Posts Tagged ‘family’
All The Fun Of The Fairytale!
Sleeping Beauty - Kevin Sacre as Prince Valient, Hayley Tamaddon as Hope, Richard Gauntlett as Nurse Peggy Pickle and David Gant as Leonardo.
Going to my first Panto at the Norwich Theatre Royal in the late 70s to see Cinderella is one of my earliest and most enduring memories. Not least because I was one of those kids that went up on stage. I was the smallest one up there and got to meet Benny from Crossroads who was playing Buttons. I will never forget the experience (or the giant tin for Quality Street I got to take away – these things stick in a child’s mind, y’know). I couldn’t tell you what actual present I received from my Parents for Christmas that same year, but I called my first Guinea Pig ‘Buttons’ a couple of years later. That’s the Power of Panto folks.
So, it seemed very poignant to, some 30 years later, be taking my own son (3 1/2) to his first Christmas Pantomime at the very same Theatre.
This years production is Sleeping Beauty. You all know the tale – hacked off wicked fairy/witch type puts curse on beautiful young Princess, who then pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a Century of slumber (sounds pretty good to me, that part), only to be awakened by True Loves Kiss. Bet you didn’t know though, that it also involves the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s Time Warp, an Abba Medley, enough lasers to make Coldplay feel inadequate and a love song by Adele?
Sleeping Beauty - The time machine.
That’s the genius of Panto, you see. Despite the fact that the tradition has its roots in the Middle Ages (and possibly earlier), with certain conventions honoured religiously (the Pantomime Dame has to be a man in drag, for example), the Christmas Panto is fluid enough to incorporate current affairs, pop songs and, of course, celebs that we know from the TV. These elements combined make the Panto a huge draw for everyone, from toddler to OAP (in last nights audience was a lady celebrating her 100th birthday).
Last nights performance was, in short, brilliant fun. And hilarious. The gags – some rehearsed, some I suspect improvised (which I personally find funnier) were cheeky and quick, drawing on references to everything from the current situation in the EU to fashion appreciation in Great Yarmouth.
Audience participation (another must for a bona-fide Panto, obviously) was high and only increased as the show went on. We were sitting beside the Norwich Youth for Christ Gospel Choir, who got up and joined in with the Time Warp at one stage. Love it. By the second part, even Little Man was shouting ‘Booooo’ and ‘They’re behind yooooooou’ with the best of them. A sign for me that he was thoroughly enjoying it, despite my initial concerns about it being a later performance time than his usual bedtime.
The entire cast were superb, from the leads to the children playing the wolves (very cute). The sets were excellent, ambitious and realistic with slick and frequent scene changes. If I had to choose a favourite scene (difficult) I think the Haunted Bedroom/Haunted Corridor elements had me chuckling most – particularly the Scoody-Doo-meets-Benny-Hill style chase on space hoppers. Little Man was roaring with laughter during these scenes as well.
Muddles and Nurse Pickle in the 'Haunted Bedroom'.
Helen Fraser as Bracken and the wolves.
For our little boy, I hope the experience was enjoyable and as memorable as my first Panto trip. I asked him afterwards whether he liked it and he gave me a resounding ‘Yes’, before adding that his favourite parts were “the wolves, the dog, the funny man (I’m assuming he meant Muddles Pickle, played by Andre Vincent) and the wicked fairy”. He was not too keen however on the “bit where the wicked fairy came out of the floor”, which he said was “scary”. Well, she is wicked… it is to be expected.
Apparently, people are spending money on experiences for Christmas this year rather than hard goods as presents. As a fabulous, festive experience for the entire family, you won’t go wrong with a trip to Sleeping Beauty at the Theatre Royal Norwich. With tickets ranging from £5 to £19, it might just be an outing that leaves a memory that lasts a lifetime. Excellent value, I’d say. And even if it doesn’t, its a bloomin’ good laugh for all ages that you can share with your friends and loved ones around Christmas time, and that too is always priceless.
Scene from Sleeping Beauty - David Gant as Leonardo, Tom Beard as Rumbole, Andre Vincent as Muddles and Richard Gauntlett as Nurse Peggy Pickle.
Sleeping Beauty (sponsored by Almary Green) runs from December 14 2011 – January 15 2012.
Tickets £5-£19. Discounts for Over-60s, Under-18s and Groups.
Signed performances on Saturday January 14 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Audio described performance on Saturday January 14 at 2.30pm.
