The advertisement for it stated that it is packed with all the magic, mayhem and festive fun you could ask for, the perfect treat for the family, without wrecking the bank with tickets a modest £23. Step into the world of magic, from the magical pumpkin to the wicked stepsister, dazzling costumes to having great fun
Did it live up to it? Going by the audience reaction at the end, definitely. What did I think? See at the end
The large audience was full of family groups, plenty of youngsters essential for the future of pantomimes, capturing them to the magic early, all enjoying the new seating making it much easier for the audience to see the performance
The set was a mixture of simple stage boards and excellent lighting (thumbs up to resident tech, Joseph) with very good videos on the large screen at the back of the stage providing excellent “backdrops” for the magic that is pantomime. Special mention to the screen that frames the stage, adding greatly to the audience experience
The show started off with its usual introduction to all the main characters, the Fairy Godmother (Daisy-May Hanvey), her professional debut, a very good voice, with the first of the dancers, the youngest six, the first of a series of imaginative and expertly choreographed dances expertly put together by Stevie Wall
The usual tropes, thankfully, peppered the show, “hello, I said hello”, sweets for the audience, hands up like a Mexican wave, “Oh yes he is”, cackling laughter followed by boos, “no I wouldn’t”, “it’s behind you” and “didn’t, didn’t, didn’t”, just what the audience wanted, tradition and (loud) participation
The story, well, it followed the traditional story, prince wants love, evil stepmother and ugly sisters, Prince Charming and Dandini swapping roles, love at first sight in the forest, glass slipper and happy ever after…if only real life could be that simple but works splendidly in pantomime
Buttons (Denzhel Santos, another company debutant) a calm counterpoint to the other characters, Cinderella (Jennie Boleyn), strong characterisation with a powerful voice, Dandini (Luke Feechan) portraying the upper class arrogance with ease (and a pretty good fencing duel at one point), Prince Charming (Charlotte C-K), a powerful stage presence with the best vocals I have heard from her, especially in a Queen song mentioned further down, finally Baroness Hardup (Quivers) a tour de force, a perfect baddie with a voice that reminded me of Dick Dastardly mixed with Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister). What about the ugly sisters? Very clever, two large hand puppets (Statler and Waldor of the Muppets anyone?). The best ventriloquism you will see if you don’t look at the Baroness
A really good selection of songs including “Shut Up and Dance With Me”, “Somebody to Love”, “Toxic” (great choice for the Baroness) and “Copacabana”
Highlight was the ‘Scream’ ghost monster scene with video, lighting and dancers, justb th right side of menacing but very imaginative
This is just the sort of show that the Guildhall must really love to put on, showcasing the Lens Studio, a little gem for Christmas
Last word from the producer: “I am obsessed with pantomimes, since I was aged seven, a safe space, being about everyone having a good time, not just the children”. Well said and quite agree
What did I think? Really enjoyed it, it gathered pace as it went along and left you wanting more (Snow White in 2026). Runs until Friday 31 December; recommended
KEN EBBENS
The Flash radio presenter for the Portsmouth Guildhall
