Superb panto guide
It’s Christmas!
With a wave of a magic wand, watering of a magic bean and a rub of a lamp a parlour maid goes to the ball, a poor son gets rich and a laundry boy becomes a prince – it can only mean it’s panto time.
Cinderella, Snow White, Mother Goose, Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin are playing across the region – from Beverley to Whitby, Bridlington to Scarborough.
There are also Christmas shows Pinocchio at the Stephen Joseph, Scarborough, Great Expectations at East Riding Theatre in Beverley and Treasure Island at Hull Truck. Aladdin, Scarborough Spa, until Sunday January 1
Aladdin is the story of the young peasant boy who tries to win the hand of the beautiful princess, with a little help from the Genie of the Lamp.
Tony Peers brings some of his finest cast members, along with some new faces too. Matthew McGloghlin will take centre stage as Aladdin, with Cobie Scott Ward as Princess Jasmine.
Phil Beck returns as this year’s dame, Widow Twanky. He also directs. Pinocchio, Stephen Joseph, Scarborough, until Saturday December 31
A new production of the classic tale of Pinocchio will be “joyous, magical fun for all the family”, promises its director.
The family show about a wooden puppet and his adventures as he strives to become a real boy is the first show at the theatre to be directed by new artistic director Paul Robinson. No Knowing, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough, until Christmas Eve
Family secrets are uncovered after a 40th wedding anniversary party in the latest play by Alan Ayckbourn.
“Forty years of married bliss? At least that’s what Arthur and Elspeth seem to be telling the guests at their anniversary party. But are they both being completely truthful? Or are there things they’re not telling us?,” said Sir Alan.
“Certainly their son and daughter, Nigel and Alison, have their doubts.
But as with most marriages, where does the truth really lie? The plain fact is, there’s absolutely no knowing, is there?” Cinderella, YMCA Theatre, Scarborough, Boxing Day until Monday January 2
YMCA Productions is keeping it local with a script written by former YMCA member Claire Edwards.
“It celebrates the local area and all this is fantastic about the surroundings,” said panto director James Aconley. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bridlington Spa, until Monday January 2
Former Conservative MP and Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe has steps in at the last minute to play the Wicked Queen in the Spa, Bridlington’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She replaces the previously announced Lorraine Chase; who has become unavailable due to injury.
Ann will be accompanied on stage by returning co-stars Simon Grant, formally from CBBC and Joe Standerline, seen in Hollyoaks. The cast also includes additional costar Asa Elliot from ITV’s Benidorm as the Prince. Aladdin, Parkway Theatre, Beverley, Friday December 16 to Sunday January 1
Oh yes it will - Beverley will have a pantomime at Parkway Theatre in Flemingate this Christmas. Scarborough-based Tony Peers Productions presents Aladdin. Its star will be Scarborough-born actor Joe Maw. He will play Wishee Washee.
Joe is best known for his regular role as Johnny Taylor in CBeebies awardwinning series Tracy Beaker Returns.
“I am thrilled to be returning to panto as I love the family-type environmen and the sense of euphoria after each performance, ” said Joe. Great Expectations, East Riding Theatre, Beverley, until Saturday January 7
Often considered Charles Dickens’ greatest work, Great Expectations follows the fortunes of orphan Pip as he ventures from life with his abusive sister and her blacksmith husband into London’s high society.
The cast includes comedian and actor Stephen Frost as Magwitch, his reallife partner Janet Prince as Miss Havisham and David Schaal as Jaggers. Jack and the Beanstalk, Whitby Pavilion, from Monday January 16 to Saturday January 21
The Apollo Players return with a fun-filled family pantomime.
All is not well in the village of Old Windy Bottom with the Giant taking up residency high in the clouds. Step forward Jack who lives on the dairy farm with his mum Dame Dolly Dimple and brother simple simon he sets out to out wt te Giant and win the hand of Princess Primose