BOX OFFICE 01603 630000.
For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk.
Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 1RL.
We parked at the Forum, which has a flat rate of £1.70 after 5.30pm.
This year, the Christmas Seaside Special at Cromer Pier’s Pavilion Theatre is going all out to encourage families along to its fun and festive shenanigans by offering a ‘Kids Go Free‘ deal from 17th December.
We (myself, my Partner and 3 1/2 year old Little Man) went along to a 2pm performance to road-test just how much family-friendly fun we were talking about at this unique theatre perched just metres above the North Sea…
We weren’t disappointed.
Personally, this was my first experience of one of Cromer Pier’s ‘Seaside Specials’, although they are famed far and wide, with people travelling from way beyond Norfolk’s county borders to enjoy them (yes, that far). As the lights went down and the music started, I couldn’t help but smile at Little Man’s awe-struck face. It was definitely the first time he’s been to this sort of thing as well, though he is rapidly becoming a seasoned theatre goer for kids plays and the like.
For the next 2-and-a-half-odd hours (with interval), we were treated to a smorgasbord of entertainment that included dance numbers, singing, comedy, magic and storytelling.
The dancing would appeal to any fan of ‘Strictly..’, and was very accomplished. I was delighted to see a ballet sequence of the Sugar Plum Fairy dance from The Nutcracker, with wonderful pointe work. Each number was well choreographed, well loved and nostalgically festive.
The singing, led by Lulu Alexandra and Dale Page, was equally fabulous, with classic Christmas numbers right through to Glee-esque songs (including Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’). All feel-good, mostly contemporary and Christmassy. Slades ‘So Here It Is Merry Christmas’, and the rest of this upbeat Christmas medley, had me grooving inside if not in the actual aisle. I couldn’t help but grin with delight.
The entire production was steered by the lovable local entertainer Olly Day. With his cheeky stance, Norfolk accent and local knowledge, he hits just the right note with the audience, eliciting laughs without ever really stepping over PG-rated content.
His physical-comedy-packed ’12 Days of Christmas’ with fellow comedian Dave Mac was utterly hilarious. If it was scripted/choreographed to pan out as it did then these two are comedy geniuses (genii?). It certainly seemed very ad-hoc and improvisational. Marvelously funny.
Throughout the show there are pieces that allow children to really engage – the child performers sorting out their letters to Santa, and Olly Day and the same children singing ‘When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney’ for example. Despite this being the longest theatre performance Little Man has ever been to, he remained pretty much captivated through all but the comedian segments, which, as you’d perhaps expect, lost him a bit. The songs, music and physical comedy had him beaming and laughing with the rest of us however.
All in all, it was a breath of fresh air (not unlike the salty surroundings when you stepped back onto the Pier!). Anyone who thinks family-friendly variety is old fashioned or ‘not for them’ should really think again. Or at least see this show before passing absolute judgment. A really feel-good production that’d get even the Scroogiest among us into the Christmas Spirit, its money well spent in my opinion. And with shows like Strictly, Glee, Britain’s Got Talent and the X factor marking a resurgence in the popularity of ‘family entertainment’, a live, well-crafted modern take on the time-honoured variety show like this holds its place nicely beside more 21st Century activities such as 3D HD movies and the Wii.
Performances run every day except Mondays and Christmas Day with the closing night being New Years Eve, after which the theatre bar will remain open to see the New Year in. All children go FREE (2 children limit per 1 paying adult) from the 17th December 2011. While Little Man did enjoy the show, based on the duration, I would say that the show is most suited to the over 5s.
The evening shows start at 7pm, so you can get away around 9.30pm or stay on for a drink or coffee and cake (or warm mince pies!) in the bar, which stays open after the show. Christmas Meals and the Winter Menu (Bangers’n'Mash etc) are available in the Tides Restaurant on the Pier and there are ‘link meals’ to the show for those who wish to enjoy both experiences.
Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre,
Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE
Office: 01263 512281
Box Office: 01263 512495
I think I may have said previously that Blickling Hall near Aylsham in Norfolk is one of my favourite stately homes/estates. Not only is it stunningly beautiful inside and out but it has that connection to the ill-fated Anne Boleyn, whose relationship with Henry VIII has been romantisiced as one of all-consuming love and, ultimately, tragedy. I personally, find the whole era captivating, so a visit here is right up my street, historically speaking. Of course, the rich history of the hall does not start and end there. Much later, during the Second World War, for example, Blickling Hall was requisitioned and used as an Officers Mess for nearby RAF Oulton. The small on-site RAF museum, full of photographs and artifacts from those days is equally as fascinating as the magnificent portraits, tapestries and architecture.
