Sarah Boden gives us an update from Imagine Theatre as panto fever grips the nation!

First of all, I’d like to give a big shout out to team Imagine and all who have been involved in getting our 2023 Christmas and panto season open! 22 shows are now open and up and running. It takes an enormous army of people working on stage, off stage, back of house, front of house and in the offices to make the magic happen, most of whom give up their own Christmas each year for the benefit and wonderment of the hundreds of thousands of families who experience the magic of pantomime each year. Thank you!

Some shows have been running for almost 4 weeks already (Coventry and Kilmarnock) whilst others opened more recently (Leicester, Halifax, Santa in Guildford and Hastings).

We’ve got 1,014 glitter filled performances in total this year. The busiest weekend will be this one coming, 23^rd and 24^th December, when there will be 104 individual performances over those 2 days alone!

Whilst most shows either close at New Year or on the 7^th January, the curtain will finally fall on the season on 14^th January when Glasgow closes, but that doesn’t mean it’s time for team Imagine to stop.

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More about what happens after Christmas in the January Ensemble! Have a wonderful Christmas everyone with love from all the team at Imagine Theatre, and if you’re not seeing a panto this Christmas, why not? You might just have the most wonderful time if you do go, and remember that in our world, panto is for life not just for Christmas!

Wycombe Swan Panto Press Night

A successful opening weekend was topped off with a jam packed press night at Wycombe Swan on Sunday 10^th December. Press, guests and even celebs came in droves to enjoy a night of family fun, with last year’s star Vernon Kay among them.

After a fabulous show (Oh yes it was!), our in venue chefs put on a magical spread for (Be) Our Guests and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The reviews are rolling in praising the four main characters – Joe McFadden, Suzanne Shaw, La Voix and Jon Clegg and of course the all digital set:

“The story telling during the panto was great. Suzanne played the magical enchantress and Betsy loved her sparkly dress the most! The costumes were fab and super impressive.” –Red Kite Days

“Absolutely amazing, Wycombe Swan Theatre did not disappoint with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – a cacophony of stunning dances, songs and colour that had everyone dancing by the end.” –Families Chiltern

“An outstanding set really adds to the magic. A truly enchanting trip to the theatre.” –Theatre Luvvie

“A brilliant mix of gags, music and pure panto fun. Simply stunning!” –The.Family.B

We would like to say a huge thank you for the teams who joined us from Trafalgar and Imagine – we hope you had as much fun as we did!