ALADDIN (New Wimbledon Theatre) Review January 2014

Usually before a show, there may be an announcement to turn off your mobile phone, a black out or a booming overture, but before this performance of Aladdin, out walks Wishee Washee... except it wasn't Alan Committe. George Wood from Family First Entertainment explained that Alan, taken ill at the eleventh hour was unable to perform and with no understudy he was stepping into the role clutching a script... only in panto could this happen and with a supportive audience well and truly on his side it was on with the show!

The show begins with a screen lowered in and a trailer for the DVD release of Shrek The Musical - it's very much like being at the cinema and theatre doesn't need this... It's followed by a short film about the stars that graced the Wimbledon stage and then some text which tells you to practice cheering and booing. Without the encouragement of a live actor it doesn't perhaps work as effectively as it should but as soon the curtain rises we're back to theatrical normality. 

Wimbledon has long been the home of London pantomime, since the London Palladium the New Wimbledon Theatre has been the place to some of the biggest names over the festive season, Priscilla Presley, Warwick Davis and David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson and Dame Edna Everage in recent years and now another line-up of stars make up the cast of Aladdin.

Oliver Thornton

West End heartthrob Oliver Thornton recently hung up his heels after a yearlong tour of the Rocky Horror Show - playing Frank N Furter. Here, he couldn't be further from the kinky transvestite as the dashing Aladdin. Perhaps not his usual singing style, he makes his way through a score of recent chart hits including Daft Punk's Get Lucky. A strong performance and a charming lead boy. Another ex Frank N Furter in the shape of David Badella is the villain Abanaza. With such a rich voice, he relishes the part and is a brilliantly booable baddie and his special effect fireworks are pretty exciting! Claire-Marie Hall is in fine voice as Princess Jasmine and her Beneath Your Beautiful duet with Thornton is a special moment. 

Top of the bill is comedienne Jo Brand, famous for her sarcastic and downbeat humour which I happen to love... it's perhaps not perfect panto humour but a nice contrast to the traditional lame panto joke. Despite appearing forlorn at every entrance she receives the biggest applause and is a welcome spin on the usual Genie Of The Ring. She can even twerk...

Jo Brand

Tonight Matthew, you're going to be... an audience favourite! Stars In Their Eyes host Matthew Kelly shines as Widow Twankey, camping it up as the village laundress with an array of fabulous costumes - the best perhaps is a pot of noodles. Britain's Got Talent contestant Shaheen Jafargholi is given plenty of opportunity to showcase his singing talent as the Genie Of The Lamp. "It's not an opera!" says Jo Brand to the boy who sings every line of his script... but, by doing so he proves just why he was worthy of singing at Michael Jackson's memorial concert in Los Angeles. At only 16 he's a particularly impressive member of the cast. 

Matthew Kelly

Dance troupe Flawless fit perfectly into the story as the Chinese police force, with their usual style of street dance they're at the most exciting when the lights go out and they perform a routine with only their silhouettes illuminated in different coloured lights. By the end of the show, George Wood has done an amazing job standing in as Wishee Washee, glancing only at the script for reference he performs with confidence and charm - a true panto professional. 

There could have been a lot more audience interaction, particularly with the dame. This feels like a particularly current pantomime, the beginning of a new breed almost... it's sparkling with star names - a jewel at the end of the District Line. You can book the final remaining seats via the website here. Tickets priced from £11.90 - £47.40.

Jo Brand will not be performing on Saturday 11th January, the part of the Genie Of The Ring will be played by Jenny Eclair. 

View the trailer:

Cast List: Jo Brand, Matthew Kelly, Oliver Thornton, David Badella, Alan Committie, Shaheen Jafargholi, Matthew Rixon, Claire-Marie Hall, John Conroy, Flawless, Lauren Carrick, Stephanie Langley, Chantelle McDermott, Charlotte Perry, Alexandra Tyndall, Emily Wilson. 

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. 

Related Articles

Pantomime Reviews

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.

Related Articles
Press Launch Coverage
Interview with Keith Chegwin
Aladdin 2012 Review

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

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Birmingham Hippodrome) Interview with Gok Wan

Adding a little bit of sartorial chic to Britain's biggest pantomime this year is everyone's favourite fashion guru GOK WAN who makes his pantomime debut at Birmingham Hippodrome this year. Leicester-born Gok achieved huge success with his Channel 4 series How To Look Good Naked and has since enjoyed many appearances on TV screens up and down the country - but now Gok's hitting the stage! Listen to the full interview in the podcast below.

