ONE of the advantages of reviewing a pantomime at a schools matinee, rather than the official press night, is that you really get a feel for how children enjoy the show. For many youngsters it will be their first experience of live theatre – and if it’s a good one, they may come back, not…
OLIVIA Hewitt-Jones was born to play pantomime. Her father Brian was a successful pantomime producer and her mother, actress Amanda Bairstow, starred in them. Now Olivia makes her professional debut at Salisbury Playhouse as the heroine Alice Fitzwarren in this year’s panto, Dick Whittington, running from 25th November to 7th January. “I literally grew up…
MOST of us first experience live theatre with a visit to the pantomime – and if it weaves its colourful magic effectively, it will set your path for the rest of your theatre-going life. Youngsters had an unpredictably difficult time during the pandemic, and we are…
BATH’s favourite double act is back again for Christmas – and this time comedian and writer Jon Monie and lovable “Dame” Nick Wilton are joined by East Enders “bad boy” Neil McDermott as a dashing prince. Jon, into his 21st Bath pantomime season, and Nick, for his sixth festive period in the country’s prettiest theatre,…
PLANS for an ambitious redevelopment of Yeovil’s Octagon Theatre have been put on hold by Somerset Council, because of the impact of rising interest rates on the council’s borrowing to fund the £30 million scheme. Yeovil Town Council called a special meeting at Westlands to discuss the way forward. Councillors on Somerset Council have asked…