"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens adapted by Karen Louise Hebden.

Lace Market Theatre.

Much as I love pantomime, you can’t beat a good classic Dickens Christmas tale, and immediately you think of “A Christmas Carol”. Dickens also wrote four other Christmas novels aside from his most well known one. Christmas without "A Christmas Carol" though is like Christmas without mince pies, turkey, stuffing, mistletoe or Michael Buble.

This is a production for all the family, and I've always thought the story a brilliant introduction for kids to live theatre. Panto at Christmas is great fun for children, but when it comes to taking in a theatrical production and to digest a story within the theatre, this has to be a perfect introduction.

Everyone knows the story of Scrooge, the three ghostly visits, not counting the initial one from Jacob Marley, and his turnaround in attitude towards his family and townsfolk, so I don't need to elaborate on the Christmas story.

This production, you'll find is different to the others that you may have seen; I've seen a few in my time but there were still bits of this story and adaptation that were new to me. For instance, in one of the scenes with The Ghost Of Christmas Present, we see a pair of debt collectors who work for Scrooge, knocking on the door of the Thompkins, asking for the debt they owe to be paid straight away or vacate the property; on Christmas Day morning! And there are other sections that I've not either seen or remembered from prior productions, or the book - but it's been a while since I have read the book.

Another difference is that the opening of the play is told by several story-tellers, and that continues throughout, with different actors taking turns to reveal the past, present and future of the storyline.

Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Trev Clarke, who brings out a more comedic side of Ebeneezer, not that Scrooge would recognise the comedy in his actions or what he says. Trev has one of those faces that can tell a story without ever speaking, which is a real boon for an actor.

Charles Moss plays Jacob Marley as well as several other roles throughout the production. Complete with chains and a ball and chain around his feet, he also has a habit of raising his voice quite unexpectedly, which had the tendency of making some of the audience jump, just in case they, and Scrooge, were not taking what he was saying seriously. It could also be construed to have been the pain that Marley was in having to carry around the chains of his own doing, who knows?

James Whitby features as Bob Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Past plus other roles. James always manages to make me smile and these roles play to his comedic talents, giving Cratchit a lovely sense of humour despite the hardship that he, and his family, have to put up with. The aforementioned section regarding the debt collectors also features James as the more hardened collector, and that sense of humour turns out to be a more spiteful comedy scene.

Natasha McCracken is Mrs Fezziwig, Mrs Cratchit, Dora, Mrs Dilber and one of the several story tellers.

Charlotte Carter plays Belle, Mrs Fred, Mrs Thompkins, the Charwoman and another Storyteller. Absolutely loved the comedy of the Charwoman with her typical Cockney humour and accent.

Young Scrooge is played by Rory Squire, who also doubles his role as a Storyteller.

Digby Bown plays Fezziwig, a  Charity Man, the Ghost of Christmas Present, Old Joe and a Storyteller.

Quintin O'Brien plays Fred, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and a Storyteller

Evie Crofts plays a Charity Man, Dick, Thompkins, Topper,  A Business Man and another Storyteller.

The role of Martha Cratchit is shared by Alisia Carolea *(M-Tu-W-Th-F-SE) and Esther Daniel *(SM)

The roles of Young Ebenezer and the Turkey Boy are shared by Logan Cordall *(M-F-SM-SE) and Lauren Tanner *(Tu-W-Th). Tonight, Monday, I watched Logan shine in this part. I've seen Logan before in other productions and know that he is a cracking little actor, and will grow to make a cracking actor in the future. Obviously has the acting genes, which have also been passed down to his younger brother.

Tiny Tim's part is shared by Ollie Cordall *(M-W-F-SM) and Marsha Krasnova *(Tu-Th-SE). And here we get to the cutest young actor I've seen in a long while. With it being Monday night, I watched Ollie Cordall make his debut stage appearance, and what a way to steal an audience's heart. This young man remembered every line, delivered incredibly sweet versions of carols and also managed to look so indescribably cute into the bargain. At the final bows, his flat cap was so big for him that it fell off every time he bowed his head. Now, I'm not saying all this because I know his mum, because Ollie was all anyone was talking about as they left the theatre.

Master Fezziwig (1) and Fanny are played by Esther Daniel.

Miss Fezziwig (1) and Belinda Cratchit are played by Evie Jamieson.

