PETER PAN (Theatre Royal Nottingham) Review December 2013

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, David Hasselhoff is the most-watched TV personality of all time. According to audiences at the Theatre Royal, he's perhaps the most popular panto star yet to tread the boards! Qdos Pantomimes present a sparkling production of J.M. Barrie's much loved classic - the non traditional pantomime that in recent years has risen in audience popularity and with CBBC's Barney Harwood and TV Goddess Su Pollard also on board, what is there not to love?

Barney Harwood as Peter Pan and Hannah Nicholas as Wendy

Barney Harwood is a likeable Pan, perhaps not as innocent and childlike as you may expect from the boy who never grows up but he's certainly cool and you'd want to be in his gang! Flying around the stage with impressive aerial acrobatics and a conjuring up audience participation he's the guy all the children are in awe of. Something else to be in awe of are the Hoff's cHOFFstumes (that's not such a great pun is it....). As Captain Hook in his sparkling coats and feathered hats the Hoff commands the stage in spectacular fashion. The booable baddie - that you also want to cheer for because he's such a legend - has the entire theatre in the palm of his hand... the remaining hand that is. His song, This Is The Moment brings down the house, complete with showgirls donning the most gorgeous red feathered costumes, it's easily the show's highlight. 

Su Pollard as Mimi the Mermaid

This pantomime traditionally has no dame, but whatever would have been missing is all there by bucketload thanks to Su Pollard as Mimi the Mermaid who is cracking fish jokes all over the plaice. Making her grand entrance in a disco ball and later belting out Gaga's Applause she is the ultimate panto crowd pleaser. Celebrating her 40th year in show showbusiness, Su still oozes all the energy and the eccentric star is clearly a firm favourite with her home audience. 

Ben Nickless is a fantastic Mr Smee, delivering comedy impressions, witty one-liners and a clever story of recognisable chocolate brands is well deserving of a lengthy, appreciative applause. Isobel Hathaway skates her way through the show as Tinkerbell and is one of three strong female leads; Hannah Nicholas as Wendy and Billie Kay as Tiger Lily completing the trio, all in fine voice. The dancers are incredibly talented and master the fresh, exciting choreography. It's nice to see an ensemble used for more than just making up the numbers and filling out the stage - the male dancers get ample stage time to explore individual characters and they also prove to be experienced in the art of Twerking! 

Ben Nickless as Smee with Oliver Ramsdale, 

Lloyd Davies, Nick Woodford & Josh Harrison

With a megamix of Hoff'd classics, At The Hoff, Hoff Stuff ... (you get the idea) the show concludes with an elaborate gold and white finale. A fun and thoroughly enjoyable family show, this is Hofficially the panto to book for... hook whatever tickets are left on the website here. 

View the trailer!

Cast List: David Hasselhoff, Barney Harwood, Su Pollard, Ben Nickless, Isobel Hathaway, Hannah Nicholas, Billie Kay, Ruben Lawlor-Leckie, Taylor Daykin, Alexander Beardsley, Ryan Mathura, Rhianne Alleyne, Gabrielle Cocca, Lloyd Davies, Lauren Griffin, Josh Harrison, Laura Nicholson, Oliver Ramsdale, Nick Woodford. 

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JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2013

It may only be a 635 seat venue but the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon always celebrates the festive season with a giant pantomime... appropriately so this year with a thrilling production of Jack And The Beanstalk. Once again, Qdos Pantomimes and One From The Heart combine to create Swindon's ultimate festive attraction. 

For a third year, Keith Chegwin returns in a madcap role, Billy this year... and he is silly! Cheggers' entrance is met with a wall of sound and boy it's loud! There's a warmth that Keith exudes and a strong connection between him and the townsfolk of Swindon, it's clear to see why he's welcomed back. However, you're not going to get off lightly by sitting back with a packet of Maltesers when Cheggers is involved... standing up, shouting, screaming, pointing, singing... the lot... and you do it... I was shimmying with someone's granny at one point! Complete and utter madness from start to finish but you'd search for a lifetime to find someone who does panto better than Cheggers. 

David Ashley, Keith Chegwin and Samuel Parker

Also returning to the Wyvern this year is David Ashley who's Dame couldn't be further from last year's villain Abanaza. A complete contrast, here we have an experienced dame - not a bloke in a frumpy frock harping on about a dead husband for two hours... of course there's the necessary amount of that but also a plethora of witty one-liners and clever audience participation - a credit to the writer Simon Aylin. 

