This panto features a series of vignettes of the nation’s most cherished fairy tales in their panto formations. 

The premise of this pantomime amalgamation was rather intriguing, setting it apart from every other show within this patriotic genre. We follow four typically generic pantomime leads - a Dame, a Principal Boy and Principal Girl with the helpful but inept Simpleton, who are tricked out of ‘The Land of Make Believe’ by Poison Ivy, the villain of the piece, casting them under a spell to lose their memories and forget who they all are. In order to return home safely they have to assume the lead roles in a succession of traditional panto extracts to re-establish their identities. They work their way through variations of Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Jack & the Beanstalk, Snow White and Cinderella. The various scenes are all linked by the continued plotting of the Wicked Witch and her hapless assistant. 

Due to its unique structure, this production kept us engaged with an original narrative that was both refreshing and unpredictable ...well, to a degree. Without wanting to drop a spoiler I’d have put money on a happy ending and well, I’m sure nobody would be surprised to learn that good triumphed over evil and wrong was eventually put right in a merry wrap-it-up final scene. 

Making the boldest statements were Michelle Caton as the Evil Witch, relishing the wickedness with success and enjoyment with David Gallagher who demonstrated an ideal presence, charm and persona as the traditional and much-loved pantomime dame both highlighting a desirable and most effective rapport with the audience.

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Author: Kevin Proctor (on behalf of David Slater)