The part of Ignorance is shared by Marsha Krasnova *(M-Tu-W-Th-SE) and Ollie Cordall *(F-SM).

Miss Fezziwig (2) and Want are played by Ivy Pickering-Nojac.

Master Fezziwig (2) and a Carol Singer is played by Lauren Tanner.

The other Carol Singer's role is shared by Logan Cordall *(M-W-F-SM-SE) and Alisia Carolea *(Tu-W-Th-F-SE).

Peter Cratchit's role is shared by Joel Walker *(M-Tu-W-Th-F-SE) and Logan Cordall *(SM).

The whole cast make this production go with a swing and is a real treat to watch because it goes back to that wonderful traditional feeling of a Dickensian Christmas.

Directed by David Dunford, assisted by Chris Hendrey. They had their hands full with such a large cast, and such a large list of characters to work with, but what a show, and as I've said before, I love the fact that, no matter how many productions of the same play you see, with every Director, you get to see a different version of the same story, and that is what keeps theatre fresh. This pair have succeeded in doing just that.

The set design is by Lowenna Quantick. As you can see from the photos the set is really good; but what they don't show is that there is a section of the back set that actually swivels around so that you can use the majority of the set for either the indoors or outdoors sections, and then there's that smaller swivel section that changes everything from an outdoor scene to an indoor scene.

Lighting Designer is Allan Green and I've seen enough of Allan's work to know that this area is going to be good, absolutely flawless, and that is what we have here, a flawless lighting design to accompany every feel or change of emotion throughout the story.

Sound Designer is Jonathan Blacknell. All the cast have excellent projection, even the smaller cast members, so the sound design here is concerned with everything apart from the cast. All the effects were cued aptly and everything flowed with the utmost of smoothness.

The music in this production is all done to the accompaniment of a solo violin, played beautifully by Roxana Walker, which also enhances the feel of the Dickensian era.

The Projection Designer is Gareth Morris and this has been very cleverly utilised in line with the set. There's a window that has been painted in such a way that if you look at it one way, you're looking out, and then in another way, you're looking in. It's like one of those magic puzzles that was all the rage years ago which drove everybody mad; anyway I digress. With the projection beamed onto that window space, it created that inside looking out at the streets, and then another showed a family inside the home, so you get two scenes for the price of one, all thanks to this clever projection design.

"A Christmas Carol" runs until Saturday 21 December, but don't blame me if you weren't quick enough to bag yourself a ticket because you were too tight to fork out for a ticket sooner! Bah, Humbug!!

Photos thanks to Grace Eden Photography.

*(M=Monday, Tu=Tuesday, W=Wednesday, Th=Thursday, F=Friday, SM=Saturday Matinee, SE=Saturday Evening).

 "Chicken Licken" A Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre Production

Derby Studio Theatre.

Chicken Licken is the fable of a little chicken that thinks the world is coming to an end, and runs about warning everyone that the sky is falling on them after a falling acorn from an oak tree hits them on the head. Chicken Licken rushes about, warning other animals that a piece of sky fell and hit them. Chicken Licken gathers Henny-Penny, Ducky-Lucky, Goosey-Loosey, Foxy Loxy and Turkey-Lurkey who all run to find Farmer Brown, to tell him that the sky is falling in. Will they get that far, or will something, or someone stand in their way?

Here is another wonderful piece of Christmas theatre made for a young audience, but is equally entertaining for any age. It has live music, songs and puppetry, and lasts less than an hour, so it can even be fitted in as an addition to a shopping trip with your youngsters.

If you saw last year's "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", this production is from the same theatre group who brought you that show, so entertainment value and quality is guaranteed.

All performances include integrated BSL, creative captions and integrated audio description, so is fully inclusive.

Phillipa Russell is Chicken Licken, Sarah Brigham plays Goosey Loosey in the performance I saw as Laura Crow was unfortunately ill. Laura Goulden is Henny Penny, Brooklyn Melvin is Ducky Lucky and Ivan Stott doubles up as Foxy Loxy and Turkey Lurkey. All excellent actors in their own right and all know how to hold the attention of a young audience.

What I enjoy seeing is that interaction that the young crowd have with the characters in this story and that is aided by the actors, in character, coming out into the audience to allow the kids to familiarise them with the characters, as well as getting to know a little about their audience. This is a great idea, and also very clever as it also breaks down any fears from sensitive youngsters before the action starts. Some children may not be quite as brave and fearless as others and seeing adult size chickens burst forth from the chicken house might just unnerve some, so straight away that barrier is crossed and the audience feel at home with human size birds and animals.

