Panto’s Back By Gay Pirrie Weir

Panto’s Back!

Oh yes it is!

It’s time for the fat man to don the frock again, for heros to vanquish baddies and for all to end happily ever after. Unlike the real world, it’s pantomime season.

This seasonal offerings include two productions of the all-time favourite Cinderella as well as an Aladdin, a Dick Whittington, a Sleeping Beauty, a Nutcracker, a Robin Hood and a Pinocchio.

After a stuttering 2021-22 season, with the ghost of Covid always in the wings, this year’s schedule is packed with something for everyone, as unmasked parents take their children out for what is often a first chance to see what live theatre is all about—and it’s SO different from sitting in front of the TV.

The cost of fuel and lack of public transport means that many will head for the nearest show to their homes, but some will travel further to see their favourite stars or visit a town or city full of lights and Christmas atmosphere.

At Yeovil Octagon regulars will be seeing their last pantomime for many months, as the theatre closes for major (and part Arts Council funded) refurbishment. From 9th December to 1st January Dick Whittington will take to the stage, heading from Somerset to London to find his fortune in a place he thinks has streets paved with gold. Rats! Once again the company includes favourites Gordon Cooper, Jack Glanville and Thom Ford.

There are more local favourites at Bath Theatre Royal, where the show is Aladdin, on stage from 8th December to 8th January and dame Nick Wilton and funny man Jon Monie is joined by Tom Lister as Abanazar.

The biggest, starriest shows in the region are Cinderella with Craig Revel Horwood at Bristol Hippodrome of 2nd to 31st December, and Sleeping Beauty at Plymouth Theatre Royal, from 16th December to 14th January and starring Shane Richie, Matt Terry and Ceri Dupree. The Plymouth Drum also has Pinocchio, devised and performed by Bridport-based Stuff and Nonsense, from 24th November to 14th January.

Bournemouth pantomime at the Pavilion is Beauty and the Beast from 3rd December to 2nd January, and at Exeter it’s Robin Hood at the Northcott from 9th December to 7th January. Poole Lighthouse brings Tyger Drew-Honey and Chris Jarvis in Cinderella, from 8th to 31st December, and at Weymouth Stevi Ritchie is Sleeping Beauty, from 10th December to 2nd January.

If you prefer an alternative to pantomime Bristol Old Vic brings the story of The Nutcracker, usually performed as a Christmas ballet, to the stage as a play for all the family. Gwyneth Herbert joins Tristan Sturrock to tell the story, from 24th November to 7th January. And at the BOV Western Studio, you can see Belle and Sebastian, from 2nd December to 8th January. All the shows have a number of matinees and early evening performances to suit all ages. Booking is usually open a YEAR in advance, so contact the theatre early to make sure you can find a seat, and be ready to shout, boo, hiss and join in the fun.

The familiar team of comedian Jack Glanville and resident dame Gordon Cooper star in Dick Whittington at Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre. The cast includes talented young dancers—including the Dick’s acrobatic Cat—and the Octagon welcomes back local star Thom Ford, who will be returning from his home in Florida to play the villainous King Rat. Photograph by Len Copland.