Jennifer Greenwood makes an excellent fairy - Fairy Nuff who impresses with a rendition of Defying Gravity to close the first half, a spectacle to rival that of Wicked. Simon Wegrzyn is a very strong Fleshcreep who flits in and out of Childcatcher mode and Riff Raff from the Rocky Horror Show and  is excellent at sustaining a riotous booing. Andrew Whitehead is a great addition as the bumbling old King Manypence and Maria Holmes proves to be a tuneful Harp.

Jennifer Greenwood as Fairy Nuff

Samuel Parker is hero Jack and is every bit the man the young boys in the audience want to be. Laden with an axe and belting out hits of One Direction he's a pretty cool dude! Hollie Evans completes the pairing as Jill perfectly and brings the show into a more tender tone with her beautifully sung solo. 

Joanna Goodwin is perhaps the unsung hero of the show, as choreographer she has put together the ultimate team of dancers. Swindon pantomime always has a strong ensemble and the team of second and third year students from Laine Theatre Arts are as ever the consummate professionals with boundless energy throughout. Exciting tap routines are rare in most shows other than 42nd Street but here it's all on show, even Cheggers manages to fit in a few wings! Daisy the cow can also tap dance... who knew!? "Lainey's" are often the ones to look out for and this bunch are destined for a fine future. 

Keith Chegwin as Silly Billy with the ensemble.

Musical Director Robert Rayner is on fine form and great musical supervision from Ben Kennedy once again delivers the perfect blend of revised chart hits and some great but lesser known pantomime songs - even a Chegwinised version of the Friends theme tune is thrown into the mix!

Another unmissable family pantomime that prides itself on giant production values and prices to suit all pockets - so you won't have to sell the family cow to afford tickets! Be quick though - they're selling fast and the pantomime runs until Sunday 5 January 2014. You can book tickets by visiting the box office in person, calling 01793 524 481 or online here. 

Listen to the entire pantomime podcast coverage of interviews throughout the rehearsal process:

Cast List: Keith Chegwin, Simon Wegrzyn, Jennifer Greenwood, Samuel Parker, David Ashley, Andrew Whitehead, Hollie Evans, Maria Holmes, Aaron Jenkins, Reece Kerridge, Billy Mahoney, Zac Watts.

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SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Birmingham Hippodrome) Review December 2013

It's Britain's biggest pantomime.... oh yes it is!!! Qdos Pantomimes present possibly the heaviest star line up any show has ever seen, seven lead cast members who sparkle, shine, sing and surpass all expectations in Birmingham Hippodrome's Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs! 

Gok Wan

Mirror, mirror, on the wall... well, not on the wall but magically flying in from the sky is everyone's favourite fashion guru Gok Wan. Dressed like a glittering disco ball the audience go wild at his sight... Definitely a crowd favourite, Gok is rewarded with rapturous applause and hysterical laughter with every appearance. Making his pantomime debut and even tackling the song 'Fabulous Baby' from Sister Act, he ensures every ounce of energy goes into his outrageously camp and thoroughly entertaining Man In The Mirror. 

West End leading man John Partridge is more than made for his Princely part, torn-off sleeves revealing his bulging biceps and just as strong a voice to match. Furthering the quality of a West End musical is Danielle Hope, BBC Over The Rainbow winner and fresh from playing Eponine in Les Misérables there is even a beautiful rendition of On My Own thrown in for good measure. Danielle is a delight and remains perfectly poised throughout the madness, an ideal princess. 

Gary Wilmot is a very impressive first-time dame. With two original songs written by himself he particularly showcases his talent and oozes a genuine warmth, his song about a Brummie Balti is a particular highlight. Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham is an incredibly strong bad girl as the Wicked Queen. The strongest villain I've certainly seen in panto, she is definitely boo-worthy and deliciously dastardly. 

Stephanie Beacham

Paul Zerdin as Muddles and his sponge friend Sam delight the audience and mock others in equal part. I'm not particularly one for audience participation but tonight's married couple were good sports... they became ventriloquist dummies having mouth masks fitted to their heads. It's likely you've seen the gag before but with added humiliation the laughs keep coming... when the mask was replaced for one that worked! Staged corpsing and deliberate 'things going wrong' are aplenty and an integral part of pantomime now... perhaps this was just one of them. A secondary 'Muddles' or 'Buttons' type character is added to this pantomime in the form of Oddjob played by Matt Slack. More buffoonish than brother Muddles, Oddjob wins audience affection with slapstick routines and obscure facial expressions.

