It's Panto time! (From Watford Observer)

It's Panto time!

Abbey Theatre
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Friday, Dec 21 to Saturday, Dec 30.
Tickets: £7.50 (family ticket £26). Box office: 01727 844222

Brain Conley stars in Wycombe Swan's Cinderella

WELCOME to Roald Dahl's delightful tale of the boy who sets off on an international adventure from the confines of a giant floating peach.

Adapted by David Wood and performed by the Company of Ten, Dahl's imaginative story is suitable both for small children and their families.

Young James Henry Trotter is orphaned by a freak accident. A rampaging rhinoceros dispatches his parents and the poor orphan boy has to go and live with his mangy aunts Spiker and Sponge. Life is one long round of toil until a strange old man offers James a bag of crocodile tongues, which he accidentally drops next to an old peach tree.

When James wakes up the next morning, there is a giant peach in the garden and within it he meets an equally expansive centipede, earthworm, grasshopper, ladybird and spider.

The insects quickly befriend James and help him to have fun again.

Then one day James and his newfound pals set off on a magical adventure. Using the peach as a hot air balloon they travel from the bottom of the garden across the Atlantic Ocean and over to to the Big Apple itself - New York City.

Alban Arena
CINDERELLA
Thursday, Dec 13, 2007 to Sunday, Jan 6, 2008.
Tickets: £14-£19. Box office: 01727 844488, www.alban-arena.co.uk

BOOM Boom! Make way for his foxiness the ever youthful star of TV and stage, Basil Brush. The king of the shaggy fox tale will be sure to bring his own twist to the loveable rags to riches tale of Cinderella.

He's cheeky, irreverent, charming, naughty, quick-witted, scheming and foxy but at the same time kind, caring and affectionate.

At a recent photo call in Fleetville School, Basil was asked by a little girl called Juliet if he had any pets.

He answered: "Travelling round the country with the stage show and TV, there's no space for a pet in my car. I think a hyena would be good for a laugh, but a camel would get the hump and a giraffe would be a pain in the neck!"

Joking aside though, Basil's a sucker for a damsel in distress and you can be sure if Cinders ever needed a hero in a crisis, Basil would definitely save the day.

Keeping Basil on his toes is Simply Ballroom star Kate Galston, who takes the lead as the girl with poor time-keeping skills but who is a dab hand at doing the housework.

Back by popular demand to play the role of Buttons, is Tony Rudd and also joining Basil on stage are Martin Ramsdin and David Robbins.

Director Jon Conway has directed more than 100 pantomimes and has had a long association with Basil since the 80s. As the creator of Boogie Nights The Musical and Simply Ballroom Dancing, Jon knows exactly what it takes to put on a show.

This time around, Jon has had some extra special help with jokes straight from the playground from his eight-year-old son Jordan, who also has a part in the panto as Basil's helper.

Aylesbury Civic Centre
PETER PAN
Saturday, Dec 8 to Sunday, Dec 30
Tickets: 01296 486009 or www.aylesburycivic.co.uk

PAUL DANIELS adds a touch of magic to Peter Pan, this year's pantomime offering from the Aylesbury Civic Centre.

Starring as Captain Hook, Paul will be joined on stage by his wife, Debbie McGee, who takes up the roles of Mrs Darling and Minnie the Mermaid.

An evergreen favourite of youngsters and adults alike, Peter Pan, created by novelist J M Barrie, tells the story of a mischievous little boy who refuses to grow up. Peter (played by Marcus Ashley) lives on the small island of Neverland, where he is the leader of his gang, the Lost Boys. When one day he flies to the "real world", Peter comes across the house of the Darling family. He invites Wendy (Laura Johnson), John and Michael to fly back with him and his fairy, Tinkerbell, to Neverland.

Once there, they find themselves embarking upon a number of daring adventures, including a battle with Peter's arch nemesis, Captain Hook.

Paul Daniels first made his name as a runner-up on Opportunity Knocks in 1970, which led to regular television appearances and eventually his own prime time show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show.

Paul has also hosted a string of highly popular quiz shows including Odd One Out, Every Second Counts and Wipeout.

In 1988, Paul married his long-time assistant, Debbie McGee, who trained as a dancer at the Royal Ballet and now runs several companies, including touring ballet company, Ballet Imaginaire.

