Nothing says Christmas quite like a pantomime. Love it or hate it, if you grew up in the UK, you have probably sat through at least one, booing villains, ducking to avoid a faceful of water and screaming ‘it’s behind you!’
Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner are definitely panto lovers, so much so that they have decided to stage not one but seven (or possibly twelve, if Dan gets his way) in the space of just 80 minutes. Their Potted Panto, currently running at Wilton’s Music Hall, takes its audiences through six beloved pantomimes and, somewhat incongruously, A Christmas Carol.
Clarkson and Turner play most of the roles, making use of a bewildering quantity of hats, wigs and accents as they transform themselves into Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming (a fan favourite even when making an entire row get up to let him pass), and the golden….moose (best not to ask). They are occasionally joined onstage by assistant stage managers Sammy Johnson and Marie-Claire Wood, playing supporting roles including Mr Nut the chestnut seller, Santa and a fairy.
But by and large this is Clarkson and Turner’s show, part of their successful Potted franchise (which also includes Potted Potter, Potted Pirates and Potted Sherlock). The duo riff off one another brilliantly as they lead audiences through not only the plots of the pantomimes they are performing, but also a whole host of panto traditions. This would make the show a great starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the wacky world of British pantomime, particularly the obsessive need for audience participation.
Potted Panto certainly does not skimp on this classic pantomime element, and theatregoers should probably avoid the front half of the stalls if they want to avoid being picked on, drenched and potentially trampled. But it is all in good fun, and the children in the audience on press night particularly enjoyed being called on to choose a punishment for one of the villains (the child in the front row who suggested he be thrown out of one of the Shard’s windows should probably be closely monitored in future).
A treat for any panto lover, and a great fun way to pack all the classic pantomime plots into one evening, Potted Panto is a perfect night out this festive season. So warm up your screaming voices and get ready to boo the performers of Potted Panto, because they’re doing a great job.
Potted Panto runs at Wilton’s Music Hall until 4th January.
★★★★★ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Geraint Lewis
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