IT’S quite something to be at the helm of Yorkshire’s biggest pantomime. Every year audiences flock to the Alhambra panto for the vibrant mix of high end technical wizardry and slapstick fun that sets it apart from the rest.
Ed Curtis has directed the Alhambra panto since 2011. “Bradford audiences tell you what they like and what they don’t like,” he smiles. “We’re pushing the boat out this year - there’s so much magic in Cinderella. Without giving anything away, it’s big.”
Produced by Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest panto producer, Cinderella stars Bradford favourite Billy Pearce as Buttons, Great British Bake Off winner and Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite as Dandini and Emmerdale star Samantha Giles as the Wicked Stepmother.
They’re joined by Dale Mathurin as Prince Charming, Huddersfield’s Sarah Pearson s Cinderella, Phil Hitchcock as Magician Baron Hardup and Larissa Alexandrovnia and Wendy Somerville as the Wicked Stepsisters.
This year sees the return of the Sunbeams, continuing an Alhambra tradition started at the theatre by Francis Laidler in 1930. Today’s Sunbeams are from the Sara Packham Theatre School in Keighley.
While the Alhambra panto has evolved for modern audiences, delivering spectacular special effects, it retains the traditional elements we still love. “With streaming, it’s so easy for kids to key into whatever they want, but there’s something about the live experience of panto that fascinates them,” says Ed. “There’s still nothing else like it - they’re in the moment, responding to the anarchy.”
A subtle change in recent years is that female characters have more attitude. “Fairy tales speak to the times we’re in; the idea of a girl moping around waiting for Prince Charming to come along doesn’t cut it with kids like my eight-year-old daughter, who loves Moana,” says Ed. “Representation has to be relevant for today’s young audiences. Our take on Cinderella this year is very different.”
Ed has a soft spot for Cinderella - “it’s the queen of panto,” he says. “Over the years we’ve had wonderful Fairy Godmothers, like Linda Bellingham and Coleen Nolan. And of course we’re so lucky with Billy. He knows audiences love the physical comedy of panto - it’s what children always remember - and he takes that aspect so seriously.”
Panto is often children’s first experience of theatre. What’s Ed’s earliest panto memory? “St George’s Theatre, Luton. I remember being on the edge of my seat screaming at the ‘it’s behind you’ ghost. I even remember the shorts I was wearing. I always draw on that memory when I think of what kids take from panto.”
Ed wrote the Olivier Award nominated musical The Drifters Girl and Dance ‘Til Dawn, also Olivier nominated, and has directed many theatre productions in London and around the UK. Panto is an integral part of the Alhambra heritage, something that is never far from Ed’s mind when he’s here: “Generations of children have come here and they all believe in everything they see on stage. It’s not just the bells and whistles, it’s the joy of live theatre and the energy on stage. We’re keeping that flame burning.”
Cinderella runs at the Alhambra from tonight until January 21. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk
* OVER at Bradford Playhouse, Peter Pan is flying in tonight for a swashbuckling extravaganza. Set sail with the fearless Peter Pan and his pals Tinkerbell, Wendy, hilarious Mr Smee and fabulous Mrs Smee as they face off against Captain Hook and the Pirates of Neverland. Will Hook and his motley crew capture Peter Pan or will our heroes outwit them before the croc’s ticking clock runs out?
The show stars former EastEnders actor Ricky Groves as Captain Hook and The Voice singer Daisy Gill as Peter Pan. Says Playhouse director Megan Wilson: “We’re thrilled to bring this panto to our beautiful theatre this Christmas. It’s joyous family, fun, and fantasy.We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to join us on this magical journey filled with laughter and music.”
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is at Bradford Playhouse until December 30. Call (01274) 800415 or visit bradfordplayhouse.org.uk
* AT the Victoria Theatre in Halifax, Cinderella runs from December 16 to January 6. Halifax’s favourite Dame, Adam Stafford, returns, alongside Nathan Morris as Buttons, Kieran Morris as Prince Charming, Emma Kirk as Cinders and Tasha Shanade and Siobhan Diffin as the Wicked Stepsisters, Whitney and Britney. They’re joined by illusionists The Conjurors, Mathew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb, as the Fairy Godparents, prior to starting their Las Vegas residency in 2024.
Pop on your glad-rags and join Cinders and co at the ball. Visit victoriatheatre.co.uk.
* STAYING in Halifax, the Viaduct Theatre panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, is written by Yorkshire-based Scott Worsfold, who also returns as the popular Dame.
The show is produced by Panto Ever After, the creative team behind pantos at The Viaduct since 2019.
Performed on the distinctive stage right in the middle of the audience, the family show is set to be the theatre’s biggest adventure yet.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs from December 19-30. Call (01422) 849227 or visit theviaducttheatre.co.uk
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