Winter wonderland of seasonal shows in the Midlands and Shropshire
The curtain has gone up for a series of shows at theatres across the region. Audiences around the Black Country, Staffordshire and Shropshire will enjoy a range of shows in coming weeks.
At Stafford Gatehouse, the Rock‘n’Roll Panto will continue until January 6, having opened on December 7. This year’s show is Dick Whittington and it follows Dick and and his trusty friend Tabby the Cat dancing, twisting and singing their way to London in search of fame, fortune and rock‘n’roll.
Audiences should be prepared for the most amazing show in town as Dick dons his guitar, Alice takes on a saxophone and a host of talented actor/musicians strike up the band live on stage for some true rock‘n’roll.
Popular hits set to feature in this year’s Panto include blockbusters Uptown Girl, Aint No Mountain High Enough, Dead Ringer for Love, Eye of the Tiger, Walking On Sunshine, Gimme Some Lovin’ and many, many more.
At Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn, Brad Fitt is starring in a festive production of Mother Goose until January 6. The show opened on November 29 and is the biggest panto to ever feature in Shropshire.
Venue spokesman Craig Reeves says: “Mother Goose stars Shropshire’s favourite Dame, the egg-cellent Brad Fitt.
“With lots of audience participation, and spectacular special effects, the show will be brought to you by Evolution, the same creative team behind last year’s smash hit Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
“Last year’s pantomime was seen by more than 40,000 people and was almost completely sold out prior to opening. It’s Shropshire’s biggest pantomime.”
Lichfield Garrick also has a production of Dick Whittington – though it’s sticking to the traditional version. The show will continue until January 5, having opened on November 29. It features Katrina Bryan, from CBeebies, alongside Ben Thornton and Sam Rathbone.
Katrina has also starred in Taggart, Nina and the Neurons, See You, See Me and Sea of Souls. She has been active since 1999, having gained a BA in acting from Queen Margaret University.
Royal
Telford’s Oakengates Theatre will feature its own Christmas cracker with a production of Cinderella featuring EastEnders star Tony Discipline.
The show, which continues until January 6, has a star cast with 90s pop star Anna Kumble as the Fairy Godmother, CBeebies favourite Joe Chambers as Dandini, Isabel Gamble as Cinderella and Carl Dutfield as Buttons.
Venue boss Debbie King says: “Cinderella has always dreamed of leaving her dull life as a servant to meet a handsome Prince. After the announcement that Prince Charming is going to hold a royal ball, it seems she may get her wish after all, but with the Ugly Sisters around, who knows what will happen.
“Maybe with the help of Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and a generous helping of fairy dust, and a glass slipper, perhaps Cinderella’s wish could come true and she will live happily ever after?”
The show also includes the hilarious Oliver Gray and Dean Horner as the Ugly Sisters and has great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and amazing special effects including a flying carriage.
At Cannock, the Prince of Wales will feature a production of Dick Whittington until December 30 with an adult version of Hansel and Gretel on January 1. That will be followed by a production of Jack and the Beanstalk from January 24 to 27.
Meanwhile, blockbusting shows continue in coming weeks at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, Birmingham’s Genting Arena and Birmingham Hippodrome.
The Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham, will provide an antidote to traditional pantomimes with a gala performance of Benidorm continuing until December 29.
The show stars Jake Canuso, Janine Duvitski, Adam Gillen, Sherrie Hewson, Shelley Longworth, Tony Maudsley and features Neptune’s very own Asa Elliott. Writer Derren Litten also stars as Derek, appearing exclusively in Birmingham as a special festive treat.
Venue spokeswoman Fiona McCartney says: “His smash-hit ITV comedy Benidorm is set to bring sunshine and smiles to the UK and Ireland in the stage debut production of the hugely popular TV show.
“ITV’s award-winning comedy celebrates over a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holiday makers and staff for ten series since it first broadcast in 2007. Litten has now written an all new set of Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members as they swap sangria for the stage – after a quick spruce up at the Blow ‘n’ Go!”
The Rep, at Birmingham, will feature The Wizard of Oz until January 13. When farm girl Dorothy Gale runs away from the evil Miss Gulch, she finds herself lost in a strange and wonderful new world. With her faithful dog Toto at her side, she sets off on an adventure to find her way back home.
Along the way she meets some peculiar but loveable characters who are also in search of something special – a Scarecrow needing a brain, a Tin Man looking for a heart and a Lion lacking in courage. Together they follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City in search of answers from the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard of Oz.
But the friends soon find themselves caught between the forces of good and evil as they are mercilessly pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West. Will they ever make it to Oz and find what they are desperately seeking from the Wizard?
The Wizard Of Oz is one of the most popular tales of all time and has delighted generations. In a bold yet faithful reimagining, directed by Liam Steel, the spectacular production features favourite songs and characters from the classic film with an added sprinkle of REP magic.
Andy Richardson