The puppet for Foxy is rather wonderful and in a lovely shade of red with a tail that could double as a feather boa, and very eye-catching for younger eyes. there are also smaller puppets that are seen in shadow form as well as a rather cute Chicken Licken puppet which reminded me a bit of a mini Orville, ( don't worry if you're not as old as I am, and can't remember who Orville was), but in an orange and brown hue as opposed to white and green.

The live music was performed by Ivan with the rest of the cast either singing and/or signing. The majority of the songs were original, as far as I could tell, apart from the very apt "There Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens", but they all were incredibly catchy and fun.

There's a large screen where the words of the songs and the story was displayed, covering all areas.

The set was, as usual, very well thought out and constructed and also really colourful, again making everything about this production attractive to young theatre goers.

Theatre for young children is incredibly important, and it's important that groups who specialise in this, like Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre are kept going and supported.

"Chicken Licken" is at the Derby Theatre Studio until Saturday 4 January 2025.

 "Peter Pan" written by Alan McHugh.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

If you've got those grey Winter blues, this is a pantomime that will help you shake it off. Is that a cue for a song? More of that later.....

We were told right at the start that we were in for a truly unique performance, and that was exactly what we got. Unfortunately Gok Wan was ill so couldn't perform tonight - all down to a dodgy prawn or shrimp, or something, and I loved the irony that as Gok was playing The Magic Merman that it was seafood that laid him low for this performance. In Gok's place was Peter Pan's Director/Choreographer, but more of that later......

J.M. Barrie's novel "Peter Pan" is a quite dark novel, very different to the pantomime version, and this version of the pantomime is different again, with Captain Hook being swallowed by the giant jaws of the Tick Tock (or is that Tik Tok) Crocodile just before the end of Act One, but more of that later......

This is pantomime and everything is bright and fun, and this cast, despite having to replace Captain Hook just weeks before opening night, really make this show possibly one of the strongest pantomimes in the East Midlands this year. And I am happy to say that on Sunday night, the audience were also one of the best audiences that I have seen this season. They were loud and enthusiastic and responded with gusto to all of the actors within this pantomime.

I was really looking forward to getting an eyeful of Gok, but this was not to be, but hopefully his dicky tummy will have vanished for this week's run, or is that runs? Anyway, stepping in at the very last minute Director and Choreographer Alan Burkitt stepped into the breach and had it thrust upon him to save the show, and what a brilliant job he did with this role. He sounded like Gok and had that naughtiness that Gok has whenever you see him on the TV, and nobody cared that he had the script on stage with him - I'd forgive anyone who masked it with a glittery clipboard as Alan did! But seriously, the old adage "the show must go on" was made for situations such as these and when you have someone who can ad lib his way through losing his place on the script and still come out of it being funny and completely unflustered, then you can do nothing but heap praise on such a star. Alan Burkitt I am sure that Nottingham, I and your fellow cast members salute you, Sir.

Richard Winsor also stepped into the breach a few weeks ago when Denise Welch stepped down from playing Captain Hook, only the second woman to play Hook in panto, the first being Jennifer Saunders, due to ill health. I am sure that we all wish Denise a speedy recovery for the New Year. I have seen Richard several times on the Theatre Royal Stage as part of Matthew Bourne's New Adventures ballet productions and also back in 2019 when he took the lead role as Tony Manero in "Saturday Night Fever". I am humble enough to mention that in that production I was not too complimentary about Richard's singing skills and that his dance moves seemed a little detached. As the wonderfully evil Hook, his singing is powerful and his moves are noteworthy and really shows former Hooks, like a certain Baywatch star, really how to play this part! Richard is also a Nottinghamshire lad, but he is not the only local in this pantomime. But more of that later......

Paul Chuckle plays Starkey and returns to Nottingham pantomimes, and have we missed him? That is of course a rhetorical question! Paul has so much experience in the entertainment business that walking on stage and being funny must be as natural as walking outside his front door. Everyone loves Paul and he reminds us why we do by including in the act his "to me, to you" catchphrase and his welcome of "Hellooooo". These also keep us reminded of his late brother Barry, along with Paul, two of the funniest comedians ever to grace any stage. His comedy is timeless and keeps bringing us more twists on classic comedy sketches, including the scene with the "idle" shopping trolley, cleverly parodying a certain low price superstar. 

