Tag: Pantomime

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.

Cinderella – Trinity Players ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cinderella – Trinity Players
Streetly Community Centre
Wednesday 3rd December– Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography

Trinity Players have once again brought festive magic to Streetly Community Centre with their sparkling pantomime production of Cinderella — a colourful, high-energy show bursting with laughter, warmth, and plenty of community spirit.

Directed by Izzy Clinton and produced by Lewis Wescott, this year’s panto perfectly balances the traditional story with a fresh, modern twist. The result is a lively, laugh-out-loud production that delights audiences of all ages from start to finish.

Sasha Marsh is a natural in the title role — graceful, engaging, and full of charm — while Emily Rogers brings confidence and poise as a refreshingly dynamic Prince Charming. The ever-popular Ben Neville wins hearts as Buttons, delivering spot-on comedy, warmth, and great audience connection.

The wickedly wonderful Jenny Marsh makes a formidable Stepmother, while Paddy Mangan’s Baron Hardup provides solid comic support. James Thomas as Ernie brings extra humour to the mix, and Di Mannion sprinkles stardust aplenty as the ever-wise Fairy Godmother.

Of course, no Cinderella would be complete without its outrageous Ugly Sisters, and Paul Wescott and Richard McNally-Reilly as Donna and Trish Kebab are an absolute riot. Their hilarious interplay, over-the-top costumes, and wicked sense of timing had the audience roaring with laughter throughout.

Under the musical direction of Dan Barnes, the show’s numbers are upbeat and polished, supported by confident vocals and a bright, well-rehearsed ensemble. Leigh-Ann James’ choreography adds flair and energy, keeping the pace lively and the stage bursting with movement and colour.

Visually, the production is a treat — with creative sets, dazzling costumes,

What truly shines through is Trinity Players’ trademark enthusiasm and camaraderie. This is a group that knows exactly what makes pantomime special: a blend of family-friendly fun, strong local talent, and a genuine sense of joy that fills the auditorium.

With its perfect mix of humour, heart, and sparkle, Cinderella is a triumph for Trinity Players — a magical evening of entertainment that leaves audiences smiling long after the final bow.

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.

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.

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.

Cloc Musical Theatre Company – Aladdin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Aladdin – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 5th February 2024 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Studio 55 Photography

The members of Cloc Musical Theatre Company are back with their annual pantomime treat. This year its the turn of Aladdin to get the “Cloc Treatment”

The story is that of Aladdin and his adventure trying to save Princess Jasmine from Abanazer’s evil clutches. As you can imagine things do not go to plan for Abanazer played with gusto by Calum Reynolds giving us plenty to boo and hiss at. Enter Aladdin played by Katie Lewis she delivers an Aladdin we are all rooting for. With her widowed mother Widow Twankey played superbly by Krystian Wharton (for me the star of the show) with all the bluster and costume changes of a classic pantomime dame and their very silly laundry hand Wishee played by Lee Walker, Abanazers quest is going to be very long and arduous. Along the way we meet Princess Jasmine played by Erin Mooney who I last saw in School of Rock by The Script Youth Musical theatre, and I must say her confidence and stage presence has grown beautifully

Expect all the traditional panto ingredients – toe tapping tunes, a laundry full of laughs, puppets, loads of audience participation and look out for the spectacular magic carpet scene and also Fazil The Psychic Snake expertly bought to life by Eloise Tanley.

This show is just what is needed to get us through these first few miserable and grey months of 2024, A laugh a minute and plenty of slap stick

Running from Wednesday 7th – Saturday 10th February 2024

7.30pm Wed, Thur & Fri Evening. 1pm & 6pm Saturday

Beauty & The Beast Pantomime ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Beauty & The Beast Pantomime – Cloc Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Monday 6th February 2023 – Dress Rehearsal

By Nigel Gambles

Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography

 

Cloc Musical theatre, are back at Sutton Town Hall with their annual pantomime this years offering is Beauty and The Beast.

