Pantomime Archives - Scene One+

Little Red Riding Hood

Broadstone Pantomime Society Broadstone Memorial Hall, BroadstoneOscar Trehane 10 January 2026 One of my favourite things about being a reviewer is having the opportunity to go and see real community theatre at its very best. Controversially, to me, community theatre isn’t at its very best when it is polished and ultra-professional, with big budgets and impressive venues. No, community theatre to me is the small groups of diverse individuals, getting up on a stage and giving it their all, in the name of family entertainment, charity, and pushing oneself to do something out of their comfort zone. So, you can

Cinderella

Spot On Productions The Point, Eastleigh Jade Morrell 10 January 2026 I decided for this review it felt fitting to take my 5-year-old son to see Cinderella by Spot On Productions at The Point in Eastleigh, and as someone who’s learned very quickly that he’s a very honest little panto critic, this production delivered on many of the things that make pantomime such a beloved theatre tradition. From the moment the curtain went up, the visuals were fabulous, the set designs and costumes helped create a magical world of ‘Stoneybroke’ and beyond. The talented ensemble brought warmth and energy to the

Jack and the Beanstalk

Otterbourne Theatre Company Otterbourne Village Hall, Otterbourne, Winchester David Putley 09 January 2026 I have to say the welcome I received upon arrival was so well done. A complete surprise and made you feel part of something really special and appreciated. It was a real community event with a packed house, and everyone seems to know everyone else. Superb to see local theatre being so well supported. And the show doesn’t disappoint in any way shape or form. It was clear from the well-orchestrated opening number with well thought out choreography by Holly Williams, Poppy Lucas and Sarah Hobbs that

Aladdin

Swanage Drama Company Mowlem Theatre, Swanage KD Johnson 09 January 2026 In these times of rising costs of living, increased taxes, international conflicts, the resurgence of nationalism, global instability and narcissistic megalomaniacs we all need something to cheer us up and take our mind off the gloom and doom. Swanage Drama Company have just the medicine in the form of their version of the classic pantomime tale of Aladdin. In many amateur shows there are a few strong performers; rarely will you see a cast so replete with acting talent, vocal projection, singing and comic abilities as can be seen

Puss in Boots

All Saints’ Dramatic Society Life Centre, Winton Philip & Julie McStraw 08 January 2026 The pantomime season has been in full swing since November and a trip to a local panto can be especially enjoyable during January when things have a tendency to go a bit flat after the frantic activity and excitement of the Christmas and New Year festivities. This year’s offering from ASDS is the evergreen favourite: Puss in Boots! Even before film star Antonio Banderas brought ‘Puss’ into the world as part of the Shrek franchise, pretty much everyone, young and old, knew the story about a