Pie-throwing antics hit the spot

WHEN I went to the pantomime at the Priory Theatre two years ago, I found the whole thing so spectacular that I had high hopes for this year’s show.

Mark Jefferies was hysterical as the panto Dame, Sarah the Cook - so much so that he really should have his own show. The pie-throwing, heckling antics had the audience wanting more of his outrageous performance. His costumes were brilliant and I’m not sure how he managed to get changed so quickly into such large outfits – Bravo!

It’s a shame Alice Fitzwarren played by the sweet Charlotte Jefferies didn’t have a bigger part - she was a brilliant actress and a fantastic singer.

One character’s talking voice for me overshadowed the perfect performance from the rest of the cast, and that was from Dick Whittington played by Kym Bradley.

I’m not sure if she had first-night nerves or if her voice for panto went a bit over the top. But her redeeming feature was her beautiful singing voice.

The story of Dick Whittington and his cat was told really well with fight scenes between the cat and the rats, the set was really well done and the choreography perfect.

Overall my family and I had a good evening out and was introduced to the festive season with sing-a-long cheer. It had us laughing on a gloomy December night.

Verdict: festive cheer achieved.

Rebecca Jennings