Tiger to Don’t Stop Believing. Sleeping Beauty is certainly an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza for all the family and a fitting way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Sands Centre. EMMA MORLEY First published at 11:33, Friday, 17 December 2010 Published by www.newsandstar.co.uk |
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thanks for sharing with us xx