Campus West
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007 to Tuesday, Jan 1, 2008
Tickets: £11-£13.50. Box office: 01707 357117

KEEPING it local is the name of the game this Christmas and Campus' panto proves no exception with Welwyn girl Jessica Negus starring in the lead role as Princess Rosalind in Jack And The Beanstalk.

After the last two years' successes with Cinderella and Aladdin, Mad About Productions makes a welcome return to the theatre.

Writer and director Michael Courtney (Mad About The Musicals) has pulled it out of the bag again, featuring another magical production with great songs, gorgeous costumes, side-splitting comedy and fabulous characters.

Some of your favourite cast members are also back from last year's Aladdin. Lynn Larkin, who was voted the Best Genie throughout UK pantomimes in 2006 by the theatre industry's Encore Magazine, returns as the Fairy, Adrian Fletcher is Dame Trot and Michael Courtney (Buttons from Cinderella in 2005) is back as Simple Simon. Once again making her well loved appearance is, of course, Molly the cow.

Newcomers include David McClelland playing the baddie role Flesh Creep and Daniel Henderson makes his pantomime debut as the ruggedly handsome Jack.

The dancers are ably led by local dancer and actress Helen Crosse, who runs the Shooting Stars Academy in Welwyn.

Creation Theatre
TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM
Wednesday, Nov 21 to Saturday, Jan 12
Tickets: 01865 766266 or www.creationtheatre.co.uk

FROM Hansel and Gretel and Snow White to Little Red Riding Hood and Rumpelstiltskin, sit back and enjoy a madcap caper through all your favourite fairy tales, courtesy of the Oxford-based Creation Theatre.

The performance takes place inside the sumptuous setting of the antique Mirror Tent, helping to create a magical ambience for these enchanting stories.

Shipped specially from Holland, the tent is adorned with velvet canopies, mirrored roof, ornate booths and gold pillars, and has in the past been used by such performers as Marlene Dietrich and Elton John.

David Parrish, producer and artistic director of Creation Theatre Company says: "We are delighted to be back in the Mirror Tent after last year's sell out success, Arabian Nights.

"It's going to be a sensational show and the perfect Christmas treat for the whole family."

Directed by Gari Jones, the production takes place at the Mirror Tent, BMW Group Plant Oxford, Cowley.

Maltings
ROBIN HOOD
Friday, Dec 21 to Saturday, Dec 29
Tickets: £7.50 (family ticket £26). Box office: 01727 844222

ROBIN Hood will be riding through the glen to reach the Maltings as resident Lanternfish Theatre Company presents Robin Hood: Ye Olde Christmas Pantomime of Merrie England. As ever, the daring cast of three take on a range of roles and guises with hilarious results.

Richard The Lionheart is off on his crusades and England has fallen to the corrupt henchmen of his brother King John.

With no-one to stop him from ruling the roost, the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham is taxing the townsfolk to the hilt, robbing from the poor to give to the rich. Robin Hood and his lady friend Maid Marion plot to outwit the rascally sheriff by staging a grand jousting tournament, but will the villain discover the true identity of the sharp shooting arrowsmith?

For an extra special Christmas treat, why not take part in The Robin Hood workshop which takes place on Sunday, December 12 from 10am to noon? Children aged six to ten have the chance to dress up their outlaw outfits by making their own fun accessories.

Norden Farm centre for the Arts
MONSTER HITS
Wednesday, Dec 5 to Saturday, Dec 29
Tickets: 01628 788997 or www.nordenfarm.org

OFFER your youngsters an alternative to the traditional pantomime with Monster Hits, the latest offering from Tall Stories at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

Responsible for such past successes as The Snow Dragon, The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child, Tall Stories now returns for its fifth Christmas season at the popular Maidenhead venue.

Suitable for everyone aged three years and up, Monster Hits revolves around a young boy named William, who has a vivid imagination. In contrast, Grandpa is an old man who has none.

Staying with grumpy Grandpa for the first time, William attempts to go to sleep in his attic room, but there are some unusual noises up there.

Together with some fabulous songs and storytelling, discover how William makes two new monster friends - and one very old friend.

Norden Farm director Annabel Turpin says: "We are very pleased to welcome Tall Stories back to Norden Farm.

