A Supersized Adventure at Theatre Royal

December 8, 2013 by Rachel Kershaw in Days Out 3

Every Christmas since I moved to Geordieland, I’ve heard people raving about the pantomime at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, it’s always made me wish I was a kid again so I could go. This was year I was even tempted to borrow a friend’s child so I had an excuse to visit but no need, as I was lucky enough to be invited to the press night. So along with another big kid, my mate Corinna, I headed to Grey Street for a night of festive fun!

It’s the ninth year that much loved Father and Son duo Clive and Danny Adams have entertained Tynesiders at the Theatre Royal and this year’s show ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ has once again been directed by Wallsend-born Michael Harrison so the local references are in abundance! My very own Metro Radio even gets a mention and you’ll never believe what’s used to defeat the trecherous Giant in the end… Greggs’ Stotties!!

Princess Apricot & Queen Crumble

As well as the hilarious performances and cracking story line there are also some BIG surprises, I don’t want to give too much away in case you get the chance to see it for yourslef but they don’t give you 3D glasses in the interval for nothing!

Farmer Trot & Jack Trot in the hilarious ‘splat scene’

The special effects are astounding, panto certainly wasn’t this hi-tech when I was I kid! That said, my favourite bit was the more traditional  ‘splat-scene’ which was cheorographed to perfection yet still appeared to be one big ‘acideeeeeent’.

Dame Rita Trot in her finale dress

I also have to mention the fabulously flamboyant costumes of the North East’s most glamourous Dame, they got bigger and better with every scene! I’m reliably informed that Chris Hayward who plays the Dame spends all year designing the amazing outfits himself… Oh Yes He Does! Oh, and you have to watch out for the side-splittingly funny facial expressions of The Local Idiot too – so funny!

The Theatre Royal have already sold over 82,000 tickets so book now to make sure you don’t miss out! It’s on till the 18th January. And if you still need convincing, check out this little video to hear some more reviews (that’s me with my friend Corinna near the start and clinking glasses at the end!)

Images for this post were kindly supplied by Theatre Royal. If you’d like to know what other pantomimes are currently on in in the area, then check out this handy on line guide… Christmas Panto in NewcastleGateshead

By Rachel Kershaw