What can you expect from Gok this pantomime season? If his tweet about the launch was anything to go by - it's going to be one camp Christmas in Birmingham!

That was one high octane camp day! #panto

— Gok Wan (@therealgokwan) September 23, 2013

You can book tickets for Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs which also stars John Partridge, Danielle Hope, Stephanie Beacham, Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Matt Slack at Birmingham Hippodrome by clicking here.  The pantomime runs from Thursday 19th December 2013 - Sunday 2nd February 2014! 

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (Birmingham Hippodrome) Pantomime Press Launch

In spectacular style Qdos Pantomimes and Birmingham Hippodrome launch a brand new pantomime Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs with an all-star line up that rivals any West End production. The show, which received its press launch on 23 September opens on Thursday 19th December 2013 for a six and a half week run with 77 performances until Sunday 2 February 2014. 

The cast features a dashing prince in the shape of John Partridge (Christian in Eastenders) whose theatrical roles until now have included Rum Tum Tugger in Cats and Electra in Starlight Express. John has recently finished a run as Zach in A Chorus Line at the London Palladium and said: "The Birmingham Hippodrome really is the London Palladium of pantomimes, it's the one to do!" The Birmingham Hippodrome has a long standing reputation as the venue for the UK's premiere pantomime and attracts the largest audience of any other in the world.

Making his panto debut in Birmingham is TV fashion guru Gok Wan as the Man In The Mirror: "This is the first pantomime I've ever performed in and what a touch to be able to get the biggest in the world! I must have done something right.... but we won't go into that!"

Another debut being made in Birmingham this Christmas is Gary Wilmot's Dame. Gary appeared in Cinderella at the Hippodrome in 1995, playing Buttons and has previously played Birmingham as Caractacus Potts in the touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. "Pantomime is quite often people's first experience of theatre and in my first time playing Dame I've got to make sure I get it right and make it a great experience for everyone watching."

BBC Over The Rainbow's search for Dorothy winner Danielle Hope was announced at the launch in the title role of Snow White. Danielle shot to fame after winning the Andrew Lloyd Webber reality series and playing Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz at the London Palladium. Danielle has since appeared as Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables. "This is my first time in pantomime and my first time in Birmingham! From what I've seen of the town it's huge and the high street looks fab for shopping! It's great for me because it's equidistant from London where I live and Urmston in Manchester where I'm from and my family are!" 

Also featuring in the cast is Dynasty legend Stephanie Beacham as the Wicked Queen who realises panto can have a longer lasting effect than just a few hours entertainment: "Pantomime is family time, bring the children along and get them in young and they'll always be theatre-goers." Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and puppet friend Sam also star in the show alongside Matt Slack as a new character Oddjob.

This pantomime promises to be highlight of the festive season in Birmingham with an ensemble of physical theatre performers bringing the magnificent seven dwarfs to life as you've never seen in a panto before! Summer may have only just left us but Birmingham Hippodrome is truly in festive fever for the opening of Britain's biggest pantomime. The countdown is on! 

Tickets for Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs are priced between £12 to £39 with discounts and concessions available. Tickets are already selling fast with sales even higher than this time last year for Robinson Crusoe And The Caribbean Pirates. If you haven't already got your tickets click here to book online and select your own seats. Alternatively visit the theatre box office in person or call 0844 338 5000. 

Listen to the pantomime interviews trailer below! 

FULL INTERVIEWS TO FOLLOW SOON!

Photographs by Scott Bird
Group Photograph by Birmingham Hippodrome

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Pantomime Press Launch July 2013

The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon's number one entertainment venue announce Jack And The Beanstalk - the giant of all pantomimes as this year's festive spectacular from Qdos Pantomimes. Starring Dancing On Ice's TV favourite Keith Chegwin who returns for a third year after success in Cinderella and Aladdin - the theatre's two best selling pantomimes, wey hey!

"As with many theatres in the UK, the Wyvern has forged a strong connection with the pantomime's leading star," says Theatre Director Derek Aldridge. "We love Keith, the audience love Keith and it's therefore my pleasure to invite him back to the Wyvern!"

