Reviews

Before Jack and The Beanstalk began I was impressed by the sheer scale of the production. The audience was buzzing and the stage seemed set for a hidden gem of a show. Unfortunately, I felt that the production values of the show itself, the flashy sets, costumes and Giant (yes an actual giant) were under-shadowed by some lacklustre moments. One saving grace musically was delivered by Holly Ind and Alicia Fairhurst as Fairy Quinoa and Jill. Their song came in the second act of the show and honestly had me re-discovering the joys of songs sung with a bit of

Having lived in Swanage for 12 years I have a real soft spot for Swanage and for the Mowlem, having spent many happy hours treading its boards. So, it was a real pleasure for me to come to the Mowlem tonight to see Sleeping Beauty. What can I say about it? Although it didn’t really feel like it (mostly), it was long, the first half running for just shy of 90 minutes, the second about an hour. Certainly the large audience were having a good laugh and enthusiastically participating in the usual panto banter. There were a couple of points

It’s Broadstone Pantomime Productions’ 40th anniversary and to mark the special occasion, the company has chosen to put together a comedic take on one of Britain’s well-loved classics, The Wizard of Oz. Before going tonight, I had many questions – where would a pantomime dame fit into this story? Or a love interest for that matter? However, the task of adapting the tale for the pantomime season was, on the whole, delivered well by the creative team, led by director Emma-Louise Pottinger and writer Chelsea Robson. With what can only be described as creative license, The Wizard of Oz follows

Beauty and the Beast has been with us as a folk tale for a long time; from its first publication in 1740 to its most recent Disney movie it has been seen in many shapes and sizes, and now, in the delightful venue that is Otterbourne Village Hall, it surfaces in panto form, in a most entertaining version by award-winning author Alan Frayn. Most of the audience will know the story already – that of Prince Danton being turned into The Beast by the immortal sorceress Belladonna for refusing to marry her. Her curse means that he will only be

The programme states this is a traditional family pantomime by Bob Heather and for lovers of this genre, this cat will certainly be right up your alley. All the mainstream requirements are here, including a selection of Ghostbusting Ghosts, forest dancing animals, a boo-able baddie, a frolicking Dame and a loveable pussycat…in boots. Co-directed by the writer and George Ellison, all these elements were delightfully threaded together for an escape from the winter blues and hardly a mention of Brexit! Beautifully lit by Nigel Roach and team, the set and sound are of enviable quality throughout giving a warm and

This year All Saints’ Dramatic Society incorporated many of those pantomime traditions we know and love into their fun-packed version of Jack and the Beanstalk. I admit pantomime is my favourite stage genre and I was not disappointed. Written by Douglas Eyre and co-directed by Victoria Liechti, the script promises plenty of the ‘aww’ factor, enough eye-rolling puns to keep your dad going for the year and a few unique catchphrases for the audience to bounce back and forth with the cast alongside the more traditional “it’s behind you!” In the role of the eponymous Jack, Rachel Forsdike (I appreciate