Is Cinderella at The Shaw Theatre the only central London pantomime this year? Any news on what The Old Vic are doing? We will definately be going to The Shaw, but it looks like we will have to go further afield to see other pantomimes, as we always like to see two or three. Maybe Hansel and Gretl at the Barbican, but is it a panto or a straight production?

Regents Park?

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 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.

Only been to the Hackney one once before, so must go again.

Greenwich has a very good panto too.

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.

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)

Just checked...

Oxford is doing Sleeping Beauty

Northampton has got The Wizard of Oz as the xmas show in the Royal (the next door Derngate has a big Cinderella - with 'stars' no doubt)

Hi everyone,
Just to let you know that tickets are now on sale for Cinderella. I know it's still Summer! Dec 9th 2008 to Jan 3rd 2009 at The Shaw Theatre London. (www.theshawtheatre.com) Starring Britt Ekland and Dominic Littlewood. I will post a full cast list when confirmed. Much love, and hope to see you there.
Tatey.x

Full cast list:
Britt Ekland
Dominic Littlewood
Katie Marie Warsop
Richard Meek
James Muller
Paul Tate
Christopher James-Jones
Suzie Chard
Maurice Lane

www.theshawtheatre.com

Cinderella Shaw Theatre Ensemble now cast:
Bobby Windebank
Billy Mitchell
Lynsey Platts
Nikki Schofield
Shona Williams
Kelly Ewins
Jo Schofield
Lauren Cocoracchio

www.theshawtheatre.com

I am going to Hackney, Greenwich, Millfield, and The Shaw pantomimes! Roll on Christmas! Have fun everyone!

Went to see Cinderella at The Shaw Theatre last night and WOW what a show!!

The cast were amazing! What fantastic voices and spectacular costumes too. It is a real family panto with lots of singing and dancing in it. Dominic Littlewood is great as Buttons, you would never know it was his first time on stage! Britt Ekland is "Godmother, Fairy Godmother" and add's sparkle to the show. All the cast shine in their own way and they all have fab voices!

Don't miss out on this great family show! Book Now! www.theshawtheatre.com