This year is Keith's third consecutive year in Swindon!

This year's launch was held at Roves Farm - one of Swindon's top family attractions with the Wyvern's annual pantomime being another, "I am delighted that we are bringing these two fine institutions together," said Derek Aldridge. "It was an absolute thrill to see Daisy the cow (not to mention Cheggers) meet the animals at Roves!"

Jack and the Beanstalk is the most agricultural of pantomimes and tells the story of Jack (Samuel Parker) who sells his cow Daisy in order for his mother, Dame Trot (David Ashley) to make ends meet. Jack sells the cow for magic beans which with the help of a Fairy (Jennifer Greenwood) grows to become the biggest beanstalk in the land, with a GIANT surprise at the top!

Keith Chegwin, Jennifer Greenwood, Samuel Parker & David Ashley

Samuel Parker who plays Jack recently graduated from Arts Educational Schools, London. His theatre credits include Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Dancer/Understudy Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty (both at The Beck Theatre), Buddy in Steel Pier (The Union Theatre) and Christmas in New York (The Prince Of Wales).

Like Keith, David Ashley is also making his third Swindon pantomime appearance. Having been an Ugly Sister in Cinderella and Abanazar in Aladdin, Swindon can look forward to seeing him as Dame Trot. David's extensive theatre career includes Blood Brothers (Phoenix Theatre), Les Misérables (Palace Theatre), Cats (New London Theatre/UK Tour) and Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria Theatre) to name but a few.

Jennifer Greenwood will be making her pantomime debut in Swindon this year. The pantomime will be directed by Guy Unsworth and will feature an ensemble of dancers from Laine Theatre Arts.

David Ashley & Keith Chegwin

"This year's pantomime will be the Wyvern's biggest one yet!" said producer Daryl Back. "I'm thrilled to be working with Keith Chegwin and David Ashley once more - I can guarantee GIANT laughs when they take to the stage this year as mother and son!" Almost 10,000 tickets have already been sold and there are ticket prices to suit all pockets - so you won't have to sell the family cow to enjoy the biggest pantomime in Swindon! Don't delay in booking here! Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Saturday 7th December 2013 - Sunday 5th January 2014.

In the first of four podcasts from the Wyvern Theatre Samuel Parker talks about his pantomime memories and being part of creating the memories for a new generation of children! Listen below. 

In the second podcast David Ashley talks about his first panto at the Wyvern Theatre in 1986 and coming back year after year!

Jennifer Greenwood talks about the traditions of Pantomime and experiencing Swindon first hand!

Singing, playing the ukelele and tap dancing - all in a days work for Keith Chegwin, the final podcast reveals!

Click here for SwindonWeb's video coverage of the day and interview with Keith! 

★ Praise for ALADDIN 2012/13 ★

The highest of production standards including exquisite costumes, sparkling sets and impressive special effects, this is one panto you shouldn't miss! A top notch production.

BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

Any production around this time of year should be full of glitter, dance, slapstick comedy and the odd innuendo thrown in for fun - and that's certainly what you get!

TOTAL SWINDON

An enjoyable collaboration between prodigious pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment and the small but beautifully formed One From The Heart.

THE STAGE

The dancing and songs were pretty damn good! The ensemble used in the production were total quality throughout!

THE OCELOT

Click here to visit the website and book for Jack And The Beanstalk now!

Alternatively, visit the theatre in person or 

call the Box Office on 01793 524 481

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Interview with Joe Pasquale

Funny man Joe Pasquale headlines this years pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Joe has already had a busy year, starting with an appearance on Dancing On Ice in January and before pantomime has 6 weeks in the West End production of Spamalot, a stand-up tour and a run playing Sherlock Holmes in a tour of Ha Ha Holmes. 

"I love to keep busy, I'm not young and we don't live forever so I'm living life to the full... I'm doing a skydive don't you know... for charity... It's like Dancing On Ice I thought right, what can I do that I can't do... Ice skating... and now I can do it... sort of! I really enjoy new challenges and at the minute I'm doing Spamalot in the West End, I grew up with Monty Python, I love it! I'm working with Bonnie Langford, she plays the Lady Of The Lake, I did panto with her about ten years ago and she invited me to see her in the show and I thought it was great and then the opportunity came up to play King Arthur (King of the Britons) and I've only got six weeks in my schedule to do it, so I jumped at the chance! You must come and see it, it's hilarious - the most fun I've had on stage! Playhouse Theatre... now until 27th July!"

