Having never
attended a pantomime in a pop up theatre, I was slightly unsure as to the
experience I was about to encounter, but after entering this purpose-built
structure it soon became clear that it was well designed and thought out.
Toilets are clean and more like a hotel, seats have ample room and are
comfortable and most importantly it was warm. But of course, the venue is only
part of it. Would the panto hit the spot? Oh yes it did!
Opening with
the perfectly evil Fleshcreep, Stephen Sullivan, to set the scene we also meet
Karleigh Wright as Mother Nature. You certainly wouldn’t have guessed that she
only stepped up to the role the day before the press night. The audience instantly
warmed to her feisty and energetic performance and she definitely owns this
role.
Daniel Mawston as Dame Patsy Trot
is dazzling and owns the stage at every entrance. The diminutive King, Daniel
Hope, makes the most of the role milking his stature. It is rare that I will
laugh out loud at a panto, but Simple Simon, Sam Glen, with his jokes coming
thick and fast, it was hard to catch up with them all. The pairing of Sam Glen
and Adam Thomas as Jack works brilliantly. With plenty of references to
Emmerdale and I’m a Celebrity, Adam makes the most of his past ventures and
proves he is equally talented in acting and singing. They also make the most of
being based in Newcastle with plenty of Geordie references and that fact that
Adam Thomas isn’t from round here.
Yes there
were moments where things didn’t go quite to plan, the car missing its turning
point and needing help to manoeuvre round the scenery and the odd loss of
lines, but the cast handled it all brilliantly with adlibbing and laughter. The
laughter and smiles on their faces showed not only were the cast having a
fantastic time, they were relishing the opportunity it gave them. I have never
seen a cast enjoy themselves so much and this spilled out into the audience
ensuring everyone left with a huge smile on their face.
With plenty
of jokes for young and old, the time just flew by and I am already looking
forward to Cinderella in 2018.
Runs until Saturday
30th December
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