Not to be confused with the Disney version, the story tells of the love of Belle (Beauty) played wonderfully by Sophia Powers  for a Prince (Erin Mooney) who has been transformed into a Beast (Graham Halliday) by a wicked sorceress, scorned by the Prince’s rejection of marriage. If he can find the love of another, without revealing his true identity, before the last rose of summer withers and dies, then only will the spell be broken. Belle, whose father is imprisoned by the Beast, offers herself instead and discovers her captor to be her true love. Set in and around the village of Franglais de la Mer, the pantomime introduces some interesting new characters. Among them are Belle’s too ugly (less glamorous) sisters – Brittany and Whitney played brilliantly by Hannah Muxlow and Charlene Walker- both greedy for cash and completely bent on improving their looks. To help them – Marcel and Monique – joint owners of the local beauty salon where all sorts of fun and frolics take place when the sisters turn up for their weekly therapy I have say at this point that for me Hannah playing Brittany stole every scene she was in.

The show is filled with some great toe tapping songs and plenty of audience participation. This crazy comedy is just what is needed to cheer you up on these dark winter days.

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL TO RECEIVE OVER £34,000 FROM SECOND ROUND OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND 

PRESS RELEASE 2 April 2021

SUTTON COLDFIELD TOWN HALL TO RECEIVE OVER £34,000 FROM SECOND ROUND OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND 

  • Royal Town’s Heritage Arts venue among more than 2,700 recipients to benefit from the latest round of awards from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund 
  • This award will allow the December pantomime to progress and event sales to recommence.         

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, an Edwardian arts venue in Birmingham, has received a grant of £34,400 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen. More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including the charitable trust-run Town Hall in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

The venue, which is currently being used as a vaccination centre for the NHS, will now be able to recommence planning of its 2021/22 shows and room hire. The staging of ‘Cinderella’ had been in jeopardy with not enough reserves to support the production of the show, which is key to the venue’s financial sustainability. As a result of the grant, the Trust can return more staff to work, enabling the venue to market its autumn programme, which starts in September with the sell-out Gary Powndland comedy show.

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The second round of awards made today will help organisations to look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for reopening and recovery. After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:

“Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

The Town Hall’s Managing Director, Julie Rennison, said:

“This funding is crucial to our recovery, as it takes months behind the scenes to plan and market our programme – particularly the pantomime. With this support, and with confidence in a return to full houses once vaccinations are complete, we have a much better chance of a successful relaunch in the autumn and a welcome return of our traditional Christmas shows.” 

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:

“Investing in a thriving cultural sector at the heart of communities is a vital part of helping the whole country to recover from the pandemic. These grants will help to re-open theatres, concert halls, and museums and will give artists and companies the opportunity to begin making new work.  

 We are grateful to the Government for this support and for recognising the paramount importance of culture to our sense of belonging and identity as individuals and as a society.”

The funding awarded today is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

 

Dick Whittington ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dick Whittington – CLOC Musical Theatre Company

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Wednesday 5th February

By Nigel Gambles

CLOC MTC return to the town hall with their annual pantomime, this year see’s them performing Dick Whittington, now I remember the story streets of gold and all that but don’t remember ever seeing the pantomime  so I took my seat with much anticipation and a little curiosity.

This is a great production and all the parts are played enthusiastically and professionally. The jokes and humour being current and the audience participation sections led wonderfully by our dame, Sarah the Cook played by Krystian Wharton who is excellent and his costumes are amazing he is aided by Idle Jack  wonderfully played by Lee Walker his outfit after the ship wreck scene has to be seen!

The show opens to a rapturous round of boos and hissing from the audience as King Rat and his little Prince enter the stage. King Rat played by Anthony Henn who normally lands some of the nicer roles but on this occasion digs deep to deliver a really villainous performance. As he lays out his dastardly plane he is confronted by Fairy Bowbells played beautifully by Juliette Fisher with a cute cockney accent.

We are introduced to Dick and Tommy the cat played played by Sam Rogers and Erin Mooney, this is Erins first principle role and she totally embraces even if she only has a few lines and a lot of meowing.

The show is produced by Stacey Muxlow, this is her first venture into producing but you would never guess, the show is full of life and gusto, filled with wonderful songs and dance routines all performed by the extremely talented cast.

This is a really wonderful show and should not be missed you will leave will leave filled with a fabulous feel good factor

Tickets are still available but hurry you only have until Saturday to catch Dick Whittington and his friends.  http://www.cloc.org.uk/contact-us/

 

 

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