You could say that Spamalot is almost like pantomime. Are these the type of shows where you belong Joe? "Definitely! I love panto, and Sleeping Beauty's a great one. It's the fifth year we've done it this year, there's me, Lucy Evans she's the one who sleeps and Ceri Dupree who's the greatest dame. On stage he's like the Queen and he's like a proper glamorous woman and then offstage he's a proper geezer with stubble and everything... and gulping pints!" 

So who is your character Muddles? "Muddles is basically the jester and there's one in every pantomime so if you don't know Muddles think Buttons in Cinderella or Wishee Washee in Aladdin - he's the same character in a different costume, jokes around, everyone loves him and he never gets the girl... What I love about these characters though is that they're funny enough, all the comedy comes from the character without having to step aside and become Joe Pasquale for a moment to get a laugh."

It has been done in pantomime before and we heard a little rumour that you might be putting the ice skates back on for Sleeping Beauty? "Yeah, the show's always evolving and this is the first year I have this new talent. It would be great if the production could handle it but nothing's decided yet... It's still a great show without it."

What is it about pantomime that you love so much? "Pantomime is most probably the first time a kid ever goes to the theatre and I think it's really important for their development. If you can get a kid into  experiencing and enjoying theatre from a young age then you've got a theatregoer for life... and that's a great thing. The trouble is now kids have got iPhones and iPads and TV shows are getting bigger and better and theatre has to compete with that for kids to like and respect it and pantomime's getting there now it really is. This is one of the best out there. I was last in a panto in Wolverhampton 1996, I've done lots of shows of other there since but I'm looking forward to coming back with a pantomime!" 

You can book to see Joe in Sleeping Beauty by clicking here. Tickets are selling fast so there's no time to snooze! Get your beauty sleep afterwards! 

SLEEPING BEAUTY (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Interview with Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans

It always seems a little strange thinking ahead to Christmas in the middle of the summer (or what is supposed be the summer) but now is the time when theatres up and down the country are launching their 2013/14 pantomimes. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre are pleased to announce that this year the hugely successful production of Sleeping Beauty which is now in it's 5th year will be delighting local audiences for 6 weeks.

The pantomime started life at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 2009 and has since played in Plymouth, Nottingham and Cardiff. The forthcoming Wolverhampton production will star the same three leads as in previous years with Joe Pasquale as Muddles, Ceri Dupree as Queen Passionella and Lucy Evans as Princess Beauty. 

Ceri Dupree and Lucy Evans with Joe Pasquale

"It seems so long ago now since starting out in Birmingham" said Lucy to which Ceri agreed - "Yes, Birmingham was a great place to start, it was a massive theatre and they could just throw so much money at it. I used to have 22 costumes changes, it's only 17 now... yes, only! We've had to scale down the production slightly but that's not a bad thing. What the show is now is a really slick production that we've had five years to perfect and for that it will be the best it's ever been this Christmas - it's tried and tested and we know it works. I always say to myself before I go on stage, this is the first time these people are seeing these costumes, hearing these gags and so you just have to give it 100% every time..."

You'd think that after five years in the same production things start to get a bit repetitive, but not for Lucy. "Oh it's never the same show twice, especially with Joe Pasquale involved. Joe's always making us laugh, adding in new jokes and we're at that stage where we know the show so well now that we can do that and I think that's what makes our pantomime so great. All my friends who are also do panto come to see me and say afterwards that they want to be in our Sleeping Beauty because it's the best, so Wolverhampton's in for a treat!"

This is the first year that the Wolverhampton pantomime will have a relaxed performance. On Thursday 16th January at 11am there is an adapted performance for those on the autistic spectrum and or with additional needs who may benefit from a more 'relaxed' theatre environment. Effects such as loud sounds, bangs and pyrotechnics are removed from the show. Neither Lucy or Ceri have done a relaxed performance before. Lucy said "Joe's done one before, some West End shows do them too." Ceri added "I didn't even know what one of those was, but if it's what you say then that's fabulous. Making theatre even more accessible to everyone is great!" There are also audio described and sign language interpreted performances.  For more information on any of the access performances of the pantomime and other upcoming shows at the theatre contact Janine at janine@grandtheatre.co.uk. 