" Tall Stories productions consistently raise the bar and their stories are lively and magical. Their dedication to producing quality family entertainment is inspiring. "

Oxford Playhouse
ALADDIN
Friday, Nov 30 to Sunday, Jan 13
Tickets: 01865 305305 or www.oxfordplayhouse.com

FORMER Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan directs Aladdin, this year's panto offering from the Oxford Playhouse.

One of the most famous tales from Arabian Nights, the story of Aladdin concerns an impoverished young boy living in China, who is recruited by a sorcerer to retrieve a wonderful oil lamp from a booby-trapped magic cave.

But unknown to Aladdin, the lamp actually contains a powerful genie, who is bound to grant the wishes of anyone who holds the lamp. With the aid of the magical lamp, Aladdin eventually becomes rich and powerful and marries the Emperor's daughter. But the sorcerer plots to get the lamp back.

The cast includes Michael Steedon as Aladdin and Charlotte Warren as the beautiful Princess Jasmine, who appeared in Dick Whittington - The Panto! last year. Also returning to the Playhouse for a second year running is Simon Green, as Widow Twankey. Miles Western stars as the evil Abanazer.

Last, but not least, Fraser Collins takes up the mantle of the Genie, while the Emperor of China will be played by Michael Remick, who most recently appeared in Alfie at Watford Palace.

Radlett Centre
ALADDIN
Saturday, Dec 8 to Sunday, Dec 30
Tickets: £11-£15 (family £50-£54). Box office: 01923 859291, www.radlettcentre.co.uk

ABBOTS Langley actress Rachal Olivant stars in this year's panto as So-Shi, the queen's maid. Rachal, 19, has been in Radlett Centre shows since the age of nine.

Expect a sparkling traditional pantomime with fabulous music, hilarious comedy, dazzling costumes and scenery and loads of audience participation.

From The Arabian Nights, Aladdin is the tale of the poor boy who finds a magic lamp and has an ageless quality, particularly for children who firmly believe in magic.

Join Aladdin's exciting adventures involving a scheming sorcerer, a golden lamp, a beautiful princess, a cave full of treasure and a genie with a host of sparkling and spectacular tricks up his sleeve.

The Elgiva
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Thursday, Dec 6 to Wednesday, Jan 2
Tickets: 01494 582900 or www.elgiva.com

FOLLOW the Yellow Brick Road and watch Dorothy together with her friends Tin Man, Scarecrow, the cowardly Lion and Toto, in their quest to see the Wizard of Oz, in this year's Christmas spectacular at The Elgiva, Chesham.

The story revolves around Dorothy, who is taken to the land of Oz after a destructive tornado hits her farm in Kansas. Only the Wizard, who lives in the Emerald City, can show her the way home. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow, Tin Man and a Lion, who help her in her journey to the Emerald City hoping to receive what they each lack themselves (a brain, a heart and courage). With plenty of comedy, songs, dance and of course, a happy ending, The Wizard Of Oz is perfect for all the family.

Theatre Royal Windsor
CINDERELLA
Wednesday, Dec 5 to Sunday, Jan 6
Tickets: 01753 853888 or www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

PRINCE Charming is also seeking his Cinderella at the Theatre Royal Windsor this Christmas, in a star-filled production of the traditional pantomime.

Windsor veteran Wayne Sleep returns as Buttons, having previously appeared at the venue in Jack and the Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast.

Wayne made his name in the world of ballet, having joined the Royal Ballet Company in 1966.

He has performed with some of the world's principal ballet dancers, including among others Ashton, MacMillan and Nureyev.

His talents have often been seen in the West End including under the guises of Mr Mistofeles (Cats), The Child Catcher (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and Emcee (Cabaret).

Appointed an OBE in 1998, Wayne has now set up a charity, The Wayne Sleep Foundation, to help aspiring youngsters in the world of dance.

Jan Leeming, newsreader and star of ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! takes up the role of the Fairy Godmother.

Johndeep More and Chris Cosby, finalists of BBC1's recent show, Any Dream Will Do, will make their panto debuts as Dandini and Prince Charming, while Christopher Beeny and Micahel Sharvell-Martin return as the Ugly Sisters.

Michael is probably best known for his portrayal of Trevor, the sherry-drinking neighbour in the BBC sitcom, No Place Like Home.

He has also appeared in a wide range of popular television shows including Casualty, Yes Minister, The Two Ronnies, Terry and June and Dad's Army.

