Est: 2016
CINDERELLA
Tommy Trinder as Buttons
Zoe Gail as Dandini
Horace Percival as Baron Hardup
Roma Beaumont as Cinderella
Syd Railton as Justice of the Peace
Franklin Best as Baroness
George & Bert Bernard as Buttercup & Dandelion
Evelyn Lane as Prince Charming
Jane Hilary as Fairy Godmother
Casavecchi Troupe as Brokers' Men
With Patricia Sinnot, Gill Maison & Company, Willie West and McGinty, Kirby's Flying Ballet, 16 Cone-Ripman Babes
PUSS IN BOOTS
Tommy Trinder as Miffins
Zoe Gail as Puss in Boots
George Thomas as Gilbert
Rex Lindsay as Gussie
Alan Bailey as The Wicked Lawyer
Betty Frankiss as Colin
Tony Snape as the Donkey
George & Bert Bernard as Dandelion & Buttercup the Maids
George Morrison as The Lion
George Lane as The Gorilla
Humphrey Kent as The Ogre
Lois Green as Princess Sonia
Fred Kitchen Jnr as The Queen
Tom Payne as King Cranky
Heather Furnell as Fairy
With Al Gordon's Dogs, Boliana Ivanko Four, George Prentice, The Pauline Grant Corps De Ballet, The Cone-Ripman Children, The Argyll Male Sextet
BABES IN THE WOOD
Sonnie Hale
Jimmy Jewel
Adele Dixon
Ben Warris
Roy Royston
Seven Ashtons
Mary & Erik
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Noele Gordon as Captain Florizel
Norman Evans as Martha
Terry Thomas as King
Betty Jumel as Himpty Dumpty
Peggy Mlunt as The Witch
Gillian Lynne as Fairy
Herbert Hare as The Chamberlain
Jean Bayless as Princess Miranda
Bunny Westney as Inn Keeper
William Clothier as Neptune
David Dale as King of Kragnia
with John & Rene Arnaut, Bob Hammond, The George Mitchel Glee Club, Aida Foster Babes, Kirby's Flying Ballet, Pauline Grant Ballet and the Skyrockets Orchestra
DICK WHITTINGTON
Frankie Howerd
Warren Mitchell
Sonnie Hale
Vanessa Lee
Richard Hearne
William Barrett
Lynne Golding
Lee Young
Bunny Westney
Pamela Hill
Alain Bailey
Paticia Lowe
Jack Leonard
Norma Volante
David Dale
Lois Green
Robbie Vernon
CINDERELLA
Julie Andrews
Max Bygraves
Jon Pertwee
Joan Mann
Adele Dixon
Cyril Wells
Richard Hearne
MOTHER GOOSE
Max Bygraves
Margaret Burton
Richard Hearne
Carole Greer
Alan Townsend
Aileen Cochrane
David Dale
Richard Hearne
Shirley Eaton
Peter Sellers
ALADDIN
Norman Wisdom
Sonnie Hale
Valentine Dyall
Fisher Morgan
Stephanie Voss
Gemma Boys
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Arthur Askey as Martha
David Whitfield as Robinson Crusoe
Tommy Cooper as Abu
Joseph Layode as Man Friday
Osborn Whiaker as Bosun
Francis De Wolff as Blackbeard
Eddie Leslie as Will Atkins
Patricia Stark as Polly Perkins
David Davenport as INca Priest
Pauline Johnson as Yuma
Ben Lowe as Harbour Master
Barbara Joss as Aquamarine
SLEEPING BEAUTY
Charlie Drake
Bernard Bresslaw
Bruce Forsyth
Edmund Hockridge
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Harry Secombe as Humpty Dumpty
Gary Miller as Tommy Tucker