Lucy Evans

Ceri continued to talk about changes to the show with how his particular character differs with each venue - "I do impersonations during the show, last year we were in Cardiff and so Shirley Bassey made an appearance, she'll probably stay at home this year and I'll do someone more local. Who's local to Wolverhampton?" ....  Jamelia? .... "Oh no love, I can't do her...!"

Ceri Dupree

This won't be the first time Ceri has performed in Wolverhampton. "It's a gorgeous theatre, the Grand... lives up to it's name. People tend to frown upon Wolverhampton, but the state of the town is nobody's fault - it's the economy. All high streets are the same wherever we've been and you can't judge a town on that. If you judge a town on it's theatre, Wolverhampton's one of the best. I did panto there in 1990 and then in 1994 I was in Hot Stuff, the musical there. I'm very much looking forward to coming back and a big reason for that is because it's a wonderful traditional theatre with a proper theatre manager. Peter Cutchie, the Chief Executive isn't one of these council officials who run many of the theatres . They'll just put anything on but he's so passionate about theatre and giving Wolverhampton the best shows he can offer. I've been in shows where nobody knocks on your dressing room door for weeks just to check if everything's OK, but everyone who knows Peter will tell you that he truly is at the heart of the theatre." 

Joe Pasquale and Ceri Dupree in a dress given to him by Danny La Rue

"I've never been to Wolverhampton before" said Lucy. "I'm really excited and I've heard so much about the theatre so I can't wait to get to started. I do 'sleep' for quite a while though... that's the deal, so I have to take up a new hobby backstage until they wake me up. Last year I did knitting, if anyone's got any suggestions I'll gladly take them!" 

Faaaaaabulousssss!

Ceri, (who also has his own female impersonations show) designs all of his own costumes, even for pantomime. "I design them all, for my own show and for pantomime which I particularly adore. When you do panto you can just go off an a tangent and the British audience get that. I had some South African friends come over to see me in panto a few years ago and they just didn't get it. For them everything had to make sense and they just couldn't comprehend the ridiculousness of the situations! You have to get into the mental mindset and then you just have fun... and it's only really the British that manage to do that. I almost did a pantomime in Los Angeles once. Yes, Los Angeles I couldn't believe it. Somebody saw me in cabaret in London and asked me to do it and I said you're kidding me? It was going to be Cinderella and I was going to be an ugly sister alongside Zsa Zsa Gabor as the Fairy Godmother... Zsa Zsa Gabor! It almost got into production before the American's decided pantomime was too silly an idea and that America just wouldn't get it... so that never happened."

Sleeping Beauty however is most definitely happening in Wolverhampton this Christmas and runs from Saturday 7th December 2013 - Sunday 19th January 2014. Tickets were on sale before last year's giant of a pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk had even ended - so book HERE now for the best available seats! 

View the trailer for the pantomime!

Check back soon for an interview with Joe Pasquale!

ROBINSON CRUSOE (Birmingham Hippodrome) Review December 2012

Britain's biggest pantomime sails into Birmingham and it truly is swashbuckling fun and hilarity... with the Conley slant on things, of course.

Right from the off it's clear that this is the pantomime of the 21st Century, combining panto traditions with the latest exciting technology. In flies a video screen and a message from the main man himself - Brian Conley has everyone in hysterics before the show has even properly begun.

A ship sails onto the stage and is magnificent in size and detail, Ian Westbrook's design for the whole production is breathtaking. The sets are lavish and are a far cry from the days of the painted backcloth. 

Joining Brian as the beautiful Polly is local girl Kathryn Rooney, re-uniting the duo that played Buttons and Cinderella in last year's Hippodrome pantomime, and there's more than the odd reference to that! They make a wonderful team and work well to keep the audience enthused and entertained. The close of act one, without wanting to spoil too much is a moment of pure joy that echoes Brian Conley's days at the London Palladium as Caractacus Potts.

Mrs Crusoe is perhaps one of the lesser known pantomime dames, but Andrew Ryan ensures that she is one of your favourite. His facial expressions in particular are most hilarious. Andrew knows how to work an audience and can rock a dress better than a lot of women ever could. Just like Nigel Ellacott in Wolverhampton this year Andrew is a master of the multi-layer strip routine. Wolverhampton and Birmingham are blessed with the best dames in the business this year. James Patterson pictured with Andrew above is a great addition as Polly's father, the Major General. Gavin Woods makes a boo-able baddie. 

