After last year’s triumph of Mother Goose, we were so excited to be invited back to Theatre Royal’s famous Pantomime. We were intrigued as to how they could make it work with the linear set at the Signal Box at NRM. Well, make it work they did! In fact they embraced the set up and, for us, it made the Panto even more brilliant. It still had all the usual magic ingredients you’d expect from Theatre Royal Panto but tongue in cheek references to the set and the ‘2 audiences’ made it all the more funny!
What we love about this Panto from Theatre Royal is that it really is for the whole family. We went with our 3 year old (after a good nap in the afternoon.. as showing time was 7.30pm and it was 10.30pm by the time we left!) and she was mesmerised by the stunning, colourful and glitzy set as well as the fabulous dancing numbers scattered throughout the show. But there is so much in there for the adults too – not least the fantastic (and often ad-libbed) performance by the best dame in the North.. Berwick Kaler as the hilarious Paloma Palomy.
Berwick was joined by the fantastic villain (and my personal fave!) David Leonard as Hermin the Vermin as well as Suzy Copper (My Daughters favourite) and Vincent Grey who played Dick Whittington brilliantly. The Meerkat, played by AJ Powell was fabulous with his brummy accent – and a special mention must go out to the choreographer and dancers.. we loved all the dance scenes but especially the one set in Spain (Yes Dick is travelling a lot further than London in this one!)
The set was used really creatively and we loved the ‘under the sea’ scene where dark curtains along the track and illuminous sea creatures, choreographed to music, gave a visual spectacle that was loved by our 3 year old and us too. Talking of visual spectacles… I think the final accolade has to go to the biggest and brightest on stage. Berwick’s costumes! From Nautical to Spanish and ‘Mind the Gap’ tube references in funny places. If you haven’t been to our fantastic Panto before then I urge you to book your tickets quickly for this year. It’s a hoot and a fantastic opportunity to see it in the unique setting at the NRM.
Tickets are on sale now for Dick Whittington (and his meerkat) priced at £12 to £32.50 (£1 transaction fee per booking) from York Theatre Royal Box Office on 01904 623568, in person or online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