Roy Castle as Simple Simon
Max Russell as Foreman
David Davenport as Grimm
Michael Kilgarriff as Blunderbore the Ogre
Jack & Manny Francois as Johnny Stout & Johnny Thin
Sammy Curtis as The Goose
Hazel Coppen as Mother Goose
Dave Jackley as The Knave of Hearts
Paddie O'Neil as The Queen of Hearts
Alfred Marks as The King of Hearts
TURN AGAIN WHITTINGTON
Norman Wisdom
LITTLE OLD KING COLE
Charlie Drake as King Cole
Herbert Hare as Chamberlain
Dennis Gilmore as A Young Visitor
Roget Delgado as Duke Rollo
Janette Scott as Miranda
Gary Miller as Valentine
Billy Danvers as Theophilus
Bert Brownbill as Samantha
PUSS IN BOOTS
Freddie Vaughan
Jimmy Edwards
Joan Regan
Dick Emery
Mike Winters
Bernie Winters
ALADDIN
Cliff Richard
Hank Marvin
Arthur Askey
Una Stubbs
Charlie Cairol
Alan Curtis
The Shadows
BABES IN THE WOOD
Frank Ifield
Sid James
Roy Kinnear
Trcia Money
Alan Curtis
Kenneth Connor
Arthur Askey
Sharon Osbourne
Elaine Paige
David Davenport
CINDERELLA
Cliff Richard
Hank Marvin
Hugh Lloyd (Pictured right)
Terry Scott
The Shadows
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Hope & Keen
Engelbert Humperdinck
Jimmy Logan
Arthur Askey
Alan Curtis
Tricia Money
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
Jimmy Tarbuck
Ivor Emmanuel
Jean Bayless
Arthur Askey (Pictured right)
Charlie Cairoli
Audrey Jeans
David Davenport
DICK WHITTINGTON
Tommy Steele
Mark Hopkin
Kenneth Connor
Billy Dainty
Alan Curtis
ALADDIN
Cilla Black
Leslie Crowther
Alfred Marks
Terry Scott
Basi Brush
Stacey Gregg
Sheila Bernette
CINDERELLA
Ronnie Corbett
Clodagh Rodgers
Terry Scott
David Kossof
Julian Orchard
Malcolm Roberts
with The Patton Brothers
BABES IN THE WOOD
Edward Woodward
Derek Nimmo
Julian Orchard
Bill Maynard
Alan Curtis
Adrienne Posta
Rod Hull
JACK & THE BEANSTALK
Frankie Howerd
Dora Bryan
Alfie Bass
Mark Wynter
Elizabeth Larner
Leon Greene
Frankie Howerd & Dora Bryan
Yootha Joyce & Brian Murphy
CINDERELLA
Richard O'Sullivan
Yootha Joyce
Brian Murphy
Robert Young
Fiona Fullerton
Roger De Courcey
Deryck Guyler
ALADDIN
Danny La Rue
Dilys Watling
Brian Marshall
Alfred Marks
Wayne Sleep
David Ellen
Dougie Squires
DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
Jim Davidson
Mollie Sugden
Windsor Davies
Melvyn Hayes
Clive Dunn
Lionel Blair
Victor Spinetti
Jim Davidson as Dick
CINDERELLA
Des O'Connor
Paul Nicholas
Brian Wilde (replaced by John Junkin for the actual run
Sarah Payne
Anna Neagle
Hope and Keen
Lambert and Ross
BABES IN THE WOOD
Tommy Cannon
Bobby Ball
Barbara Windsor
Cheryl Baker
John Inman
Marti Webb
Peter Howitt
Making up the Fairy Godmother (Amanda Holden)
PRODUCTION SHOTS
2016/17
There was a buzz of panto excitement in 2016 when it was announced that for the first time in 30 years panto was returning to the London Palladium.
