Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs – Cloc MTC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs – Cloc MTC

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 2nd February – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

From the moment the curtain rises, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs proves once again why panto remains such a beloved theatrical tradition — and CLOC Musical Theatre Company deliver it with confidence, colour and a generous helping of warmth.

This is a lively, family-friendly production packed with playful humour, strong character work and an infectious sense of fun that clearly delighted audiences of all ages. The show balances classic pantomime conventions with plenty of modern sparkle, creating an experience that feels both comforting and fresh.

At the heart of the production is Lily Clements, who brings sincerity and charm to Snow White. Her performance is engaging and natural, grounding the story beautifully amid the chaos and comedy that swirl around her. Opposite her, Erin Mooney as Prince Ferdinand offers a confident and likeable presence, giving the central love story a gentle, believable warmth.

Comedy is very much at the forefront, and Krystian Wharton is a joy as Edna Bucket — commanding the stage with impeccable timing, knowing glances to the audience and a wonderfully playful rapport that keeps the laughs coming thick and fast. Stephen Whittick’s Grumbly adds another layer of humour, delivering his lines with just the right blend of gruffness and heart.

The supporting cast bring the fairy-tale world vividly to life. Alex Nash (Merlin), Paige Howen (Queen Avarice) and Sophia Powers (Fairy Fortune) each carve out distinctive characters, helping to shape the story and guide the audience through the twists and turns of the plot. Queen Avarice in particular strikes an excellent balance between theatrical villainy and pantomime exaggeration, earning both boos and laughs in equal measure.

The ensemble work is a real highlight. The dwarfs — Smiley (Mia Dorey), Sniffles (Lukas Wharton), Dozy (Lizzy Small), Brainy (Eloise Tanley) and Snoozy (Aine Shirley) — are full of energy and personality, working together with great chemistry and confidence. Their scenes are among the most engaging in the show, drawing big reactions from the audience.

Visually, the production is bright and welcoming, with vibrant backdrops, themed character imagery and a strong sense of cohesion across the staging. It’s clear a great deal of care has gone into presentation, helping to create a magical atmosphere that supports the storytelling rather than overpowering it.

Behind the scenes, the production team provide a strong and steady foundation for the show. Producer Teresa Biddell clearly leads with care and commitment, bringing together a production that feels cohesive, polished and full of heart. Sharon Wharton’s choreography is lively and well suited to pantomime, making excellent use of the ensemble and keeping the action flowing smoothly across the stage. Musical direction from John Jones supports the performances confidently, while Paul Douglass as prompt ensures the show runs seamlessly. Together, the team create an environment where cast and creativity can truly shine.

Above all, this is a production that radiates community spirit. The commitment and enthusiasm of the cast and production team shine through, reminding us that pantomime is at its best when it’s rooted in joy, inclusivity and shared laughter.

CLOC Musical Theatre Company’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a charming, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable festive treat — perfect for families, first-time theatre-goers and seasoned panto fans alike.

Dick Whittington – Mint Theatre Society ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dick Whittington – Mint Theatre Society

Stonnall Village Hall

Sunday 14th December – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Mint Theatre Group once again bring community theatre magic to Stonnall Village Hall with their fun-filled production of Dick Whittington — a lively, laugh-a-minute pantomime packed with local humour, catchy songs and plenty of audience interaction.

Leading the show with charm and confidence, Ellie Ball makes a spirited Dick Whittington, full of enthusiasm and warmth. Her chemistry with Beth Howell as Alice Fitzwarren adds a lovely romantic note to the adventure, while Charlotte Ball as Fairy Bow Bells brings a graceful sparkle to every scene, guiding Dick and the audience with poise and gentle humour.

Every good panto needs its mischief, and Duncan Gleig as King Rat delivers villainy with relish — booed, hissed and loved in equal measure. Dave Stonehouse as Sarah the Cook is a joy from start to finish, delighting the crowd with larger-than-life energy, perfectly timed gags and more outrageous costumes than you can count.

Andrew Hughes shines as the ever-daft Idle Jack, keeping the laughter coming thick and fast, while Rebecca Shiner’s Cat adds a wonderfully playful touch with great physical comedy and charm. David Daly as Alderman Fitzwarren and Paul Warner as Sultan Vinegar both bring solid character work to their roles, and Liz Daly’s Tricky Pete adds just the right pinch of panto mischief.

The show is full of colourful set pieces, cheerful choreography and a clear sense of fun shared between cast and audience alike. With strong direction from Alex Howell, clever local references and plenty of heart, Dick Whittington captures exactly what makes traditional pantomime so special.

Mint Theatre Group prove once again that community theatre can deliver professional-quality laughs and feel-good festive entertainment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A joyous, family-friendly pantomime brimming with humour, heart and hometown sparkle.

