You know the panto season is fast approaching when Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre starts echoing with cries of “He’s behind you” and “Oh yes it does” (oh no it doesn’t!) There’ll be sweeties flying from all angles, screaming balloons bothering the rafters and, of course, some questioningly-dressed ‘ladies’ sporting sky-high wigs, (usually accessorised with matching beards and gravely voices) trying to win the affections of this year’s lucky leading man / lady!
All-star cast
The 2017-18 Christmas pantomime at the Pavilion sees the welcome return of the popular tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, which opens on Sat 2 December and runs up until New Year’s Day. As always, Bournemouth has attracted an incredibly talented cast this year wooed by the prospect of spending Christmas by the beach. Rachel Stevens from S Club 7 is playing the gorgeous Fairy Sweet Pea alongside talented Channel 5 Milkshake children’s presenter Derek Moran. You’ll spot Holby City and Coronation Street actor Mark Moraghan as Fleshcreep, Jamie Steen as Dame Trott and Bournemouth panto favourite comedian Noel Brodie is back despite popular demand… again as Simple Simon!
Family fun for kids (and big kids!)
The panto at the Pavilion is always a fun and chaotic affair, bringing total escapism and the magic of Christmas whether you catch the show right at the start of the month of December before you get bogged down in the wrapping or you want to eke out the celebrations after Santa has graced your chimney. Where else can you sing about “5 toilet rolls” to the tune of the 12 days of Christmas at the top of your voice in public without getting some very funny looks or launch endless screaming balloons off a smart theatre balcony and not be met with disapproving tuts and stares?
Inclusive performances
The Pavilion is very inclusive in its pantomime offerings. Besides the regular 2:30pm matinee and 7pm evening performances there is a ‘relaxed’ performance at 10am on Wednesday 13 December especially suited to people with a wide range of disabilities such as autism and dementia, very young children and anyone else who would benefit from a less formal theatre experience with lowered sound levels, 50% house lights throughout the performance, reduced stage smoke and the doors left open for patrons to move around as they wish during the show.
In response to customer feedback BH Live are also trialling some earlier evening performances starting at 5:30pm on Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 and Wednesday 13 December and the 2:30pm matinee on Saturday 9 December will be a British Sign Language Interpreted performance by Wendy Ebsworth MBE (call the ticketing team direct to make sure you’re seated in the correct location for this BSL show).
Tickets are on sale right now so grab those magic beans and get your Christmas booked in right now.