One nice thing about Blickling Hall is that, unlike some similar ‘visitor attractions’, it is not precious or stuffy and, in the main, seems to encourage visits from families with children. You can walk round freely at your own pace and while, obviously, a lot on display is off limits to sticky mitts, there is a good deal about that is accessible and sometimes even interactive to the younger audience.
Christmas at Blickling is one such event – a combination of delightful festive touches across the hall and gardens, which offers something for all ages. We went along on Sunday to experience A Blickling Christmas for ourselves.
Christmas at Blickling Hall Banner.
Lights have been strung outside from various hedges and trees. While we did not actually see the full effect of them being on (it being daylight and all), I would imagine that the whole place looks absolutely wonderful after dark.
Christmas lights decorate the approach to Blickling Hall.
Inside we were greeted by a huge Christmas tree (not literally – you know what I mean), while and bows and enticingly wrapped parcels are almost everywhere. Throughout the Hall are lovely floral displays by local flower arranging groups and Christmas trees decorated to different styles and themes (my favourites were the silvery ones with the bright feathers – very contemporary and kitsch). In most of the rooms, displays reflecting and aspect of Tudor life or Tudor Christmas were set up, complete with very friendly volunteers dressed in period costume.
Huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall of Blickling Hall.
Floral displays throughout a festive Blickling Hall.
In one room was dancing, music and singing (its what people did before Christmas telly), while in another was an authentic medieval feast made up of real food. I chatted at length to one lady in very fine Tudor garb, who told me all about the sweet stuffs one might have enjoyed in such times. To be honest, most of it sounded quite tasty even by today’s standards, with Rosewater and Milk Jellies, Sugar Paste Tudor Roses and, of course, variations on Gingerbread.
Tudor music and dancing.
Authentic festive fare at Blickling Hall.
Decorated table in the Long Gallery at Blickling Hall.
My favourite exhibit was the ‘Physik’ table, flanked by a ‘Tudor Physician’ and his apprentice with ‘alchemist-leanings’. I found it fascinating to hear about the sort of remedies and methods of assessment that one might have endured… sorry, experienced, in Tudor times. Give me Resolve for festive excess rather than the ‘leeching’ device they showed me any day…
ER, Tudor-style...
In the famous ‘long gallery’, a library room that houses the most important book collection in the National Trust, artistic displays of popular Christmas carols, songs and stories, from ‘The Snowman’ to the ‘Holly and the Ivy’ lead down towards where young singers from Aylsham High were singing songs from Annie (the musical they’re performing in March 2012 – tickets on sale now). It was such a brilliant contrast to hear ‘It’s a hard knock life’ being belted out among books and furnishings dating back hundreds of years. Who said stately homes were stuffy?!
Below stairs, two cooks were busy in the kitchen making all sorts of wonderful gingerbread shapes (with edible glitter – its authentic. honest. ahem…) for children that passed through. Little Man managed to bag an angel, with which he was delighted. I was gutted that Mummies didn’t qualify as well. Sigh.
Two cooks a-baking...
A sparkly gingerbread angel for Little Man.
Beyond the house were real ‘Norfolk’ Reindeer, and their large Elf handlers, supplied by Melsop Farm Park, and a craft marquee, which had some really novel stalls inside. Perfect for last minute, but good quality, Christmas gifts for everyone from babies to the dog.
While the restaurant did smell pretty good, and was a perfect foil to the chilly December day, we bypassed it this time and opted for some hot chestnuts before heading off. Certainly though, if you wanted to make a really full day of Blickling Hall, a scone or some warming seasonal fodder would fit very nicely.
A wonderfully different take on Christmas activities, Blickling Hall have really made the effort to offer something different to mark this time of year. After going on Sunday, I’d say that if you haven’t been before, this time is probably one of the best times to visit. The exhibits and well-informed volunteers make the whole experience much more ‘real’, and there is plenty to captivate children beyond the regular displays.
A Blickling Christmas continues this coming weekend (17th & 18th December, 11am-5pm; Adults £9, Children £4.50, National Trust members Free).
Christmas wishes tied to a tree.
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