Beauty & The Beast – Talegate Theatre Productions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beauty & The Beast – Talegate Theatre Productions

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sunday 14th December

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Talegate Theatre Productions once again deliver a dazzling slice of festive fun with Beauty and The Beast — a vibrant, laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic fairy tale packed with sparkle, songs and plenty of silliness.

From the moment the curtain rises, the energy never dips. Bethany Oliver brings warmth and poise to the role of Belle, her vocals clear and confident, while Gareth Lord gives real heart to the Prince/Beast, making the transformation scene genuinely magical.

There’s a perfect balance of humour and heart thanks to the show’s larger-than-life characters. Steve Boyce steals many a scene as the flamboyant Dame Cheri Gateau, serving quick-fire wit and fabulous costumes in equal measure. James Bartlett as Gaviscon and Josh Dixon as Franc the Fool keep the younger audience roaring with laughter — their comic timing and audience rapport spot on throughout.

Every panto needs a good villain, and Alexandra Allison as Witch Hazel delivers just that with gusto, conjuring boos, hisses and plenty of mischievous glee. Whilst singing Defying Gravity at the end of Act One, she quite literally does so — soaring above the stage in a spectacular and magical flying scene that left the audience gasping and applauding in delight.

Choreography by Justine Lee keeps the ensemble tight and lively, with Farrah Palmer (also Dance Captain) and Sophie Atkins leading the numbers with flair. The Sparkles School of Dance junior chorus add charm and enthusiasm to every scene they appear in.

Behind the scenes, the production team shine just as brightly. With direction and script by James Worthington, the pacing is sharp and the jokes land well for all ages. The colourful costumes (by Talegate Theatre Productions) and eye-catching scenery (by Dave Law) create a rich fairy-tale world, enhanced by Bethany Knowles’ clever lighting design and Burnt Toast SFX, whose special effects add a real touch of wonder.

It’s a show that truly embraces everything a pantomime should be — fun, interactive, full of heart and festive sparkle. Whether you’re booing the baddie, laughing at the Dame’s antics, or cheering for true love’s triumph, Beauty and The Beast is guaranteed to leave audiences smiling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A magical, family-friendly treat brimming with energy, colour and Christmas cheer.

Aladdin – Sutton Arts Theatre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aladdin – Sutton Arts Theatre

Sutton Arts Theatre

Friday 5th December– Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Sutton Arts Theatre’s Aladdin, directed by Emily Armstrong and Dexter Whitehead, is a delightful festive adventure packed with sparkle, laughter and heart. With its dazzling costumes, lively choreography and plenty of panto fun, this production truly captures the magic of the season.

Harriet Gordon shines in the title role with a fantastic voice and natural stage presence. Her chemistry with Evie O’Malley as Princess Jasmine is effortless — their duets are beautifully performed and stand out as real highlights of the evening.

Paul Atkins is a joy as Widow Twankey, stealing every scene with his outrageous outfits and quick-fire one-liners. Dave Thane makes a wonderfully menacing Abanazar, delivering just the right amount of villainy to keep the boos and hisses coming thick and fast.

Keyleigh Alison delights as Lala, Wishy-Washy’s loyal admirer, adding extra comic charm with her Brummie humour and lively stage presence. Jerome Pinnock-Glasgow gives an energetic and enthusiastic turn as the Genie, while Kane Blundell and Connor Taylor are a hilarious pairing as Sgt Tik and PC Tok, keeping the laughs flowing throughout.

Micah Hardwick-Beckford brings poise and grace as the Spirit of the Ring, providing a calm and engaging narrative thread that ties the story together. The ensemble dance numbers, choreographed by Janine Henderson, are slick, well-rehearsed and full of festive energy, complemented by strong musical direction from Gladstone Wilson and his talented band.

With colourful sets designed by Mark Nattrass and an enthusiastic company clearly enjoying every moment, this is pantomime done right – bright, funny and full of heart.

Standout performances come from Harriet Gordon, Evie O’Malley and Paul Atkins, who together anchor the show with charisma, chemistry and comedy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A magical, feel-good panto bursting with talent, laughter and festive sparkle — a real Christmas treat from Sutton Arts Theatre.

Heritage Day 2025

What a fantastic day it was for Heritage Day! 🎉 The Town Hall was buzzing with excitement as we enjoyed behind-the-scenes tours, previews from local Musical Theatre groups, and exclusive film screenings by Sutton Coldfield Movie Makers. 🎭🎬 We even had the unique opportunity to have our names on a roof slate, creating a permanent reminder of this special day!

