Sara Green lifts the curtain on the festive season’s theatre productions across the region
November 23rd - January 20TH
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
A new version of the classic, written by award-winning comedian, writer and composer, Vikki Stone. Our brave hero, Dick Whittington, sets out on a journey to London to seek fame and fortune in the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll pantomime. Can he outwit the evil King Rat, free the city from his team of revolting rodents and win the hand of the one he loves? Find out in this festive show packed full of live music, crazy characters, hilarious happenings and awesome adventure, with a purr-fect amount of feline flavour thrown in for good measure.
New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS
wolseytheatre.co.uk or 01473 295900
November 24th - January 14th
SNOW WHITE
Upon the death of her father, Princess Snow White has inherited the throne of Buryland, but her wicked aunt, Lady Lucretia, declares that Snow White is too young to lead and insists on serving as Queen until her niece turns 21. Snow White fears for her life. All hope seems lost... until one day, deep in the woods of Bradfield, Snow White makes some surprising new friends who will protect her no matter the cost. Featuring Dame Judi Dench as the voice of The Magic Mirror.
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Westgate St, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QR
theatreroyal.org or 01284769505
THE TALE OF MR TOD
This year sees a revival of The Tale of Mr Tod, allowing Red Rose Chain’s cast to delve into the wonderful world of Beatrix Potter, in a gorgeous family show with a host of beloved characters, from Mrs Tiggywinkle to the most villainous fox of all, Mr Tod!
The Avenue Theatre, Gippeswyk Hall, Gippeswyk Avenue, Ipswich, IP2 9AF
redrosechain.com or 01473 603388
December 12th - January 1st
ALADDIN
Our hero Aladdin is on the journey of a lifetime, soaring through the skies in his quest for fortune and true love. Shimmering scenery, sparkling costumes, sensational song and dance, and side-splitting comedy. Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor cha cha cha’s into the role of Genie of the Lamp, while the title role goes to Let it Shine star Anthony Sahota.
Marina Theatre, Lowestoft NR32 1HH
marinatheatre.co.uk or 01502 533200
December 13th - January 21st
MISS MIMPLE MEETS THE ICE WOLF
A classic Christmas comedy from Common Ground Theatre, by Pat Whymark. Renowned amateur sleuth and part-time dog trainer Miss Jean Mimple is on a hiking tour of the Italian alps, sightseeing and collecting the odd alpine to take back to her garden in St Mary Mirkin. In a remote hostelry, she meets Dr Bridges, assistant to the mysterious Professor Ramekin, who lives in nearby Castle Pandoro. The body of one of the servants at the castle has been found torn into fettuccine, and Dr Bridges invites Miss Mimple to help with the investigation. The locals at the inn warn her of The Ice Wolf, or 'Bestia Gelato' – half man, half wolf, half frozen dessert – which has terrorised the region for several months. Undeterred, the plucky Miss Mimple sets off to investigate.
Touring East Anglia - details of tour venues, dates, tickets and individual box office numbers at commongroundtc.co.uk
December 15th - 31st
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Boo the Wicked Fairy casts her evil spell on the beautiful Princess Aurora and sends her to sleep for a hundred years… Will true love’s kiss break the spell? Will Prince Charming battle a fire-breathing dragon and save the day? Will Mike McClean learn to dance like Twist & Pulse? Starruing Vicki Michelle as the Wicked Fairy and Jazzy Phoenix (Nadine in EastEnders) as the Princess.
Regent Theatre, St Helen’s St, Ipswich IP4 1HE
ipswichtheatres.co.uk
December 22nd - January 1st
ALADDIN
A magic carpet ride of a pantomime – Aladdin dreams of marrying Princess Jasmine, beautiful and well connected, but the wicked magician Abanazar has tricked him into helping him find a magic lamp hidden in a secret cavern. Aladdin finds himself trapped with a pile of plastic jewels and a battered old lamp for company...
Spa Pavilion, Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe, IP11 2DX
spapavilion.uk or 01394 284962
January 20th - 28th
CINDERELLA
Multi award-winning Lowestoft Players make a welcome return to the Marina Theatre with their 55th annual pantomime. Cinderella promises to deliver a spectacular show for the whole family as Buttons, Cinders and her two Ugly Sisters, and a host of crazy characters take you on a roller coaster ride of mayhem and madcap merriment.
Marina Theatre, Lowestoft NR32 1HH
marinatheatre.co.uk or 01502 533200