The dwarfs have less stage time than you'd perhaps expect from titular characters but they make the most of time they do have with a catchy song and individual regional accents. Lead by Ewan Goddard they move around the stage in costumes like that of Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical. They're a great, young and fresh alternative to traditional dwarfs and work incredibly well - a cute, enjoyable addition to the cast. The large ensemble of 10 dancers are incredibly dynamic and bring life to the already lively orchestration.

John Partridge and Gary Wilmot

The set and backcloths transport you instantly to a fantasy world, gone are the days of lengthy and awkward scene changes, everything happens seamlessly and within an instant here. This show is a plethora of special effects, whirling fireworks, a flying dragon and dazzling costumes. The first half is almost like a variety show, the second half like a musical but with traditional panto values well and truly at the heart of it all. 

You should never question purchasing tickets to the Birmingham pantomime - always a spectacle and Michael Harrison's new production lives up to and exceeds the expectations of previous years. Co-written by Alan McHugh, once again choreographed by Karen Bruce with Associate Director Tom O'Connell and Musical Director Robert Willis completing an expert team behind Qdos Entertainment's leading production. 

Find out more from the cast of Snow White in the podcast below and in my press launch coverage here. 

Don't delay in booking for what is an unmissable family pantomime or you may not be able to look yourself in the mirror! See Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sunday 2 February 2014. You can book tickets by calling 0844 338 500, visiting the box office in person or online here. 

Cast List: Gok Wan, John Partridge, Danielle Hope, Gary Wilmot, Matt Slack, Paul Zerdin and Sam, Stephanie Beacham, Matt Bateman, Tom Brandon, Jon-Scott Clark, Ewan Goddard, Daniel Hope, Conleth Kane, Mark Laverty, Anne Smith, Chloe Ames, Callum Aylott, James Bennett, Michael Burr, Kage Douglas, Stephanie Elstob, Diana Girbau, Charlotte Scally, Luke Swattridge, Marie Walker

GHOST THE MUSICAL (UK Tour) Review December 2013

There's nothing that the Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre do better than delight the city, offering a large musical production around Christmas time each year. Always an alternative to pantomime, previous December offerings have included Spamalot, Grease, Dolly Parton's 9 To 5 and this year Ghost The Musical. 

Definitely the most ambitious and perhaps the most exciting production to play at the theatre this year, there is great expectation and as with the five previous times I've seen it, Ghost The Musical never fails to disappoint. 

For those that are unfamiliar with the story (and that must be very few...) Sam Wheat is murdered, leaving heartbroken girlfriend Molly Jensen behind to pick up the pieces with the help of the questionable psychic medium Oda Mae Brown. 

Stewart Clarke, Rebecca Trehearn and David Roberts

Solihull-born Stewart Clarke admirably rises to the challenges of being Sam. There is a broken interaction between the character and everyone else in the show - for Sam is dead and no one can see him. Clarke however manages to connect with both fellow cast and audience and does so by delivering incredibly heartfelt tender moments amongst angrier moments requiring a strong vocal belt. 

Other heartfelt moments are provided aplenty by Rebecca Trehearn as Molly. Beautiful ballads With You and Nothing Stops Another Day both showcase and compliment her voice. David Roberts is a deceitful Carl, originally likeable but soon enough a boo-able baddie... but this is far from a pantomime!

Keisha Atwell, Wendy Mae Brown and Karlene Wray

Comedy moments are not sidelined however - Wendy Mae Brown as psychic Oda Mae Brown is a sparkling jewel in this production. Outrageous costumes and a badass attitude ensure all focus is towards her and she is worthy in receipt of rapturous applause by the curtain call. Her numbers Are You A Believer and I'm Outta Here are both lively injections of fun to the otherwise tragic events. 

Wendy Mae Brown, Stewart Clarke and Lewis Griffiths

I admire a huge effort that goes on behind the scenes of Ghost, with a record get-in period that spans three days (and nights), miles of cable and 7 automated LED video screens. The illusions by Paul Kieve are mind-blowing, but I must recommend sitting in the centre of the auditorium for maximum effect when viewing for the first time. Unfortunately, sitting to the far sides and close to the stage will have an impact on the magic's effectiveness. The angle of far side seats will result in illusions becoming blocked by set pieces and ensemble members who are stood in the way. 

