Theatres in and around the Cotswolds will be bringing out their campest dames, catchiest songs and most sparkly costumes to entertain families with classic pantomimes this festive season. Here is a selection of what’s on offer...
Sleeping Beauty
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
November 28 to January 11 2015
The annual Everyman panto returns this winter, this time with their twist on Sleeping Beauty, closely drawing inspiration from the hugely successful Disney version of the French fairytale ‘La Belle au bois dormant’.
This year, Tweedy of Giffords Circus will be clowning around on stage, William Elliott stars as the Dame, and newcomer Eleanor Brown will be taking the lead role of the beauty placed under a spell only a prince’s kiss can break.
There will be 72 opportunities to see Sleeping Beauty at the Everyman over December and January – to book, visit: www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/sleeping-beauty-1
Read our interview with Tweedy the Clown by clicking here.
Beauty and the Beast
The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
November 29 - January 3 2015
The Roses’ Theatre pantomime has become a bit of a tradition at Christmas time in Tewkesbury.
This year, they will host their panto version of Beauty and the Beast, drawing inspiration from Disney’s version of the classic French fairytale, ‘Belle et la Bête’. Beauty’s idyllic village life is changed forever when she becomes imprisoned in The Beast’s castle deep in the woods. Will the Beast ever break the terrible curse that entraps him? Will Beauty ever see the Beast for who he really is?
There will be magic and mayhem galore as all the panto tricks are pulled out of the bag. Traditional storytelling, well-known songs, and plenty of humour are delivered by the cast of talented actors.
For more information and to book, visit: www.rosestheatre.org/events/entry/beauty-and-the-beast1
Aladdin
Malvern Theatres, Malvern
December 11 to January 4 2015
Vacuum your magic carpets, dust off your old lamps and fly down to Malvern Theatres for the Christmas pantomime Aladdin.
Aladdin, played by Hi-5’s Chris Edgerley, is the poor son of a laundry owner, hopelessly besotted with the Princess, played by Rebecca Marks. But will his plan to marry her be foiled by the evil Abanazar, played by Robert Powell?
On hand to help Aladdin is the Slave of the Ring (Carrie Rawlings), and hindering rather than helping with his antics will be Wishee Washee (Milkshake’s Derek Moran). Widow Twankey, owner of ‘Twankey’s Laundry’, is played by leading pantomime dame Ian Good. They’ll be joined by comedy magician Mark James as PC Pong, Spencer K Gibbins as The Emperor and Connor J Barrie as The Genie.
The show with a full supporting cast features lavish sets and costumes and a CGI flying carpet sequence. The pantomime is produced by UK Productions Ltd.
To book, visit: www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/events/event/aladdin/
Dick Whittington
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
December 6 - January 4 2015
The tale inspired by Gloucester’s most famous medieval merchant, Dick Whittington, comes to the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon this December.
Nigel Havers, well known for his portrayal of Lewis Archer in Coronation Street, stars as King Rat, and pantomime favourite David Ashley returns to Swindon as Sarah the Cook, joined by Lucy Kane as Alice Fitzwarren. There promises to be an abundance of comedy, lavish sets and equally lavish costumes – plus, as is tradition with the Wyvern Theatre’s annual pantomime, Dick Whittington promises plenty of audience participation.
To book, visit: www.swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/panto-swindon-pantomime
Mother Goose
The Theatre Chipping Norton, Chipping Norton
November 18 2014 to January 11 2015
The Theatre Chipping Norton is staging its panto version of Mother Goose this festive season.
The tale follows Mother Goose, the kindest lady in all the land, as she tries not to give into temptation during hard times, nor to abandon her friends and family just for good looks. This 2-hour retelling of a classic tale transports the narrative to a sparkling Arctic setting crammed full of trolls, snowmen, woolly jumpers and even the occasional moose.
There will be elaborate scenery and costumes, songs from a TONY award winning composer and plenty of laughter.
To book, visit: www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk/index.php?p=whatson&id=2471
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