Staged by QDOS Entertainment, Cinderella ran from 9th December 2016 for a 5 week run ending on 15th January 2017 at the London Palladium. It was described as the most enchanting rags-to-riches fairy tale of them all presented on the West End’s most famous stage with an all-star lavish cast in a spectacular production. Commenting on the return of panto to the Palladium, Qdos’ Chairman Nick Thomas said:
“Given the rich history of the London Palladium, where galaxies of top entertainers have appeared in traditional family pantomime, Qdos Entertainment is greatly honoured to have been invited to stage Cinderella at this iconic theatre.
“We are thrilled to be bringing pantomime back following an absence of nearly three decades with a sumptuous production that befits The Palladium's role as the home of pantomime in London."
The creative team:
Executive Producer – Nick Thomas
Executive Producer & Director – Michael Harrison
Co-Director & Choreographer – Andrew Wright
Set Design – Ian Westbrook
Costume Design – Hugh Durrant & Mike Coltman
Lighting Design – Ben Cracknell
Projection Design – Duncan McLean
Sound Design – Gareth Owen
Musical Supervisor & Orchestrator –Gary Hind
Musical Director – Greg Arrowsmith
Visual Special Effects – The Twins FX
Casting Director - Jonathan Kiley
Click images below to enlarge
Click on the sound link below to hear Paul O'Grady talking about this panto
2017/18
Behind the scenes - Click to enlarge
Oliver Ramsdale and Charlie Stemp
Production shots - click to enlarge
Press Night (Click to enlarge)
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
Red carpet arrivals
Chizzy Akudolu arrives ahead of the show
Gary Wilmot and Robert Lindsay
Elaine Paige and Paul Zerdin
Suzanne Shaw and Beverley Knight
On 8th April 2018 Dick Whittington at the London Palladium was the deserving winner at the Olivier Awards, taking away the award for best Entertainment & Family show
Olivier Awards - Click to enlarge
Video: Curtain call / Finale - walk down
2018/19
First came Cinders, then came Dick and then in the 3rd year of the new era of Palladium panto's came....The fairest panto of them all......
Promo pics - Click image to enlarge
Press/Gala Night V.I.Ps
Click to enlarge
Production shots
Click to enlarge
Video: Finale Walkdown / Curtain call
Press/Gala Night V.I.Ps
Click to enlarge
2019/20 Goldilocks & The Three Bears
On the 24th May 2019 Qdos Entertainment today announced that Paul O’Grady was to return to the London Palladium in Goldilocks and the Three Bears to play The Evil Ringmaster. The casr also comprises of Matt Baker as Joey the Clown, Julian Clary as The Ringmaster, Paul Zerdin as Silly Billy, Nigel Havers as Daddy Bear and Gary Wilmot as Dame Betty Barnum.
Speciality acts appearing include internationally renowned illusionist Phil Hitchcock, The Skating Medini (Asia and Dylan Medini) - a dynamic high-speed roller-skating act from one of Italy’s oldest circus families, Sascha Williams - ‘Rola Bola’, from the Belli Family Circus in Germany and Europe’s youngest stunt rider Peter Pavlov and the ‘Globe of Speed’.
Performances begin at the London Palladium on Saturday 7 December 2019 for a strictly limited 5-week run until Sunday 12 January 2020. Public booking opens on Friday 31 May 2019.
Dame Betty Barnum and her daughter Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang… Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a London Palladium spectacular that’s just right at the home of pantomime!
Returning for the fourth year and once again produced by the Olivier award-winning team and directed by Michael Harrison, choreography will be by Karen Bruce, set design will be by Ian Westbrook, with a returning team of costume designers including Hugh Durrant, visual special effects by The Twins FX, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Gareth Owen and original music by Gary Hind.
Best known as host of BBC Radio 2’s The Paul O’Grady Show and for helping rescue dogs in For the Love of Dogs - not to mention his acid-tongued creation Lily Savage – Paul O’Grady is returning to the London Palladium following his performance as The Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella, which reintroduced pantomime to the iconic venue in 2016.
