Beauty and the Beast: Theatre Royal Windsor

Review by Stephanie Wareham

Bucks Free Press:

Shocking though it is, I’ve never been to a panto before, so when I turned up at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Friday afternoon to watch Beauty and the Beast, I figured this would be something I would have to grin and bear for the sake of a review.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, it was aimed at the children in the audience, but I found myself having a great time too. As a child of the 90s, I grew up watching classic Disney films like Beauty and the Beast, and while there were a few elements missing (no talking furniture and cutlery), I really enjoyed this unique panto version. The glittering costumes were fantastic and the impressive set was very convincing.

The star cast of the spectacular show includes Rhydian, of X Factor fame, as the Prince/Beast, Three Degrees soul icon Sheila Ferguson as Maleficent and Georgina Leonidas as Belle. The traditional story, set in 19th Century French village, Villaneuve, has a few modern twists that children will be delighted with – including an appearance by much-loved character Postman Pat and Basil Brush as the Beast’s man (fox) servant. Rhydian played the Beast perfectly. His incredibly powerful voice gave me goosebumps during his musical numbers and it’s not hard to see why he has sold more than a million albums worldwide.

My particular favourite character was Dame Dolly Do-It, played by Steven Blakeley. Currently in his sixth consecutive panto season at the Theatre Royal Windsor, he is a natural on-stage.

Not to mention Willy Do-It, played by Kevin Cruise, who did a magnificent job of interacting with the audience.

The addition of Fairy Beneficent (played by Sally Geeson) and bad witch, Maleficient added an interesting element to the story and hearing Sheila Ferguson sing a Three Degrees classic, ‘When Will I See You Again?’ on stage was fantastic.

There are loads of interactive elements to keep the kids happy throughout the show too, including giant footballs flying round the room, getting squirted with water, and toilet rolls and a bra thrown around during the Twelve Days of Christmas song.

There were also plenty of pop songs for the children to sing along to, including One Direction and unsurprisingly, a rendition of Frozen favourite, ‘Let It Go’ also went down a treat.

Even the adults were taken care of, with lots of political jokes to keep them laughing throughout.

There were a few mishaps – Georgina Leonidas (Belle) caught her dress on the stairs and ripped it and Sheila Ferguson forgot her lines at one point, but the children didn’t notice and the cast dealt with it very professionally and made the adults laugh. The all-singing, all-dancing show is highly recommended for families.

There is so much to see on stage, whether it is the songs, impressive dance routines or the special effects, it will definitely keep the kids entertained throughout.

An extra week has been added due to phenomenal demand, and is now running until 11 January. Tickets are priced between £14.50 and £34.50, available from the box office on 01753 853888 or via www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk.

Dick Whittington: Wycombe Swan Theatre

Review by Stephanie Wareham

Bucks Free Press:

The magnificent Dick Whittington has everything you could possibly want from a panto production – magic, strobe lighting, juggling, aerial tricks, unicycling, plate spinning, fire, smoke, comedy, pop music and great acting.

The cast includes Shane Richie as Dick Whittington, Nicola Weeks as Alice Fitzwarren and Malcolm Lord as Mrs Fitzwarren. The whole cast were amazing, but Shane Richie completely stole the show. His background in comedy shone through as he had the audience laughing almost non-stop throughout.

The unassuming hero of the show is definitely the Sultan, played by Phil Hitchcock. His magic tricks, involving real life birds and fire to name a few, had everyone open-mouthed with amazement.

The dazzling, elaborate costumes were breathtaking, the best I have seen in any theatre production so far and the sets were completely stunning.

Although most pantos are aimed specifically at children, you could tell this one was made with parents in mind too, with various Eastenders references and jokes for adults.

Of course, it wouldn’t be panto without some audience participation and everyone was giggling as the cast ran through the audience with water pistols and booing at the villainous Queen Rat, played by Kim Tiddy.

Overall, the show was brilliant and from the cheers and applause, it seemed everyone in the packed theatre enjoyed it as much as I did.

Cinderella: Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Review by Victoria Birch

Bucks Free Press:

The stars shone in this version of Cinderella, which provided the best in panto entertainment with laugh-out-loud jokes and madcap antics.

Being honest, it’s usually ten minutes into a pantomime when I start to think I’m getting a little too old for it (particularly this year with my friend knocking back the red wines next to me) but this time that thought went in a flash. The pace was set at a million miles an hour to keep the many little ones (and me) from getting restless.

The story was focussed on the classic tale that we all know and love, although it had a twist with Suzanne Shaw ‘accidentally’ taking the role as Fairy Godmother, when the original fairy gets struck down by a giant weight. I pictured the beautiful and effervescent Suzanne (always my favourite in Hear’Say) in a classier role, however, they made her common as muck. It didn’t sit well with me.

Praise has to be lavished on the Ugly Sisters, Cheryl and Mel, played by Tim Hudson and Dave Lynn.

And the wonderful Andy Collins, as Buttons. I was also surprised at the quality of the performance of Cinderella (Holly Brewer), and Prince Charming (Andrew Derbyshire), who could really belt out the tunes. The lovely Russell Grant played Baron Hardup with aplomb, although the ‘Strictly’ dance references did wear a bit thin.

A little observation though: was it me, or were many of the jokes and sketches repeated from last year?

Cinderella is at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until January 4. See www.atgtickets.com/

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Elgiva, Chesham

Review by Sandra Carter

Bucks Free Press:

Same difference at the Elgiva’s panto. The same? – all the favourite elements that can’t possibly be omitted: whacky dame, sweets and water pistols directed at the audience, sing-along’s, an adorable fairy, naive, winsome and finally triumphant principal boy. And the baddie, of course, who scares with his fee-fi-fo-fum bellow, with an evil sidekick to boo at. For tots encountering this uniquely British tradition for the first time, there are all the features to entrance and hopefully hook them for life.

Difference? There is enough here to give this old favourite a freshness all its own, whether you’re a jaded 10-year-old who’s seen it all before, or a grandparent for whom it isn’t Christmas without a touch of Oh No It Isn’t.

This Jack and the Beanstalk is set in a fairground, with a colourful set, twirling big wheel, and Jack’s mum Dame Trot running a milkshake diner (courtesy of the family cow). Yes, there’s a beanstalk, but Jack chooses to travel by starship to the giant’s castle to rescue the princess.

Among the all-round excellent cast, Chris Wills as Jack and Colin Ridgewell as the Dame are perfect. Animation on a strip of screen surrounding the stage is effective, the song and dance from professionals and local children are superb, and the variety of costume changes is a delight. Add in creative sets, clever writing by Stuart Morrison and co-production by Elgiva manager Mark Barnes and his team, and it’s a winner.

The Elgiva aims to put on a family panto and really succeeds: lots of kiddie features, some groan-groan jokes for the adults, and actors who are brilliant at interacting with the audience.

(Continues until January 3)