The orchestration is most powerful and there is a strong, soon familiar soundtrack to the show. The sound levels do alter quite dramatically, sometimes randomly with many of the earlier songs strangely quiet. Despite niggles with ambitious technology it is important that theatrical boundaries are pushed and with many new musicals failing to succeed greatly in the West End here is a show that has enjoyed a 15 month run at London's Piccadilly Theatre, Broadway and US national tour with productions also in Italy and South Korea. Whilst in Birmingham at the New Alexandra Theatre you mustn't miss your chance to believe in the power of love. Buy tickets here. An ideal alternative to pantomime which runs until Sunday 5th January 2014.

Cast List: Stewart Clarke, Rebecca Trehearn, Wendy Mae Brown, David Roberts, Ivan De Freitas, Stevie Hutchinson, Karlene Wray, Keisha Atwell, Maeve Byrne, Michael Cortez, Kimmy Edwards, Gabriela Garcia, Lewis Griffiths, Bradley Jaden, Gregor Stewart, Amy Webb, Amy West, Luke Wilson, Jaye Juliette Elster, Livvy Evans, Robert Knight and Michael Stewart.

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MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (UK Tour) Review December 2013

Walking into the New Alexandra Theatre you'd think it was Christmas Eve. A freezing chill had everyone wrapped in scarves and wooly hats and families were piling through the doors. When it's done right, theatre is something for the whole family and more often than not it's Christmas time when it happens most - it's wonderful to see.

Miracle On 34th Street The Musical is a tough one to conquer... the 1947 and 1994 film versions are universally loved and presenting anything so popular in a different format is always going to face challenges. The musical with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson is full of heart. The songs are hardly rememberable and some scenes are weighted with heavy dialogue but throughout it all the Christmas spirit is well and truly present. 

Full Cast (Photo by Darren Bell)

The cast are highly motivated and carry the story incredibly well. Not only are they acting, singing and dancing but changing the set as they go. The set, by David Shields is a simplistic one, three blocks that rotate to reveal various locations. It is beautifully detailed and the finale of snow is pure delight. 

Genevieve Nicole is a powerhouse as Doris, presented with the best vocal part she manages to showcase some real talent as does Poppy Carter who plays daughter Susan. Although petite, Carter nor any adult could ever portray a 6 year old girl convincingly, but it works artistically, just as it does in Blood Brothers and you can looks past that. James Murphy makes the perfect Kris Kringle, full of merriment his portrayal is captivating. 

James Murphy as Kris Kringle (Photo by Darren Bell)

For an evening of fabulously festive fun after a trip to the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market head to the New Alexandra Theatre before Saturday 7 December. Book tickets for Miracle On 34th Street online here. 

Cast List: Genevieve Nicole, Poppy Carter, Daniel Fletcher, James Murphy, Paul Cleveland, David Kristopher-Brown, Charlotte Jeffery, Caroline Bateson, Lorraine Graham, Inez Mackenzie, Stuart Matthews, Brett Shiels, Gary Roe, Shaun McCourt, Ellen Verenieks. 

THE NUTCRACKER (Birmingham Royal Ballet) Review November 2013

Having crept downstairs to play with her new nutcracker doll, Clara finds herself magically transported into a world where she is amongst a battle between toy solders and rats. Her beloved Nutcracker doll turns into a handsome prince and they leave for the Land Of Snow... 

Sir Peter Wright's fantasy Christmas classic returns to Birmingham Hippodrome, the theatre in which it premiered on 29th December 1990 and proves as popular as ever, for not a single seat around was left unoccupied. 

Momoko Hirata sparkles and shines as Clara, the young girl with the gift of dance is perfectly performed with mesmerising technique. The production also belongs to Nao Sakuma, the Sugarplum Fairy who delights and receives rapturous applause. Chi Cao continues to execute the finest performance, securing his place at the forefront. A chorus of leaping rats, dashing soldiers and beautiful ballerinas combine to complete the line-up of world class dancers. 

Photo by Steve Hanson

The staging is a spectacle in itself - we've all seen a set change but this is unlike any other. The element of magic as the room transforms is present throughout and would leave even the Scroogiest theatregoer spellbound. The magic and beauty of the entire production is enough to satisfy every Christmas wish. The perfect pre-Christmas treat, a fabulous way to begin the festive season. Make sure it's on your list! 

The Nutcracker runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Thursday 12 December, book tickets online here.

Watch the incredible set being fixed up during the get-in below: