*This post contains spoilers – performance date: 10th Dec 2024 @ 2.30pm*
It’s that time of year where pantomimes dominate the theatrical stage with glamorous costumes with an unnecessary amount of glitter and over the top staging and songs that burrow into your brain for days. This year I booked tickets for The London Palladium’s Robin Hood starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion. I’ve been watching Jane’s cruising series for a while and was very excited to see her on the stage, other incredible performers included Julian Clary, Nigel Havers, Paul Zerdin, Marisha Wallace, Rob Madge, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Charlie Stemp and even a surprise appearance from Patricia Hodges – such fun! This was the first London Pantomime I’ve seen and a show with such big household names.
My childhood was filled with the excitement of seeing a pantomime on Christmas Eve at my local theatre until I was about 12 where an unfortunate incident involving Widow Twankey and the audience booing at my family scarred me from seeing a panto ever again. But as old scars heal, I was ecstatic to book tickets for Robin Hood as an adult and to see what is very much a production for an adult audience. I was not disappointed. My cheeks ached from laughing and smiling at the whole performance from the high energy songs that exploded out onto the stage. The staging, costumes and props were so elaborate that I wondered what the theatre’s budget was to have so many extravagant pieces – Julian Clary’s costumes alone were eye watering in all the best ways. As I didn’t have any prior knowledge to what the palladium’s pantos were like aside from general rumour that they were exceptional, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was utter nonsense in the best way from the very loose plot that was almost a parody because let’s face it everyone knows the main points to the story of Robin Hood and how he stole from the rich to give to the poor. So this version takes some creative license that is almost like a variety show of performances with a loose theme that blends comedy with the traditional panto stereotypes and subverts a lot of the jokes for an adult audience. There was also an added 3D element where the audience is taken on a journey through the dark depths of Sherwood Forest with strange creatures lurking in the shadows. I wasn’t as impressed by this aspect as my 3D glasses didn’t quite fit on my head and the 3D moment felt a little like filler for setting up the stage behind the screen. I remember a panto years ago advertised a ‘new technology’ that would revolutionise pantomimes. It was an adaption of what I think was the Little Mermaid as a panto and a seahorse was projecting with 3D technology, but not on the same level that the palladium used.
I digress, despite the plot loosely making any sense, it was so much fun to watch. Julian Clary’s jokes and quips towards his cast members that was almost daring those on stage to forget their lines or break out of character had me constantly wondering if these moments are scripted or not. On many occasions the tongue and cheek innuendos and parody of songs like the YMCA, Thriller and Ghost Busters just added another level of craziness that was a pleasure to watch. I adored Jane McDonald and she is just herself on stage without trying too hard and it worked so well as she blended her northern humour and stage presence. And she can definitely sing! It was such a wonderful moment to see this cast on stage and bounce off of each other like it was natural. Both Nigel Havers and Julian Clary have such comedic chemistry on stage that was effortless. I definitely wasn’t expecting to see Nigel Havers drop from the theatre ceiling dressed Superman, nor was I expecting to see Julian Clary dressed as a giant owl. There were moments that I didn’t think the staging or story could get any weirder or bigger but I was proved wrong at every point in all the best possible ways.
Overall, this is a must see that will have me racing back to book tickets for the next panto in 2025! A star studded cast that creates the perfect escape with daft humour, clever double entendres and costumes that had my jaw on the floor. Every little detail cleverly blends the beloved panto tropes with talented performers that weaves contemporary events and comments that engage the audience. I almost want to go again!
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Amy is a writer and reviewer and is currently querying literary agents with her debut fantasy novel inspired by the magic and adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean. For more content click here to read book reviews, short stories and updates on Amy’s writing journey.
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