Panto Review - THE WIZARD OF OZ - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Written by Tom Whalley, we are taken to the land of Oz in true panto style, with our Fairy/Dame, Dorothy, Toto and all your other favourite characters. We do not start in Kansas, but Heaton. Which, it seems, also has a tornado problem that leads Dorothy on her adventure down the Yellow Brick Road.

Director Pamela Willis used every opportunity to bring a song for each character that joined the quest, making an all-singing, all-dancing, extravaganza. The end musical number was particularly tight and well performed by the whole cast. Musical Director James Hedges, along with Bass player Richard Rutherford and Drummer Lewis West, created the perfect score for the whole show. Choreographer Julie Bowman and Babe Choreography’s Jill and Julie Taylor (JETS) created magical and charming dances the spurred the story onwards. The set looked incredible, with a swirling Yellow Brick Road and iridescent bubbles to bring the magic of Oz to life. Everyone involved should be very proud of the innovative way the great and powerful Wizard was presented. Costumes and Wigs by Sarah Pearson, Georgina Purvis and Wiggy were exceptional and really helped bring out the different character personalities.

The show was fun and packed with well-loved songs. Although some characters did struggle a little with the more challenging songs they had been given, all the cast are loveable and fun in their different roles.

The whole audience was charmed by the Student Dancers, Junior Team and ‘Babes’ Team as they glided through different scenes. The Adult Chorus brought out much fun as various side characters, such as talking trees and even a very believable David Attenborough. Alison Carr as Tin Man and Jess Chapman as Scarecrow made a humorous pairing throughout. Rosa Cole was simply hilarious as the very expressive puppeteer and voice of Toto. Erin Hattrick was pitch-perfect as the enthusiastic Dorothy.  Steve Parry was wonderfully warm as the Wizard. Rachel Potts seemed rather underused as the funny, sweet and perfectly-costumed Winkie the Monkey. Joe Moore sang the audience into his power and kept us there for the whole show as the Cowardly Lion. Hattie Eason was exceptionally wicked, and yet a musical dream, as The Wicked Witch of the West. Ian Willis is not someone I would usually imagine as Glinda The Good, but is certainly fantastically fun as the slightly bawdy, and very fabulous, Dame.

A delightful journey ‘over the rainbow’ for all the family. If you click your heels together three times you can see The Wizard of Oz at The People’s Theatre until 21^st December 2025.

Panto Review - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - PLAYHOUSE, WHITLEY BAY

 

Walking into The Playhouse this December feels less like stepping into a theatre and more like coming home. With Steve Walls back at the helm for his fifteenth year, this year’s pantomime—Beauty and the Beast—radiates that familiar, comforting warmth audiences have come to love, wrapped in a dazzling layer of sparkle and festive cheer. From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear this isn’t just a show; it’s a tradition, a celebration of laughter, magic, and community spirit that Whitley Bay holds dear.

Steve Walls as French Frank this year is as much a fixture of the Whitley Bay panto as the iconic Spanish City that stands proudly nearby. His quick wit, effortless rapport with the audience, and trademark energy make him the heartbeat of the production—a reassuring presence that guarantees fun for all ages.

Dani Harmer, beloved as CBBC’s Tracey Beaker, steps into the role of Belle with a charm and innocence that feels perfectly pitched. From her first entrance, she exudes warmth and sincerity, and her almost instant sensitivity to the Beast adds real emotional depth to the story. Harmer’s performance is complemented by incredible costumes that sparkle under the lights, enhancing the fairy-tale magic.

The Beast, played by Chris McLeish, commands the stage with physical strength and vulnerability, making his scenes with Belle truly heartfelt. Credit goes to director Harry Downes, who keeps the story tight while packing in all the traditional panto fun. Jo Walls’ choreography adds polish, with vibrant routines that keep the energy high.

Comedy comes thick and fast thanks to Daniel Mawston as Patsy the Cook, bursting with energy and a dazzling array of costumes. Villainous duo Gaston (Stylianos Thomadakis) and Le Shue (Simon Barnard) delight younger audiences with hilarious, physical performances.

For me, a panto at Whitley Bay wouldn’t be complete without Mary Proud. Having grown up in a range of panto roles, this year she shines as the elegant and delightful Fairy of the North. She exudes charm as she narrates the story throughout, guiding the audience with grace and warmth while adding that extra sprinkle of magic to the production.

Traditional elements are all here—audience interaction, plenty of mess, and the famous water guns—plus a clever twist (no spoilers!). And of course, the bench needs no introduction, delivering one of the most anticipated laugh-out-loud moments.

The ensemble and panto babes deserve applause for their energy and sparkle in big musical numbers. This year’s talented team includes Alfie Harris, Simeon Barrow, Erin Reynolds, and Millie Roundfell, who help create the vibrant atmosphere that makes this panto a festive highlight.

This year’s Beauty and the Beast at The Playhouse Whitley Bay is everything a pantomime should be—funny, heart-warming, and full of festive magic. With an amazing cast, dazzling costumes, and all the traditional elements audiences love (plus a few surprises), it’s a show that guarantees laughter and joy for the whole family. This panto is yet another triumph for Whitley Bay—and a perfect way to celebrate the season.

Beauty and the Beast runs until 3^rd January 2026

Panto Review - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK - DURHAM GALA

 

The first panto of the season always feels special, and for me, Durham Gala is the perfect place to kick things off. This year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Gary Kitching and directed by Jacob Anderton, delivers everything you’d expect from a Gala panto—local flavour, traditional charm, and a fresh twist on a classic tale.

From the moment the curtain rises, the energy is infectious. Jude Nelson, now a firm Gala favourite, shines as Muddles. Full of mischief and armed with impeccable comic timing, she wins the audience over in seconds. Her rapport with the crowd is a joy to watch.

The story itself is strong, as Gala pantos always are, but this version of Jack and the Beanstalk adds clever new turns to the familiar tale.Jack, Kieran Michael, brims with charisma, while Adam Donaldson’s perfectly villainous Professor Hangclaw brings just the right amount of menace. Susie Barrett as Bronwen the cow is a delight—sparkling with personality and charm.

Lucy Davis impresses as Bridget, the Professor’s daughter and Jack’s love interest, with a voice that truly stands out. And then there’s Sarah Bulmer as Mrs Tinkler—larger than life and guaranteed to keep the laughter flowing throughout.

The first act features a great transformation scene as the beanstalk shoots skyward, reaching the clouds and transporting us to the land of The Giant. During the second act, the unique setting takes on a futuristic feel, adding a bold and imaginative twist that keeps things fresh and exciting.

Adding to the magic is the live band, which gives the whole production a vibrant, dynamic feel. Lighting brings plenty of colour and sparkle, creating atmosphere and enhancing the magic of key moments. Costumes are bright and imaginative, perfectly capturing the fun and tradition of panto.

This is a panto that ticks all the boxes: a strong storyline, memorable characters, and plenty of fun for all ages. Durham Gala has once again set the bar high for the festive season.

Jack and the Beanstalk at Durham Gala until 31st December