Pantomime

Dick Whittington, Salisbury Playhouse

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…

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A feisty heroine and a manic rat – expect the unexpected in Salisbury’s Dick Whittington

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…

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It’s all about the story-telling

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,…

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Octagon’s refit delayed while councillors consider options

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…

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