It was hard to imagine anything changing the grey overhead clouds and rain hitting the streets of Newcastle, but then we should know better when Michael Harrison, MD of Qdos Pantomimes and the writer and director of the annual smash hit pantomime at the Theatre Royal, is in town.
Each year Michael manages to break the previous year’s box office record and bring us a more spectacular show than the last and this production sounds on target to keep up that tradition. Flying (with no wires) an evil raven (called the Little Waster), a horse that flies over the audience, 3D, dancing penguins, “real” rain and a Baroness, as well as the ugly sisters, are all in store for us this year.
Michael Harrison’s smash hit run of pantomimes started five years ago with Cinderella, starring Jill Halfpenny, Clive and Danny, this year the leading lady will be Roxanne Pallett from Emmerdale, making her panto debut, along with David Ducasse from the pop group Scooch as Dandini. Chris Hayward, in his third successive panto at the Royal, and Phil Corbitt, (who played Blackheart the pirate last year) will both returning with Clive and Danny for Cinderella.
The Theatre Royal looks on course to have the best pantomime in the Country once again and I am already counting down the days until December 1st when the magic of panto is back with us once again.