Some may call it the most ambitious crossover since Avengers: Infinity War. This brilliant take on the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood was brilliant from start to finish with no end of laughs, shenanigans, and musical numbers. The performance as always was thoroughly enjoyable for people of all ages with jokes tailored to both mature and immature minds alike along with the occasional fistful of sweets hurled at the audience.

As expected, every cast member gave their all to the performance whether it was speaking, singing or dancing. The dance numbers were creative and impressive with the actors often performing complex dance routines that any major production would be proud of. It’s clear that the entire production was very well rehearsed and that everyone was super excited to be performing again after all the lockdowns we’ve had. As
ever, the set design and staging were excellent. It seems like every year the production value increases and so does the quality of costumes. Each of the main cast had a distinctive costume that fitted their character perfectly.

Speaking of distinctive costumes, it wouldn’t be a true panto without a pantomime dame, who was once again, sensational. With such a wide range of dazzling outfits and comedic wit it’s a wonder how Granny Smith (Richard Bailey) felt she needed to advertise for a new man in the first place. Although watching all her dates play out did have the audience… howling.

But they say a story is only as good as its villain, or in this case villains. Each of them wonderful in their own right. Other than the Big Bad Wolf (Russel Webster), the story utilises a number of new variations of famous villains such as Frankenstein’s monster, Count and Countess Dracula (Alex Thompson and Emma Hollas) and my personal favourite, a very fabulous Mr Hyde (Marcus Esposito-Edge). Each was a source of brilliant comedy with none managing to overshadow another. All of them blending seamlessly into the story without it feeling overcrowded or padded out. Some of my other personal highlights were the unexpected breakage of a prop fishing rod and Red Riding Hood’s (Lucy Hardy) aggressively sassy hips.

We really are lucky to have such a great panto group in Barrow; I can’t wait to see what they do next time.

Elliot Wilkes

STOP PRESS
Congratulations to all of the panto people, but particularly to those who won awards from The Pantomime Alliance of Leicestershire:
Tina Robinson and Macauley Crossley for the Best Comedy Act
Alex Thompson and Emma Hollas for Best Supporting Act
Lydia Sharman for Best Magical Being