Matt Baker who will make his Palladium Panto debut is best known on television as a presenter of The One Show and Countryfile on BBC1. Previously he presented Blue Peter and was a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. He has been seen on stage as Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Julian Clary returns to the London Palladium for the fourth year having previously played The Man in the Mirror in last year’s Snow White at the London Palladium, The Spirit of the Bells in Dick Whittington and Dandini in Cinderella.
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin has previously appeared at the Palladium as Muddles in last year’s Snow White at the London Palladium, Idle Jack in Dick Whittington and as Buttons in Cinderella.
Nigel Havers played The Understudy in the 2019 production of Snow White at the London Palladium, Captain Nigel in Dick Whittingtonand Lord Chamberlain in Cinderella, all at the London Palladium.
Gary Wilmot’s played Mrs Crumble in last year’s Palladium pantomime Snow White at the London Palladium and was also seem in the previous year’s Dick Whittington.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is produced by Nick Thomas and Michael Harrison for Qdos Entertainment. Nick Thomas is the founder and Chairman of Qdos Entertainment Group, one of the largest entertainment companies in Europe and is the UK’s second largest regional theatre and concert hall operator. Michael Harrison has previously produced over 100 pantomimes for Qdos Entertainment where he is also Managing Director. As a producer in the West End his credits include the imminent production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium, Gypsy, The Bodyguard, Annie and Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.
On 26th September 2019 further star casting was announced with Janine Duvitski added to the line up.
Final casting was confirmed on 10th October 2019 with Sophie Isaccs confirmed as Goldilocks and Lauren Stroud as Baby Bear. The ensemble were also confirmed and cast shots in character and the official poster was finally released.
London Palladium
Goldilocks & The Three Bears
Reviewed by Scott Ritchie
‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ is not a cheap ticket, but this is a jaw-dropping extravaganza which is visually stunning. One could be mistaken for being present at the Lido de Paris, when you consider all the plumes and international acts which are featured in this glitzy affair. No expense has been spared in this punchy, no holds barred feast of glitter, high camp and energetic offering.
The plot - for what it is, is thin but who goes to panto for a storyline? By all accounts, not many of the audience members at The Palladium last night. We are in the company of Dame Betty Barnum and the 'story' is set within her Big Top. Enter Julian Clary (as The Ringmaster), and air for an extended set of references to his 'ring'. Need I say more? This isn't a family-friendly pantomime.
It would appear pantomime giants Qdos have thrown a monumental budget at this production. In terms of 'bang for your buck' you are not left feeling disappointed. The audience are treated to a giant elephant, stunt motorcyclists, a huge animated gorilla, acrobatic roller skaters, a magician, a beautiful lineup of dancers who deliver some fantastic numbers, a delightful sound coming from the orchestra pit and a supernova light show. Who could ask for anything more?!
This in essence is a quality variety show, delivered with exceptionally strong production values. Gary Wilmot gives a star performance as Dame Betty Barnum, delivering class and a true sense of knowledge towards the art form. Paul Zerdin, Paul O'Grady, a pleasantly enthusiastic Matt Baker and the rest of the company kept things on the move.
If you are a panto purist, you may be disappointed at the lack of 'set pieces'. However, I doubt you would find a more lavish pantomime this season that lets you see where all the pennies from your ticket price have been spent!
3
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2020/21
In a disastrous year generally for live theatre and with the bulk of the panto season cancelled due to the worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 there was an unexpected surprise announcement on 8th October 2020 as Qdos confirmed they would be hosting a panto extravaganza at the London Palladium - PANTOLAND AT THE PALLADIUM'. The initial confirmed cast were Julian Clary, Ashley Banjo & Diversity, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, Charlie Stemp, Jac Yarrow and Beverley Knight.
A further announcement was made on 15th October 2020 confirming that Elaine Paige would reprise her role as Queen Rat for the production.