The Food Festival brought delicious flavors to the town centre, featuring an array of local delicacies that tantalized our taste buds. From artisanal cheeses to mouthwatering street food, there was something for everyone to enjoy! 🍴🌮

Meanwhile, exhibitions at Sutton Coldfield Train Station showcased our rich history, with intriguing displays that told the stories of our town’s past. The Masonic Lodge opened its doors for fascinating tours, sharing stories from the past that captivated all who attended. It was a rare glimpse into the history and traditions of this historic building, adding even more depth to our understanding of Sutton Coldfield.

What did you get up to? Did you visit any of the other events? Share your experiences below! 👇✨

#HeritageDay #SuttonColdfield #CommunityEvents #LocalHistory #FoodFestival #SupportLocal

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc MTC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 3rd February 2025

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Cloc Musical Theatres annual post Christmas pantomime is on this week at the town hall and is the classic Sleeping Beauty.

I’m sure everyone knows the story of Sleeping Beauty, beautiful princess cursed by her evil aunt pricks her finger falls asleep for 100 years and only true loves kiss can break the curse, I tell you now there will be no falling asleep during this show and there is no true loves kiss in this version, but that has no impact on the story.

First on stage we are greeted with three fairies who guide us through the tale, played by Tina Boyce, Hannah Muxlow and for a fairy with a difference Krystian Wharton who all play their roles with great comic awareness.

Central to the story are Nanny Nightnurse played by John Biddell no stranger to playing the dame and Muddles played by Calum Reynolds (Muddles) who for his first comedic role is brilliant arriving on stage by an array of methods, a space hopper and skateboard among them, all in a wonderful array of hats to go with his jesters costume he was one of my stars of the show. The other would be Princess Aurora played by Sophia Powers no stranger to playing princess’s and looks more and more like one every time I see her in a show, she has a wonderful singing voice and grows in confidence with every performance. Young Aurora is played by two young performers Belle Bottomley and Gracie Jones, I believe it was Belle on stage for the dress rehearsal i was at..wow what a voice strong and confident and she also performs well on stage.

The show is peppered with some well known catchy numbers which bring the whole cast together in some great dance routines.

Full credit for the wonderful show must go to the behind the scenes teams and producer Teresa Biddell a quick mention to Going Dark for excellent lighting.

Robin Hood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Robin Hood – TaleGate Theatre productions

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Friday 6th December 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

TaleGate Theatre Productions returned to the Town Hall for this years spectacular pantomime production of Robin Hood.

Not a panto I have seen before but the story generally follows the classic tale, the “Hero Robin Hood”, the “Maid Marion” and the “Evil Sheriff of Nottingham” and a number of extras including a horse, a dragon and a large “Dog”

This is the third visit to the Town Hall this year by Talegate, previously here to perform “The Little Mermaid” and “Harry Potter” both of which were very well received.

Anyway back to the show in question, it certainly has everything and more you would expect, flying, smoke, pyrotechnics, dancing, songs and some famous faces! Pop star Lolly aka Anna Kumble is our Sheriff of Nottingham! listen out for a parody of her hit single “Mickey”

James Barlett as Will Scarlett who has appeared in TV shows including Hollyoaks and The Dumping Ground, who comes back to his hometown where it all started for him with Sutton Coldfield Music Theatre Company’s production of Oliver when he was 14!

As you would expect from a professional company, the show is performed with perfection and the jokes come thick and fast with plenty of slapstick. Full credit has to be given to “Dame Little Joan” played by Danny Mills whose character matches his outfits..outrageous and to Farrah Palmer, dance captain who leads the ensemble in some stunning routines, including dancers from a number of local dance schools.

This is 100% family show and we urge to get your tickets whilst you still can click the link below.

Finally if anyone knows why the “Dog” is there please let us know thanks

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sleeping Beauty – Trinity Players

Streetly Community Centre

Wednesday 4th December 2024

By : Nigel Gambles

Photography by : Studio 55 Photography

Panto season has arrived and that can only mean one thing, Christmas is around the corner.

This is out first of four pantomimes to cover this year and if they are all as good as this one, it’s going to be Fun Fun Fun and Ho Ho Ho. Trinity Players have never done a pantomime before so this was new territory for them but they have not let that deter them. This is one of the best amateur pantos I have seen in years.

For me the stars of the show are Muddles played by Bexs Perry and Dame Nurse Nelly played by Richard Mcnally-Reilly their stage presence was huge but more than that their comic timing was exceptional.

Maleficent (Evil Aunt) played by Jenny Marsh and her feathered accomplice Russell Crow played by Cameron Hall (who by just standing there will have you laughing) will certainly bring forth a barrage of Booing again both excellent in their roles.

Sammi Kelly-Griggs as Princess Aurora entertains well with a good stage presence and excellent singing voice.

Full credit must go to the supporting cast and ensemble who all play their parts perfectly and really enjoy their time on stage.

The production team led by director Dan Barnes have certainly put in the work to bring this magical show to stage a massive cheer out for all.