IS it panto time already? Oh Yes It Is!
In Bradford, the pantomime season gets underway tonight with the opening of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Alhambra.
West Yorkshire’s biggest professional panto stars Bradford’s favourite funnyman Billy Pearce as Farmer Billy, joined by Emmerdale actor Danny Miller as Jack, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK runner-up Davina De Campo as the Spirit of the Beans and Alhambra favourite Sarah Goggin, who has appeared in the past four pantos at the theatre, as the Giant’s evil wife, Mrs Blunderbore.
Joining the cast are Jocasta Almgill as Queen Josephine, and Aisha Jawando playing Princess Jill.
Having spent the summer starring as Rizzo in Grease at London’s Dominion Theatre - for which she was nominated for the 2022 Black British Theatre Award for Best Supporting Female in a Musical - Jocasta is no stranger to the stage. She played Lady Capulet and first cover Angelique in West End hit &Juliet and her other theatre credits include Chicago, Sister Act, Dreamgirls and the Asian tour of Ghost The Musical.
Says Jocasta: “As a Yorkshire girl, I’m thrilled to be back performing up north - especially in this iconic venue with such amazing people.”
Aisha recently starred as Tina Turner in Tina - The Musical at London’s Aldwych Theatre. Her multiple West End credits include Book of Mormon, Motown, Beautiful and The Lion King. She says: “This is my second time doing panto, but my first time up North. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about not only the Alhambra theatre but the audiences that come to watch, so I can’t wait to see you all.”
Featuring magical special effects that Alhambra panto audiences have come to expect, Jack and the Beanstalk is produced by Crossroads Pantomimes - the world’s biggest panto producer and the team behind the 2021 production of Sleeping Beauty at the Alhambra.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs until January 22, 2023. There are signed performances on December 15 at 2pm and January 15 at 5pm; audio described performances on January 5 at 2pm and 7.15pm; a captioned performance on January 8 at 5pm, and a relaxed performance, for audiences who would like to see the panto in a less formal atmosphere, on January 10 at 6pm Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
* ALSO opening tonight is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bradford Playhouse, starring a Coronation Street favourite and Basil Brush, no less.
Running at the historic Little Germany theatre until December 28, the panto is presented by Trio Entertainment. Steven Arnold, who played Ashley Peacock in Corrie, stars as Muddles alongside children’s TV legend Basil Brush as the Magic Mirror, Adam Tomas Monk as Nurse Nelly, Farron Ronan as Snow White and Vikki Earle as the Wicked Queen.
Will Prince Ritchie rescue his beloved Snow White from the Wicked Queen’s evil spells? Will the Henchman complete his perilous task upon the Princess? Will the Seven Dwarfs get to the poisoned apple before Snow White?
Visit bradfordplayhouse.org.uk or call (01274) 800415.
* OVER at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax, Sleeping Beauty opens tonight, running until January 2.
After a two-year period when panto was hit hard by the pandemic, the theatre is delighted to announce the return of a junior ensemble and children invited on stage for an audience participation segment.
An evil curse by wicked fairy Carabosse leads a princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep. Can anyone rescue her from her slumber before it is too late?
Featuring Adam Stafford as flamboyant dame Nurse Nora, hapless comic Josh Benson, boo-hiss villain Felicity Skiera, Becca Lee Issacs as Beauty and Kieran Morris as the handsome prince, the family show is packed with song and dance numbers and slapstick fun.
Says Josh: “This is my third year doing panto in Halifax and I love it. Our audiences can expect more of the amazing fun and games we have every year, with an exciting new story.”
Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk or call (01422) 351158.
* OKAY, so it’s not actually a panto, but Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Nutcracker - and Northern Ballet’s acclaimed production of the festive favourite is back at the Leeds Grand Theatre.
In the midst of a festive party, as the fire crackles and the pile of presents grows ever higher, young Clara is caught up in the excitement of Christmas and becomes enthralled by her new Nutcracker doll.
But, as the clock strikes midnight, her Nutcracker proves to be no ordinary toy. After saving him from the wily Mouse King, Clara is whisked away on the magical journey of a lifetime through a winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the famous Sugar Plum Fairy.
Visit leedsheritagetheatres.com or call (0113) 2430808.
* A MAGICAL carpet ride awaits audiences at Harrogate Theatre.
Times are tough for Aladdin and his mum Widow Twankey. That is until Aladdin finds an enchanted lamp with magical powers that can make all his wishes come true, thanks to his new friend, the genie. But the evil ABBAnazer will stop at nothing to get the lamp - so get ready to boo, hiss and cheer as Aladdin finds himself on an adventure packed with spectacular sets and singalong songs/
Aladdin runs at Harrogate Theatre until January 15, 2023. Visit harrogatetheatre.co.uk or call (01423) 502116.
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