Fairy lights and decorations are appearing on lampposts and in shop windows in and around town and that means it’s nearly time for the most wonderful time of the year; and it wouldn’t be complete without a spot of panto to bring in the festive cheer good and proper.
If you are looking for something a little different this Christmas, Liverpool’s Royal Court present “The Scouse Cinderella” with the tagline ‘deffo not for kids’ and this couldn’t be more true as they twist the well-known fairy tale into something a bit more vulgar and ludicrous to delight lots of Scousers during this merry season.
With a title such as 'Snow White and the Seven Ugly B*****ds' and an over 18 only warning you would be extremely naive not to expect a very adult Pantomime. With profanities a plenty, this show was definitely lewd, crude and monstrously rude! Written by the Principal Director of Cattle Productions Tommy Hardon (you spotting a theme here?), states his goal in life as ' touring the world, bringing affordable laughter and enjoyment to all that want it because if we can't have a laugh, when what's the point in life?'
Remember, pantomime is for anytime... not just for Christmas! Treating us to an Easter production, written by Liam Mellor for Trio Entertainment Limited, The Wizard of Oz is a firm family favourite as confirmed by a packed auditorium this evening.
Proving the popularity of pantomime many theatres are now staging two if not three panto's a year and today at the Epstein Theatre as I take my seat for LHK's Easter production of Jack And The Beanstalk, the theatre is buzzing with excited children and adults alike.
Once upon a time..... Pantomime was staged just at Christmas, now it has become tradition to make that visit to the theatre to catch one at Easter too. Forget the chocolate eggs, they don't last long, but the fun and laughter you will have watching this much loved fairytale will remain in your memory forever.
Firstly, yes you read it right, 37 dwarfs! Ok this is panto and anything goes, this evening it certainly did, in the best possible way. 13 Performing Arts School presentation of Snow White showcases the acting skills of youngsters aged 3 to 18 who attend classes with head of drama, Jack P Shepherd (yes that one…. David Platt off Corrie!)
So, is this extending the Panto season or getting in first for this year’s offering of pantomime? Who cares when what you are getting is a fabulous production with a fantastic cast of dedicated performers?
A Tale as old as time tonight in Southport, with this year’s Pantomime from All Souls Dramatic Club. A pantomime adaptation of the Disney classic musical film, Beauty and the Beast. Cleverly written with some great modern elements. An eclectic musical selection and wonderful choreography by Katie Palfrey. Cliff Gillies wrote and directed the show as well as performing and he took it all in his stride!
‘A wish is a powerful thing…’ it says on the programme cover but let me tell you, you couldn’t wish to be more entertained than with Rainhill Musical Theatre Company’s production of Aladdin – talk about starting the New Year with a bang!
When you consider the high quality of this warm heated show it is staggering to think this is only second year of professional panto in this West Yorkshire theatre’s long history.
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