Swooping in from the flys on her enchanted shell is the Enchantress of the Ocean Lesley Joseph (Calendar Girls). Lesley acts as a narrator and regularly casts magic spells to further the story. One of the shows highlights is her song 'It's Me' that features a chorus of merpeople. It's a large cast and made up of ten dancers the ensemble are an experienced group who really shine in Lesley's number, literally. The ensemble are Simon Campbell, Stephanie Elstob, Rachel Ensor, Jamie Ray Hartshorne, James Hughes-Ward, Jane McMurtrie, Sergio Milella, Elliot Nixon, Soeli Parry and Kimmi Richards.

Earl R Perkins is the hunky islander Friday who together with Kathryn is involved in a scene in which a tree does his hair... yes that's right - Conley is rather random. There are puppets aplenty, of course greeted with the famous catchphrase. 

Another scene of particular hilarity involves Brian Conley, an apple and Kathryn Rooney's face. There really is humour for everyone of all ages and of all humour types; slapstick, witty, dry, random, ridiculous... it's got it all. 

Wait... we're not done yet! Not only does the pantomime have all of that, but what pantomime is as entertaining without a troupe of Cossack dancers!? The Mazeppa Cossacks are a surprise and thrilling addition to the show and of course it wouldn't be fair to not let Brian in on the fun. 

Audience participation in this show is unlike any other. The audience are filmed onto a large screen, Helen from Row D got up and danced Gangnam Style on stage, and there were plenty of opportunities for the children to be a part, especially in a rendition of I Am The Music Man which provides Brian the opportunity for some very funny ad-lib with the children.

There really is nothing left out of this pantomime, it has every old tradition and every new invention. This has to be the largest scale pantomime production you will see this year. Completely unmissable. The Birmingham Hippodrome is the only theatre to host a professional production of Robinson Crusoe this year and so it surely is the place to be!

Call the box office on 0844 338 5000 or book tickets online here: http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/WhatsOn_focus.asp?showId=1737

ALADDIN (Swindon Wyvern Theatre) Review December 2012

You may be forgiven for believing you're in Swindon but in fact you're taken far away to the Oriental town of Swinyon for this year's production of Aladdin. Fronted by TV funny-man Keith Chegwin this intimate theatre is filled with magic and a welcoming charm.

The star-crossed lovers are West End star of Hairspray and We Will Rock You Lauren Varnham as Princess Jasmine and Liam Ross-Mills as Aladdin. Having seen Lauren countless times in both of her recent West End appearances I knew she would be more than up to the job. She proves to be the perfect princess in appearance, character and her vocals are second to none. Equally as charming is Aladdin, Liam Ross-Mills makes a wonderful lead and his version of A Whole New World whilst floating around the stage on a magic carpet is one of the many highlights.

Keith Chegwin has bundles of energy and is excellent at enthusing the audience. He has great accuracy it seems as not only did he spray a water gun jet directly into my face, but threw my favourite Quality Street chocolate straight into my lap. It was the strawberry one...

David Ashley is the evil Abanazer and proved quite scary when he entered the auditorium next to a nursery school group. The musical theatre veteran showcased his skill honed during his time in Starlight Express and one scene involved him roller skating around the stage. A classic and perfected baddie! Nick Barclay is a pleasant contrast as the the bumbling Emperor.

Widow Twankey isn't the most glamorous of dames, she has a bra that was meant to hold three and  works in a laundry shop, bless her, but Ian Mowat particularly in the Born This Way routine proved that there is a diva within her who's outfits are some very colourful creations. 

The glitz and glamour comes in the shape of Suzie Chard who presents an Essex-girl Genie, who sparkles and shines her way through. Her charisma fills the stage and even during moments of uncertainty after an incident with a pyro she carried the scene through to the end smoothly. The cave scene is another show highlight that begins with a rendition of I Am What I Am with backing from the Laine Theatre Arts ensemble - Jabari Braham, Michael Lin, Thomas Russell, Seren Sandham-Davis and Zac Watts.

