ATV Today Entertainment highlights a selection of festive panto offerings…
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Join the Jolly Postman on a frosty, fairytale adventure in this brand-new stage adaptation from Royal & Derngate. This award-winning story for all the family sees the Jolly Postman cycling through the snow to deliver parcels and letters to familiar friends as they prepare for Christmas celebrations.
There are visits to Red Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty, the Gingerbread Man, and not forgetting the big, bad wolf! As the snow continues to fall, who will help the Jolly Postman get home in time for Christmas? Live music, original songs and a sprinkling of theatre magic bring this favourite festive classic to life for all ages to enjoy.
The ensemble cast of actor-musicians will feature Samuel Morgan-Grahame as the titular Postman who is joined by Ellen Chivers, Aaron Douglas, Jess Lobo, Dan McGarry and Joseph Kempster who is making his professional stage debut – who all take on a variety of roles.
Royal & Derngate Artistic Director Jesse Jones:
“I am delighted to announce the cast for this production. We can’t wait to get in the rehearsal room and bring the magical world of Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s children’s classic to life. It is so important to us here that we are giving opportunities to local artists, so I am very pleased to bring together this extraordinary cast of actor -musicians, several of whom are from Northamptonshire. So welcome to Samuel, Ellen, Dan and Joseph who join Aaron and Jess to make up this brilliant team.”
The Jolly Christmas Postman, adapted from the best-selling book by Janet & Allan Ahlberg. A Royal & Derngate, Northampton production. Saturday 7th December to Tuesday 31st December 2024. www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Sleeping Beauty
Welcome to Lewishtonia, where once upon a time, a princess is born. Not invited to the celebration party, wicked fairy Carabosse casts an evil spell which changes the Princess’s life forever – but can she take charge of her own destiny?
Joy Productions brings their celebrated Panto partnership with Broadway Theatre, Catford back to the stage for Christmas 2024 with Sleeping Beauty. This year’s modern remix, a gothic fairytale with a 21st century twist, transports audiences to the magical kingdoms of Lewishtonia and Westminsteria.
Once warring, both have now reached an uneasy peace. The story follows Tahlia, the warrior princess of Lewishtonia as she turns 18, discovers her true identity, faces the curse the wicked Carabosse placed on her as an infant and confronts her true destiny. Along the way she meets raucous slapstick characters. Returning this year are Broadway theatre favourites: Wayne Rollins as Denzil the Dragon, Durone Stokes as Prince Gabriel and Ben Fox as King Eric The Undecided.
Also joining the cast are Roshani Abbey as Tahlia, the Sleeping Beauty of the title; Olivier Award winner Justin Brett as Dame Nanny Nora, Lisa Davina Phillip as Carabosse and Natasha Lewis as Willowsnap. With many of this year’s cast holding a connection to the area, this truly is a show rooted in Lewisham with a strong sense of place and belonging. Both Durone and Lisa were born in Lewisham hospital.
Cllr Edison Huynh, Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities:
“We are excited to welcome our panto partners Joy Productions and Susie McKenna back to the Broadway for a second year. This new production of Sleeping Beauty is a fresh take on a classic tale that has been written especially for, and in celebration of, the local community. After the success of last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk we know it will come sprinkled with that extra dose of festive magic.
“Panto is such an important Christmas tradition in Lewisham. We love the way it brings residents, of all ages, together to share in the joy of live performance. We hope as many people as possible, from across the borough, will join us at the Broadway for what will be a fantastic, lively, high quality production.”
Sleeping Beauty, Joy Productions at Broadway Theatre, Catford. Wednesday December 4th to Tuesday December 31st 2024.https://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/sleeping-beauty/
Robin Hood
Get ready for a valiant, arrow-slinging, comedy adventure with legendary hero Robin Hood. The Prince of thieves is on a mission with his merry band of men to rob the rich to feed the poor.
Along the way he meets fair Maid Marian, together they must undertake a quest to save the poor people of England from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham who is plotting to steal the crown. Will they save the day?
The Arts Centre, Hounslow has announced the return of its annual pantomime, this its 10th year of professional pantomime, and 2024 sees Robin Hood the Arts Centre’s largest production to date. Marking a decade of bringing the magic of pantomime to Hounslow, The Arts Centre celebrates the return of Jonathan Ashby-Rock and Adam Russell-Owen, who have performed in all ten productions.
Suitable for all ages, this year’s show promises laugh-out-loud comedy routines, show-stopping songs and plenty of audience participation. Hounslow’s intimate 242-seat production has earned recognition as one of the UK’s top pantomimes after receiving multiple nominations at the 2023 Panto Awards, competing against larger theatres including the London Palladium and the Duke of York’s. The Arts Centre provides its local community with top of its discipline theatre in an approachable environment and at an affordable price.
Robin Hood, The Arts Centre, Hounslow, Thursday 28th November until Monday 30th December 2024. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/hounslow/the-arts-centre-hounslow/robin-hood/e-lbrkpl
