CHRISTMAS only truly begins for me when I get to Blue Genie’s Panto at The Playhouse, Whitley Bay. That familiarity gives me that ‘coming home’ feeling as I settle into the comfortable seats and the anticipation builds for the curtain to open, this year for Cinderella.
Steve Walls, now in his 13th year, is Buttons, this year! Steve has such a natural approach towards the audience, full of energy, plenty of jokes for all and clearly loving every minute he’s on stage. Also returning is Daniel Mawston, this time as Patsy Hardup, playing the evil sister, giving us all the chance to boo and hiss him for a change. His evil companion Luke Martin as Idena Hardup makes a great combination. Just to change the story a little, Dandini doesn’t appear, instead having the double act of Keith and Ben Simmons as Nul and Void. It makes an excellent change and works well due to their comedic skills. The delightful Cinderella played by Jessica Lilley and Prince Charming played by Jacob Beresford keep the story moving along. Now the only person I’ve really missed out so far is the Fairy Godfather (Louie Spence). What can I really say. He twists and twirls onto stage, larger than life, he certainly lets us all know he’s there, adding that extra little bit of sparkle into Christmas. He also loves to add a touch of inuendo, which the adults loved, still keeping the show family friendly. He was certainly made for this role.
Some pantos don’t have much of a story and focus on the variety elements, here there is a good mix of a strong storyline with plenty of general variety from The Twelve Days of Christmas, Nul and Void’s magic and comedy and of course the headliner of the entire panto – The Bench. I’m surprised it doesn’t appear on the poster every year. The anticipation in the audience is incredible and they really did make the most of the entrance for The Bench. If you don’t know what it’s all about you really do need to see it.
The choreography from Jo Walls is outstanding, it’s very difficult to match it every year alongside a talented group of young dancers working as four different teams.
Highly entertaining, if you go once, you’ll find you can’t stop returning every year.
Runs until Saturday 6th January at the Playhouse, Whitley Bay.
