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As a couple without children you may be wondering why a trip to the Newcastle Theatre Royal to see this year's Pantomime, Beauty and the Beast was a must in our Festive calendar. I mean, Pantos are for kids right? The silly songs, boos & hisses and cheesy lines are surely something that we have all grown out of?
Wrong!
If you are yet to experience a Pantomime as an adult I honestly believe that you are missing out. Adult life is not fun - the house chores, budgeting dramas and office politics - by the time I get to December I'm usually feeling pretty drained and in the need of a really good laugh and a night out with my husband - which is why the Newcastle Theatre Royal Panto is an essential part of my Christmas.
I have been to a number of pantomimes in the region and, between you and me, the Newcastle Theatre Royal offering is the very best with a high quality production that always delivers impressive choreography, beautiful sets, great special effects and catchy songs. It is also the only Panto that actually makes me laugh out loud with plenty of jokes for the grownups, slap-stick that is actually funny and some hilarious ad libs when things go a little wrong. It is bonkers silly mayhem from start to finish and is guaranteed to put a smile on my face.
This year was Simon's first ever experience of the Newcastle Royal Pantomime, and having had to put up with me going on and on about how great it was when I went without him last year he wasn't going to miss out this time round.
It's become a Geordie Christmas tradition to see the legendary father and son team Danny Adams and Clive Webb who are appearing in their fifteenth consecutive Theatre Royal pantomime this year. Forget the soap actors and 90s pop stars, the Theatre Royal Newcastle turn their back on the usual gimmick casting, instead bringing us true icons who we've been loving in the Panto for years. This is what brings the crowds of happy people into the theatre to enjoy the Panto every Christmas. It's no surprise that over 78,000 tickets have been sold this year.
The scene was set as we were introduced to the village of Geordieville, an immediate clue that this Panto was going to be full of local humour which, of course, we all love. In fact it wouldn't be a Theatre Royal Panto without the famous "Hiya Hinny" would it? Shouting that out whenever Chris Hayward steps onto the stage makes you feel like you're part of some kind of exclusive Geordie club albeit with a few thousand other people. Combine that with some great Geordie characters, local gags and two original Geordie songs and we're in for a night that makes us feel as proud as punch to be in the North East.
Although the Pantomime more or less follows the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast complete with the beautiful Belle (performed brilliantly by the fabulous Laura Evans), a Beast and, of course, a rose the story is intertwined with the most amazing comedy sketches and gags from Danny, Clive and our favourite castle idiot, Michael Potts (whose deadpan face never fails to crack me up). You can expect plenty of rude jokes for the adults, a lot of slime, great gags for the kids and hilarious audience participation.
The Newcastle Theatre Royal Panto isn't all just "she's behind you" and daft gags, in fact I would say it's the only Panto I have ever seen that is full of original content. A lot of Pantos in the region use the same songs and jokes as each other and it all gets a little predictable! The Theatre Royal always takes its Panto to the next level and the West End style production means there's plenty of on the edge of your seat drama - this year's chase in the woods with the wolves was particularly great to watch.
I'm always slightly nervous sitting at the theatre with my husband who isn't as mad for the stage as I am and will sometimes sit there, arms folded looking like he wants to be somewhere else. But he was roaring with laughter all evening, in fact he has been quoting Danny Adams' lines since we got back (which is beginning to get on my nerves!). As we headed into the interval I couldn't wait for the lights to come back up so we could discuss our favourite parts, there were just so many.
The absolutely highlight for us though came at the very end during Danny's Song Sheet - an opportunity for the kids to get on stage and join in. The whole thing had us crying with laughter and the set finished with the most hilarious twist that I honestly can't wait for you all to see - it is brilliant and one of the funniest things I have ever seen on stage. Just you wait!
If you have tickets for this year's Pantomime at the Newcastle Theatre Royal you are in for a truly incredible night and I am very jealous. I am desperate to go again and am already counting down the months until next year's offering. Christmas really isn't Christmas until you've been to the Panto and this year's really is the best that I have ever seen.
What you need to know:
- Beauty and the Beast runs from Tuesday 26 November to Sunday 19 January
- Running time is approx 2 hours 15 mins (including an interval)
- Tickets cost from £14.00 and selling fast! Get yours at the Theatre Royal Box Office, on the phone on 08448 112121 or online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
100 Grey Street
NE1 6BR
08448 11 21 21
theatreroyal.co.uk/
We attended Press Night with complimentary tickets.
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