COUNTDOWN TO PANTO SEASON CONTINUES
Here’s the latest round-up of Trafalgar panto launches.
EASTBOURNE
Sharon Thompson (Press and Publicity Co-Ordinator – Eastbourne Theatres) – Eastbourne residents may have rubbed their eyes in disbelief recently as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and crew ventured out and about in Eastbourne when the cast of The New Adventures of Peter Pan gathered for the launch of this year’s Devonshire Park Theatre pantomime, under the watchful eye of award-winning Director Chris Jordan.
Soaring to Neverland in this brand-new high-flying pantomime adventure are Angus Benstead as Peter Pan, Ella Bracci as Wendy, Gabriella Gilliat as beloved fairy and Peter’s side kick Tink and Jessica Aubrey as Mermaid. Lewes Roberts (Robin Hood and Beauty and the Beast for Eastbourne Theatres) returns to the Devonshire Park Theatre stage as the loathsome Captain Hook and Eastbourne annual favourites Martyn Knight and Tucker are ready to join his motley crew as Mrs Smee and her son, Smee, Hook’s loyal but useless first mate.
Having checked his crew were ship shape after photos and filming on the Devonshire Park stage, Captain Hook led the whole team to none other than Eastbourne’s own Treasure Island to test their sea legs aboard a ship, challenge Peter Pan’s sword combat skills at height and see how well the Smee family could protect him around crocodiles!
GLASGOW
Scott Fillan (VME Glasgow Pavilion) – What a day! We had the absolute pleasure of being invited down to Wagamama last week for a content shoot to celebrate the exciting new partnership between The Pavilion Panto (Jock and the Beanstalk) and Wagamama! It was a day filled with laughter, photos, social media content, noodles, and very full bellies. The amazing team at Wagamama were so kind and accommodating, even cooking us the entire menu to try. Of course, I felt duty-bound to sample every single dish for the good of the company… It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it!
We are offering 20% off for all our customers who show their Panto tickets when dining before or after the show. Here’s to what we hope will be the start of a long and tasty partnership with Wagamama.
P.S. — Highly recommend the Tonkatsu Pork Bao Buns!
FAREHAM
Sarah Lock (VME Fareham Live) – The sun came out to play in Fareham as our fabulous Beauty and the Beast cast gathered at the stunning Titchfield Abbey ruins for our panto press launch. It was the perfect backdrop for a bit of mischief and magic!
Sue Holderness gave us a sneak peek at her wicked side as Marlene the Malevolent, keeping a watchful (and evil!) eye on Tyger Drew-Honey, who’s set to charm the audience as the dashing Gaston. Making his Dame debut, Josiah Eloi will be bringing plenty of laughs and sparkle as Dame Potty, while crowd favourite Paul Burling returns to the stage as French Frank, ready to wow us again with his hilarious impressions and comedy antics.
With nearly 10,000 tickets already snapped up, excitement is building fast! We can’t wait to bring this magical, laugh-out-loud tale to life at Fareham Live this Christmas.
SWINDON
Kate Seager (VME Wyvern Theatre) – Lydiard Park and the historic Lydiard House were transformed into a fairytale scene, as the Wyvern Theatre had the pleasure of welcoming their enchanting 2025 Panto cast to Swindon for the official launch of Sleeping Beauty.
Cast members gathered at the iconic Swindon location for an enchanting photocall that wouldn’t dare put anyone into a slumber. Set against a backdrop of vibrant Autumn colours and bursts of late season blooms, the cast, including this year’s star Jenny Ryan, Swindon Panto legend David Ashley, Abbie Budden and Thom Tuck, embraced the playful atmosphere of the day as they donned their colourful costumes, much to the delight of local families and dog walkers taking a stroll.
While Jenny Ryan waved her magic wand, ready to cast a spell over the enchanting spinning wheel. Princess Beauty, the King and Pantomime Dame had a wonderful time exploring everything that Lydiard Park and House had to offer. They enjoyed a scenic walk through the woodland and took in over 500 years’ worth of local history at Lydiard House.
WYCOMBE
Lauren Renyard (VME Wycombe Swan) – Panto press afternoon was a great success in Wycombe earlier this month for Jack and the Beanstalk. The Imagine Theatre team and Mark Read (Jack) joined us for local press interviews across radio, newsletters, and online outlets.
Chris Dennis and Aljaž Škorjanec were busy rehearsing in the Old Town Hall for Strictly Come Dancing, so La Voix was able to make a guest appearance, even crashing a couple of the national press calls!
