Review: Cracking jokes and sharp wit in the wonderful panto world of Eggshellia

A mad baker, a king who loses his crown, a beautiful princess and a scheming villain, lovers, magicians, a swamp thing and a giant golden bird: welcome to the wonderful world of Eggshellia, Talisman’s creation for Christmas and their 60th pantomime.

There are adventures – and cracking jokes - galore. The sets are beautiful, if a little wobbly, in this sharp and witty adaptation of the beloved nursery rhyme, and there is plenty for adults as well as children to enjoy.

For the most part the acting is as it should be, over the top and full of colour. The costumes deserve an award in themselves, and Mother Hubbard (Alistair Jolliffe) is the perfect pantomime dame: dextrous, outrageous, camp and in complete command of the stage. Humpty Dumpty (Michael Brooks) is here not as the eponymous egg of the nursery rhyme, but its guardian: in sunshine yellow and mincing gait, he is the foil to Mother Hubbard. Amanda Dodd is all naughtiness in her mischievous machinations; and li’l cockney sparrer Polly Flinders (Gill Bowser), Humpty’s girlfriend, is good-hearted cheeky charm personified. Princess Melanie (Nikki Cross) looks gorgeous throughout. here are songs galore and dances too, and the whole cast works hard together to bring off a fun-filled show.

There is a moment in this production when an ingenious bit of stage craft lifts the show to a mesmeric moment of delight. I won’t tell you what it is. Go and see it. It’s eggs-actly what you need to warm a chilly winter’s evening.

Nick Le Mesurier