Last night we headed along to Birmingham Hippodrome to see Birminghams finest pantomime. It was everything that you could possibly want in a pantomime and then a load more sprinkled on top.
This was not just a pantomime. This was a variety show, a circus, a comedy show, a magic show and a pantomime, all mixed together with a lorry load of glitter, glitz and sparkle and some risqué adult jokes which go straight over little ones heads. It was epic and I think everyone will be talking about this for a very very long time. I know that I will.
I have to admit, I have never seen Matt Slack perform before. I am now a huge fan. He made me laugh from start to finish and has such comedic charm and charisma that I can understand why some people have told me they book to see all the pantomimes, just because he is in them. I will now be one of those people too. He played a fabulous Ringo and was so engaging that he had every single audience member in the palm of his hand.
So what is the show directed by Michael Harrison and co-written by Matt Slack and Alan McHugh about? You’d think the title would give it away but it is not the traditional Goldilocks and the Three Bears story that you’re used to…
In this adaptation (or let’s say, pretty much complete re-write other than the traditional porridge and bed scene) Betty Barnum (Andrew Ryan) and her daughter Goldilocks’ (Samantha Dorrance) circus might need to close down. They’re running out of money and an evil rival circus owner (Jason Donovan) is eager to destroy them. With the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant Brummie bears join the gang…
Without wanting to spoil too much of the show for you, this performance will leave you in amazement. Asking yourself how things are performed on the stage. Is magic really real?
There’s no expense spared in this performance. From flamboyant costumes and amazing sets transferred over from The London Palladium to a star studded cast that work beautifully together. You can really see the cast are not just working, they’re enjoying what they are doing.
It was wonderful to see local talent such as Doreen Tipton playing the role of Lion Tamer/Lazy cow who had everyone in stitches and Alexia McIntosh whose vocals were outstanding throughout her performance as Candy Floss. What a voice!!
Samantha Dorrance makes a perfect Goldilocks. Sweet, loveable, with one of those contagious smiles that has you smiling straight back. Her vocals are remarkable. Jason Donovan (the evil rival circus owner) is performing in his very first panto here – but if I hadn’t read that, I wouldn’t have known. He plays the role perfectly, allowing people to laugh at/with him as songs and previous work from the 80s and 90s are referenced. He is a loveable baddie in this panto and it works so well.
All of the cast are brilliant. From the actors/actresses, dancers, The Gemini Sisters trapeze artists, Peter Pavlov and the Globe of Speed (I’ve seen these a few times now and they always shock me so much. Absolutely amazing talent), Pierre Marchand, Phil Hitchcock and his magic and every single person behind the show. The make up artists, costume design, lighting and sound. Everyone here has made this the best pantomime you will ever see.
Would I recommend you go? 100%. Go and take all your friends, family and work colleague’s with you.
The show lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with a 20 minute interval. Book your tickets here starting from just £16: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Disclaimer: We were invited along to the media night. All thoughts and opinions are entirely our own. Professional photographs provided by Birmingham Hippodrome.