The musical arrangements by Ben Kennedy are a delight, there is a mix of chart and musical theatre. Direction and Choreography by Andrew Wright is to the highest standard as expected with recent work including Singing In The Rain (Palace Theatre) the UK tour of Wonderful Town and a revival of 42nd Street (Chicester Festive Theatre and the Curve, Leicester). Additional choreography for the show is provided by Aaron Renfree, also a Laine's graduate. Aaron's choreography is always fresh, exciting and current and it is great to see that in such tradition-bound pantomime theatre.

Aladdin runs at the Swindon Wyvern Theatre until Sunday 6th January 2013 and you can book tickets here: https://wyverntheatre.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=35166970-7B07-47FF-9EE1-5CFF13B5C8E9 or by calling the box office on 01793 524 481. 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK (Wolverhampton Grand Theatre) Review December 2012

After what seemed like a lifetime, Jack And The Beanstalk has finally arrived in Wolverhampton. Qdos Pantomimes brings the magic of Cloudland, Benidorm's Solana Resort, Coronation Street and Bilston Market together in the most random collection of hilarity and fun.

Our lovestruck couple are West End star - Any Dream Will Do's Ben James-Ellis and Sophie Brooke-Ford. Both are on top of their game and give strong and entertaining performances. Full of energy Ben is the perfect strapping lad to lead the audience on a journey up the beanstalk and into Cloudland. Sophie Brooke-Ford's "To Make You Feel My Love" wouldn't have been out of place on a West End stage.

Coronation Street's Ken Morley is King Crumble and is reunited with on-screen partner from the Street Sherrie Hewson. In Benidorm character as Lady Joyce Temple Savage she is the perfect baddy and receives boos aplenty whenever she's seen. The opportunity to mention Corrie's famous waterbed scene just couldn't be left out!

Sherrie Hewson's glittering costumes were most exquisite and it is clear that every expense has been plunged into the show. Also dressed in glitz and glamour was the spirit of the beans - Fairy Fortune, Niki Evans. Niki who rose to fame on X Factor has been touring recently as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and it is great to see her in a much more lighthearted role and with some upbeat songs to riff away - incredible vocals.

The babes were made up of children from the Classic Academy of Dance. The ensemble dancers are Frankie Armitage, Lucian Collier, Oliver Dale, Sian Harriman, Matthew Hartley, Angela Sheppard, Bryony Thompson and Robert Tregoning. The entire team execute perfection with the choreography and are exciting to watch. Alternately they bring Day-Zee the cow to life with a humorous hip-hop twist.

Nigel Ellacott is Jack's mother Dame Trot, and is clearly the experienced Dame. A lifetime in the business (s)he masters the quick change, the towering headdresses and those lame jokes that for some reason are always funny. Dame Trot's Bilston Market song to the tune of Copacabana brought the house down. 

Stealing the show however is a little green duck called Orville. Yes, Keith Harris, Orville and Cuddles from all those years ago prove that the old-time entertainment is indeed just as relevant and entertaining today. The children's favourite was clearly Orville who can sing other songs aside from "I Wish I Could Fly" surprisingly well. That isn't to say that Orville's famous song isn't included - it most definitely is and brought the house down, pleasing all but one particular monkey. Cuddles was far from impressed and an appearance in Act 2 ensured that the pantomime had something for all the family - definitely one for the parents! 

The set was far from normal and very impressive. There are lavish palaces, a quaint village and an entire house! Andrew Lynford's direction and Steven Harris' choreography come together well to keep the show flowing. The beanstalk and the giant are very impressive and it's nice to see both presented in a much more physical and creative way than the use of 3D - which seems to be the way a lot of pantomimes are moving towards. 

Packed with well-known song's of charts, stage and screen this is definitely a show you can sing along to. Wolverhampton never fails at Christmas to put on a fun family show and Jack And The Beanstalk is something that should definitely be part of your festive plans! If you haven't already done so, book those tickets now! Book online at http://grandtheatre.iristickets.co.uk/en/group/4758/jack-the-beanstalk-2012-13/

Visit the pantomime website at http://www.grandtheatrepanto.co.uk and once you've seen it make sure to 'leaf' a review here! http://grandtheatrepanto.co.uk/virtual-beanstalk-2 

You can also book for next year's pantomime SLEEPING BEAUTY starring Joe Pasquale here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=683&sC=page46

Production photos © Gavin Dickson Photography.