[stitcher]

I may be wrong, but I imagine that the Old Vic will revive last Christmas' Cinderella, given that Aladdin was on for two Christmases running

[if_i_only_had_a_heart]

I doubt it. It was slated.

So was Aladin but they still revived it!

Theres the Hackney panto which may not be central London but is probably the best panto in London.

[if_i_only_had_a_heart]

I may be wrong, but I imagine that the Old Vic will revive last Christmas' Cinderella, given that Aladdin was on for two Christmases running

I just noticed that Norman Conquests is running at Old Vic till Dec 20th... so I guess thats a no for a panto at Old Vic this year... Prob a good thing as they seem unable to do them there!

[Jeffery]

I just noticed that Norman Conquests is running at Old Vic till Dec 20th... so I guess thats a no for a panto at Old Vic this year... Prob a good thing as they seem unable to do them there!

Quite agree. 'Aladdin' was hyped up because Sir Ian was in it. He was not a convincing pantomime dame and had no warmth. The production was clearly done on the cheap and rest of the casting was not good. I could never understand why it was put on for a second year. Introduced my children to the theatre by taking them to pantomime at Watford Palace Theatre, where it was lovingly done. Half the audience at the Old Vic matinee we attended were school children who were clearly unimpressed and talked amongst themselves most of the time. Don't think many of them would have been inspired to visit the theatre again. My cousin and I were among the few who participated in the 'he's behind you..' type gags and that was more out of nostalgia than anything else. The most enthusiasm we saw came when Maureen Lipman asked for donations to the Tsunam appeal at the end. I wish her performance in the show had been as animated. Recommend the regional theatres for good pantomimes. However, you have to try to avoid those with Hollywood actors, boxers, Big Brotherers, the cast of Neighbours or other soap 'stars' etc etc. You can find them if you look. Meanwhile we will give Hackney and/or Greenwich a bash this year. Thanks for the tip.

[Oxford Simon]

You could always venture slightly further afield.

Oxford Playhouse always has a more traditional style panto - without big names.

I believe the Royal Theatre in Northampton does the same (though whether this is still true after the revamp - I am not 100% sure)