Christmas is fast approaching and once again local theatres are gearing up for a busy Panto season - here's some of the shows you could be seeing!
There's so much to experience this December during Panto season. There's some huge stars like Jason Donovan stopping off on the south coast, Pompey traditions from the Kings, and loads of independent productions at our local theatres.
Cinderella - Kings Theatre
The biggest Panto in Portsmouth this year is at the Kings Theatre. Starring Jack Edwards as the crazy and unpredictable Fairy Godmother, Channel 4’s First Dates Star Grant Urquhart as the dashing Prince, born to be bad Julia Worsley and Harry Howle as the Wicked Step Sisters, Ben Ofoedu as Dandini and Peter McCrohon as the Fairy King. Join ‘Search for Cinders’ winner Michelle Antrobus on this magical tale packed to the brim with breath-taking special effects, scenery and live music. As always, we expect some toilet rolls to be present too.
Friday 2nd December to Saturday 31st December
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Mayflower Theatre
For the biggest stars, you may want to travel down the M27 to the Mayflower Theatre. Actor, singer and television star Jason Donovan will lead the cast in this year’s magical pantomime, alongside Coronation Street and musical theatre star Faye Brookes, with the triumphant return of Richard Cadell & Sooty in Goldilocks and the Three Bears. With sets and costumes from The London Palladium, Goldilocks and the Three Bears follows Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks, who are battling to save their circus from the Evil Ringmaster who is intent on stealing their three loveable bears and leaving them in ruin.
Saturday 10th December to Saturday 31st December
Sleeping Beauty - New Theatre Royal
Back into Portsmouth and the team at New Theatre Royal are preparing for another classic tale. The Princess is searching for happiness, evil Carabosse is searching for revenge, Chester the Jester is searching for someone to laugh at his jokes and Dame Nellie is searching for any man in the front two rows! From the team that brought you last year’s panto Cinderella, get ready this Christmas for another spectacular show full of music, laughter, amazing special effects and plenty of surprises. Swash-buckling Prince Valiant will make dreams come true this Christmas!
Friday 9th December to Saturday 31st December
The Little Mermaid - Portsmouth Guildhall Studio
Here's a venue you might not have been to for a pantomime before, the Portsmouth Guildhall Studio. The familiar tale of the Mermaid Princess who craves to explore the world above the waves, in her quest for adventure she makes a terrible bargain with the evil sea witch who is trying to take over the ocean. Can her friends Crabby and Prince Eric help defeat the evil witch and restore harmony beneath the Seas. Perfect for the whole family with its huge waves of happiness the intimate production boasts a fantastic LED screen, stunning costumes, a score of memorable music favourites you can sing along to and dance numbers that will have you bouncing from your seat!
Monday 19th December to Tuesday 27th December
Robin Hood - Groundlings Theatre
Groundlings Theatre in Portsmouth have got a show full of adventure, Robin Hood, which is dubbed as 'Portsmouth's Most Affordable Panto'. Deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the poor to pile up his gold, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marion. But the most heroic outlaw of them all, Robin Hood, is determined to save Maid Marion and win her hand whilst outwitting the villain’s plans.
Thursday 8th December to Saturday 31st December
The Nutcracker - Titchfield Festival Theatre
Follow the story of Clara as she is gifted a Nutcracker from the magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. That night her brother is kidnapped by the Evil Rat King's stooges; Bubble and Squeak! Clara, with our hilarious Dame Mother Ginger, travel through to the enchanted realm to go and save Young Fritz.
Tuesday 13th December to Friday 23rd December
Have we missed one off the list? Email spotlight@expressfm.com
Which one are you most excited to see?
