Discover what Shire’s team thought of the concerts, live events and theatre they’ve seen over the past couple of months at local venues ALADDIN, THEATRE SEVERN Christmas isn’t Christmas in Shrewsbury until you’ve been to the spectacular Theatre Severn pantomime. This year, it’s a magical production of Aladdin, with a stellar line-up of top-quality performers. As always, the stage is stolen by the fabulous dame played by Brad Fitt – this year he’s Widow Twankey. Forget Brad Pitt, Brad Fitt is the only superstar my family wants to meet! Just his presence on stage can produce peals of laughter from children, mums, dads and grandparents alike. The supporting cast includes a handsome young Aladdin (Harry Winchester) and his leading lady Victoria McCabe, who makes a winning Princess Jasmine. Brad Fitt has some comedy competition from Dave Bibby as Wishy Washy, Dec Moran
as PC Pongo and a deliciously sinister Abanazar (Phil Stewart), while the two genies provide songs, funky dance moves and yet more laughs. With many must-have panto favourites – including fantastically colourful costumes, bandage-wrapped mummies who are ‘BEHIND YOU!’ and references to other local pantos – Aladdin is simply not to be missed. EW Until 12th January. www.theatresevern.co.uk
LIGHT FANTASTIC AT THE LANTERN PARADE, CHESTER ZOO
Moonlit Meadow, Tropical Dreams and our favourite, Underwater World. The neon colours brought it to life and the huge The magic begins as you arrive at Chester Zoo’s mechanical octopus was a hit with the children. festive Lantern Parade, entering through a giant It took around 90 minutes to walk it, although it could archway adorned with be quicker at quiet twinkling lights. I was concerned times. That included a ‘Giant pit stop at the festive my children (11, illuminated 10 and eight) food market with lanterns may be a little quaint wooden huts shaped like offering tasty treats old – but it proved zoo animals’ to be a fantastic and warming drinks. With full tummies opportunity for we continued through children of all ages (and adults!) to experience the another magical light magic of Christmas with tunnel to meet four giant giant illuminated lanterns talking penguins, which the eight-year-old loved! shaped like zoo animals. A lovely festive evening There are several worlds with themes such as for all ages. AB
COED-Y-DINAS FOOD & CRAFT FAIR
Oak Apple Catering in Shrewsbury, awardwinning ales from Monty’s Brewery, Montgomery, The annual Christmas Food and fine teas and mead & Craft Fair held at Coedfrom Morgan’s Brew Tea y-Dinas, near Welshpool, was a huge success. Adding Company in Welshpool. Jewellers sold bespoke a third day, and bringing silver and gold designs, the event forward a week which made ideal in the calendar, Christmas presents, and certainly paid off. there were colourful, With more than ‘Santa’s handmade birdboxes 70 decorated stalls, Grotto was and insect hotels. all jam-packed with bigger and Santa’s Grotto was the best-quality better than food and drink from bigger and better than ever before’ ever before – and he mid Wales and the was due to fly in by borders, there was helicopter the following plenty to tempt week, giving staff extra time everyone’s tastebuds and a to prepare for his arrival. real buzz around the stalls. Along with Shrewsbury’s Everyone I talked to said Chocolate Festival, this how proud they felt to have is definitely the mustso much local food talent and visit event in the region delicious produce, and that it for festive foodies. Visit was great to see it showcased www.coedydinas.co.uk for so well on their doorstep. information about next year’s There were stilton festival. SW and apple sables from
PETER PAN, CREWE LYCEUM The Crewe Lyceum Theatre was founded in 1911, the same year that JM Barrie’s classic high-flying adventure Peter Pan was published. An apt choice then for this year’s Christmas production, and it doesn’t disappoint, bursting with energy, fun and laughter. The swashbuckling show sees the return of Cannon and Ball for their fourth consecutive Crewe Lyceum panto, alongside X Factor star Chico as Big Chief Chico, leader of the Neverlanders. It also features Malcolm Lord as Dame Mrs Smee, Stefan Pejic as Captain Hook, Joshua Wyatt as Peter Pan and Danielle Lockwood as Tinker Bell. Cannon and Ball bring the house down with cheeky antics and ad-libbed humour, while Joshua Wyatt is an energetic Peter. Chico takes to his role as Big Chief like a duck to water, singing his smash ‘It’s Chico Time’ which is a hit with the parents. The action scenes are well choreographed and peppered with smart moves, and the younger cast members – provided by the
YSD Theatre School – are particularly impressive. There are the usual references to local landmarks, and Andy Eastwood as Starkey gets everyone in the festive spirit with a trio of Christmas songs. Everyone left with a smile on their face and a spring in their step thanks to a great show with a perfect balance of storytelling and music. AB Until 5th January. www.crewelyceum.co.uk
52 SHIRE MAGAZINE | January/February 2020
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