Summary

Rating: ★★★★

Running Dates: Saturday 2nd December - Sunday 31st December 

Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome 

Duration: 2 hrs (including interval)

Keywords: Joyous, festive, whimsical!

Review

It is that time of year again - PANTO season! It has come around very quickly but I’m over the moon to be back at the Bristol Hippodrome for their 2023 Pantomime. 

You can be sure that a Hippodrome Pantomime will feature some big names and this year is no different. David Suchet ditches Hercule for Hook, Faye Tozer brings major mermaid energy and, fan-favourite, Andy Ford returns for his 11th Panto in Bristol!

Starting with this incredible cast, Andy Ford is just a delight to watch on stage. His demeanour, comedic timing and candour brings a breath of fresh air to the audience. Even if you are not an avid Panto fan, hearing Andy Ford shout “ALRIGHT BRIZZLE” is all the motivation you need to go and watch…

As for our other famous faces, Faye Tozer does it all - glitz, glam, vocals and choreo! Having seen Tozer in the (much more serious) production of 42nd Street, it was great to see her give as much energy and effort to a comedic and care-free performance here! David Suchet is an entertaining villain and he’s quite the match for the infamous Captain Hook stare.

Credit is, of course, due to Ceri Dupree who brings the classic Panto Dame to life. The costume budget must have been spent on Ceri alone. On tonight’s runway, category is fishbowl chic, big bird glam and outfits with a ‘cheeky’ twist.

When Act One opens, we’re thrown straight into the bedroom of the Darling children where Peter Pan and Tinkerbell bring their dreams to life. We even have an appearance from Nanna the dog! The main ‘Peter Pan’ story takes place across the first Act and we lead into the interval thinking Hook has been defeated…

Act Two begins with our friendly faces celebrating their big win but their glory does not last for long. Hook is back…or is he? No spoilers here but who would have thought that there would be such a twist in a Christmas Panto?! All I will say is David Suchet really does give such variety.

The set design, throughout the performance, is magical! The stage feels immersive, as if you are taking your own trip to Neverland. There are flames, fireworks, bangs, smoke, the lot! The Hippodrome added little touches which made the evening extra special and festive - this included a shower of fake snow as we entered the theatre and a talented stilt-walker performance before the Panto began!

Overall, the show was a real delight. Notwithstanding the fact that the Peter Pan story is not the main feature of the show, tribute is paid to the old-school Pan book and film. Real tears were brewing when Pan exclaimed “to die would be an awfully big adventure”.

If you want to be belly-laughing for 120 minutes and dancing to Tragedy with a full auditorium, go and watch this show. Ultimately, I can’t say it better than Andy Ford said it himself: Pantomimes are where adults turn back into children.

The show is running until the 31st of December so there is still plenty of time to grab your ticket!

Standout Quote or Moment: Ship-wreck rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas (I can’t help it, I love a 4-person patter song!)

See If: you can catch all the references to Steps’ top hits

Similar Plays: Dick Whittington, Mother Goose, Jack & The Beanstalk

Last Impression: Fun for all of the family, shared love for our City and community, with a lasting Christmassy feel!

Written by Chelsea Bartlett