I loved the section where, instead of there being four children brought up on stage to tell us what the best part of the panto was, only to be told either "all of it" or "I don't know", this time three men and a woman were brought up on stage and followed certain instructions from his reading of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". This made sure that the kids managed to enjoy this section by having a laugh at the expense of adults, and also made for a refreshing break from the panto norm. The goody bags for the four chosen ones though were a lot more interesting that those for kids!

Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett played Smee, accompanied by his sidekick Arthur Lager; well Steve had a hand in his appearance in any case. Steve's comedy is saucy but very funny, but he knows that he can get away with anything because he can blame it all on Arthur and some of his antics. I have always found making someone else look slightly silly on stage thanks to a ventriloquist mask, you know the sort that fits over the victim, sorry volunteer's  lower half of the face enabling the ventriloquist to operate the jaw section, very comical, and Steve in this area did not disappoint. Steve is the sort of bloke you want to take to the pub to buy a few pints for because you know that he is going to be excellent company. It's that blokey feel that he brings to this pantomime and deserves to be called one of the best comedians treading the boards today. I don't know if they do say that, but they should in my opinion.

Tinkerbell is played by Kate Stewart. It's no secret when I say that this beautiful lady also has a beautiful voice. She brings out that playful, nay mischievous and quite jealous side of this magical sprite wonderfully and shines as bright as her fairy trail throughout.

Molly Farmer plays Wendy Darling, and in this production of "Peter Pan", the darling Family are not as prominent to the storyline, and we do not meet them until the three siblings have actually met Peter when he flies in through their window.

Matthew Allen plays John Darling. Matthew is one of those actors who is lucky enough to be able to actually get away with playing a young teenage boy like John Darling so convincingly, yet also to have the kudos of acting in some classic plays like "The Government Inspector", "Much Ado About Nothing", "Hedda Gabler", "A Doll's House" and "Table For Six", as well as having the experience previously of playing other characters in other versions of "Peter Pan".  Matthew has one of those faces that you can't help looking at, he is wonderfully animated and his physical theatre skills and dance expertise in this panto are a joy to watch.

There are three young actors sharing the role of the youngest Darling, Michael Darling, but on Press Night (Sunday) we saw Harley Butler, who is a trainee of Nottingham's Attic School, as are the other two job share actors Zen Hall and Darragh (please take your storm away Darragh) Sweeney. I am sure that Zen and Darragh are just as excellent in this part as Harley, who looks so at home on the stage. He sings, he dances, he challenges Hook and has the best smile. This is not the first time though that I have seen Harley on stage as he was in "Kipps: The New Half A Sixpence Musical" and "Kinky Boots The Musical", both at the Theatre Royal. This is Harley's debut pantomime, and what a little star he is turning out to be.

And last, but by no stretch of the imagination least, Peter Pan, who is played by Nottingham's very own Aiden Carson. I have known Aiden for a good few years now and have reviewed him on a local level and he is also one of the nicest people who is also still grounded. He has a great voice for musicals and his energy levels are as high as his high flying skills. Aiden deserves every bit of praise for his swash buckling and fun interpretation of the boy who never grew up. This pantomime feels really local with the Nottingham trio of Aiden, Harley and Richard, and from the audience reaction, Nottingham loves their home grown stars as well.

The energetic ensemble are Harrison Creech, Oliver Ferro, Jack Frame, Paris Kelly, Xavier Pellin, Jodie Ross, Karys Rozario and Poppy Smallman.

Directed and choreographed by Alan Burkitt. This panto is fast and fun with some fantastic choreography which fitted the adult ensemble as well as the younger cast members, but what else would you expect from a choreographer you choreograph for some of the big Strictly stars. Alan is assisted by David Winters in the choreography.

Great lighting design by Chris Winn and a sound design to match by Justin Teasdale.

The costumes, as only to be expected are wonderful, especially the one for Gok and the adult ensemble throughout. 

Musical Director is Charles Ingles.

This high flying pantomime is another smash hit filled with some wonderful catchy musical numbers, great dance routines, some brilliant comedy sketches and jokes and enough energy to light up the National Grid, but for me it seemed at times to be just a bit mix and match. You can see this slice of seasonal fun at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday 12 January 2025.