Shakespeare The Panto

Is Shakespeare a good subject matter for Panto?
OH YES IT IS!!!

I've been to a Shakespeare-inspired pantomime once before, and it was the biggest load of drivel I have ever experienced. It was reminiscent of the kind of show you'd see the sporty lads put on for the end of year show at school.

This time I decided to take another chance, given that an actor friend of mine vouched for the company.

I had just come from a show with a very dark subject matter that I was still drying my eyes from and was a little worried I would not be able to appreciate the show, but from the moment the first sentence was uttered, I was back to laughing my heart out!

The play starts as a panto, Shakespeare getting us involved with the call and response that is traditional to panto. Immediately, we understand this is not a panto for kids with the call out for when the baddie arrives, being, "F*CKETH OFF, VILLIAN!"

The main story is playwright Robert Green (most remembered now for his upstart crow comment on Shakespeare) tries to steal a play Shakespeare has written and ends up accidently ripping it in a tussle with Shakespeare!

We delve into a world where they are trying to get the works back together, but characters from Shakespeare’s plays get mixed up in each other's stories. Viola falls in love with Romeo Baynes, who is in love with Juliet Greggs. They search for a love potion, but will they be able to succeed with the evil King Oberon wanting to play a trick with the help of his minion, Puck?

It's all very silly and good fun! The cast have great singing voices and had a perfect mix of keeping to the original songs whilst only slightly altering lyrics to fit in with the panto theme!

One of the actors was subbed in less than 24 hours before their first show, so the show does stumble here and there, but overall, it's a fun night out for a great price!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shakespeare the Panto runs until August 9th at Paradise in The Vault. Hoping you guys get a chance to see it and that overall you have a fantastic fringe! 😁

Love,
Tony x