For the last 33 years he has played the Dame in numerous pantomimes across the country, including in last year's Windsor production of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

Watersmeet
CINDERELLA
Friday, Dec 7 to Monday, Dec 31
Tickets: £8.50-£14.50. Box office: 01923 711063

ARTY families will be flocking to see Mark Speight from CBBC's Smart and Smarteenies on stage as everyone's favourite friend Buttons. Adding a touch of art and splash of colour to the stage, Mark will be giving the traditional panto song sheet a make-over, when he gets children from the audience to help him draw characters from Cinderella.

The classic fairytale of a beautiful girl forced to serve her jealous stepsisters is a well-loved children's favourite. Aided by the silly but loveable Buttons and a Fairy Godmother carefully watching over her, Cinderella dreams of escaping her misery and finding true love and happiness. Her wishes come true as a pumpkin is magically transformed into a sparkling coach, mice into white horses and a girl goes from rags to a stunning ball gown all with the wave of a good fairy's wand.

The familiar tale is brought right up to date in this production with songs, dance, slapstick, colourful costumes, new stunning scenery, and real live ponies.

Victoria Bush from ITV's Bad Girls plays the good Fairy Godmother and Ray Lonnen from Harry's Game stars as Baron Hardup.

Dancer Ellie Boswell finds her prince in Simon Bell, who made the last 28 in the BBC show Any Dream Will Do.

Watford Palace Theatre
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Thursday, Nov 29 to Sunday, Jan 6
Tickets: 01923 225671, or www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk

DANCING on point in a giant hen costume is not the easiest job in the world, but Alice Jackson, who took her first theatrical steps on the Watford Palace stage in the chorus aged 13, is glad to be returning to her roots. Alice plays Henrietta, the beanstalk, a hen and the front half of Daisy the cow in Joyce Branagh's adaptation of the popular panto show, complete with dancing animals and yodelling.

When Jack and his mother, Dame Trott, can't pay their rent they are forced to sell their beloved cow Daisy.

But, when Jack comes home from the market with some magic beans instead of a bag of gold, the adventure really begins.

Follow Jack and his friends on their journey up the beanstalk and into the giant's castle, as they do battle with evil henchman Fleshcreep, discover an incredible harp, a very special hen and more glittering riches than they could ever have imagined.

What is the giant's secret? How will Jack win the heart of mayor's daughter Jill? And will the family ever be reunited with their four-legged friend?

There is a special gala performance of the panto on Saturday, December 8 with pre-show and interval entertainment including face painting, juggling and balloon modelling.

You can also read all about Alice's career as a film choreographer coaching Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in The Other Boleyn Girl and discover Joyce's vision for staging Jack and The Beanstalk in The Watford Observer and online next week.

Wycombe Swan
CINDERELLA
Friday, Dec 7 to Saturday, Jan 6
Tickets: 01494 512000 or www.wycombeswan.co.uk

GLASS slippers, magical pumpkins, ugly stepsisters and a fairy godmother - it can only be the ultimate fairytale, Cinderella, which arrives in High Wycombe next month. Presented by Qdos Pantomimes, the well-known story revolves around a beautiful girl named Cinderella, who is treated as nothing more than a housemaid by her jealous stepmother and stepsisters.

When the handsome Prince invites all the maidens in the land to a ball, her stepsisters taunt Cinderella by saying that she, a mere maid, cannot attend.

In despair, Cinderella begins to cry, but then her Fairy Godmother appears, vowing to send her to the ball.

Her rags turn into a beautiful gown and she is given a delicate pair of glass slippers.

The Fairy Godmother also transforms a pumpkin into a beautiful coach and mice into horses, to escort Cinderella to the ball.

But she must return before midnight, when all the magical spells will be broken.

When Cinderella arrives at the ball, her stepsisters fail to recognise her and the Prince can barely take his eyes off her. They dance together all night, but as the clock begins to strike twelve, she remembers the Fairy Godmother's warning.

Cinderella flees from the ballroom as her gown begins to turn into rags. She leaves behind a glass slipper on the steps and the Prince vows to find its owner.

Leading the cast in the role of Buttons is multi-talented comedian and Bucks resident Brian Conley.

As well as hosting numerous television programmes, Brian has enjoyed critical success in the West End, receiving rave reviews for such roles as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the title role in the award-winning musical, Jolson.

Joining Brian are Nigel Ellacott and Peter Robbins as the Ugly Sisters and Michelle Potter as Cinderella.