Let’s all sing along to ‘Pantoland’1Stephen Fry wrote a version of Cinderella for the Old Vic in 2007, featuring Dolce and Gabbana as the two ugly sisters. One of the main songs was ‘Pantoland’ which used the music “Holiday Spirit” which was also the Travel theme music from the ancient radio programme “In Town Tonight”. Here’s a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ebGx4Cj8NY8?si=M-YSD-sM-8SWQiKj.
This holiday season we were lucky enough to go to two pantomimes. Oh no you didn’t! Oh yes we did!
First up was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Ambassadors New Victoria theatre in Woking. Starring Rob Rinder (him off the telly) and Lesley Joseph (Birds of A Feather). It was good fun, although when Muddles whipped off Lesley Joseph’s wig it felt more transgressive than funny. Judging by Lesley’s reaction, I can’t imagine he’ll try that again.
In the New Year we went to the Wycombe Swan theatre in High Wycombe to see Jack and the Beanstalk. Featuring La Voix (Drag Race and Strictly Come Dancing) and Scott Mills (Radio 2).
Jack and the Beanstalk was just so much better. Whereas Snow White felt rather formulaic and a bit like every one was just going through the motions (apart from Muddles), Jack and the Beanstalk had heart. Of course, being the last show in the run is always special and makes for a much better experience. La Voix was amazing, despite struggling personfully on with an injured foot (which is why they had to leave Strictly). Scott Mills was bad, but hilariously so. Larry (the comedy turn) was just brilliant. It turned out that his wife was in the audience too, which probably added to his performance.
So, two very different regional pantomimes, although admittedly, both within easy striking distance of London. Maybe the lesson is, if your panto is pretty pants, perhaps pick another one 😎
Footnotes
- 1Stephen Fry wrote a version of Cinderella for the Old Vic in 2007, featuring Dolce and Gabbana as the two ugly sisters. One of the main songs was ‘Pantoland’ which used the music “Holiday Spirit” which was also the Travel theme music from the ancient radio programme “In Town Tonight”. Here’s a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ebGx4Cj8NY8?si=M-YSD-sM-8SWQiKj ↩︎
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