OPERATION 'SLEEPING BEAUTY' ......On 8th October 2020 news broke that Qdos Entertainment would indeed be presenting a pantomime at the London Palladium. Pantoland at the Palladium was confirmed, a variety style panto show set to feature a cast led by Julian Clary, who also co-wrote, with fellow Palladium regulars Gary Wilmot, Paul Zerdin and Nigel Havers. Beverley Knight, Charlie Stemp, Jac Yarrow and Ashley Banjo & Diversity complete the cast. The show had been made possible due to a new initiative from the National Lottery as part of Oliver Dowden’s Operation 'Sleeping Beauty', whereby seats unable to be sold due to social distancing rules due to Covid-19 would be paid for by the government, thus relieving the production’s box office.
London was plunged into the tightest possible Covid-19 tier restrictions which took effective at midnight on 15th December 2020 and forced the closure of this production after only a 4 day run.
Click to enlarge and see full pictures below
Below: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with their three children attended a special performance with an invited audience of key workers and their families.
2021/22
On 19th August 2021 Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes announced that Donny Osmond would join celebrated pantomime royalty Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, Jac Yarrow and Sophie Isaacs in Pantoland at The Palladium to open at the world-famous West End theatre on 4 December 2021 and run until 9 January 2022.
Donny Osmond was announced for the role of the Wizard of Pantomime. With a career spanning five decades Donny has been a singer, actor, triple-threat television series host and best-selling author. Throughout his illustrious career, Osmond has earned 33 gold records; selling over 100 million albums becoming a worldwide music legend. Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin have starred in pantomimes at The London Palladium since 2016 with Cinderella. Gary Wilmot joined the cast in 2017 and together they have performed in Dick Whittington, Snow White, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and last year’s Pantoland at The Palladium. Jac Yarrow who made his Palladium pantomime debut the previous year was also confirmed to return whilst Sophie Isaacs who previously starred in the title role in 2019’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears was also confirmed.
An essential part of Christmas in the West End, Pantoland at The Palladium is created by Michael Harrison and promised to be a treasure trove of The London Palladium’s panto past and exciting new surprises written especially for the show, guaranteeing an unmissable treat for panto and musical theatre fans alike. The Olivier Award-Winning Team of director Michael Harrison, choreographer Karen Bruce, set designer Ian Westbrook, costume designer Hugh Durrant, lighting designer Ben Cracknell, sound designer Gareth Owen and composer and orchestrator Gary Hind will once again worked together to bring back this hugely popular show.
Director and Producer Michael Harrison said: “Pantoland at The Palladium was originally created for the 2020 season and was sadly cut short due to the tiering system which meant we only played 6 performances to a reduced capacity of just 1000 people per performance. However, the reaction to the show was unlike anything any of us had seen before so the thought of bringing it back as an even bigger and better Christmas extravaganza was too good an idea to resist. Imagine my excitement when Donny Osmond, one of the greatest entertainers in the world, agreed to join my brilliant returning favourites as the Wizard of Pantomime. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s greatest stars alongside the greatest performers in pantomime at the world’s greatest theatre.”
This production at The London Palladium was delivered in partnership with The National Lottery following their support for pantomimes across the UK in 2020 - when it provided the necessary funds to make possible productions when social distancing meant audience numbers were limited. The money for this initiative came from a National Lottery promotional fund.
In October it was also confirmed that the world famous The Tiller Girls would also be appearing in this production.
REVIEW
LONDON PALLADIUM
PANTOLAND AT THE PALLADIUM
Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes
Executive Producer & Director - Michael Harrison
Reviewed by Scott Ritchie
Pantoland at The Palladium is a celebration of everything great in this most British of traditions. The line up of star turns are here to entertain but as Julian Clary declares, "If you want plot stay at home and watch Casualty".
The ever youthful Donny Osmond delivered a polished performance and didn't disappoint his adoring fans who were out in full force. Clary gave us Covid related one liners - "would you like it down the throat or a prick in the hand?". The crowd roared and filled the packed auditorium with screams of laughter.
This production is designed to sparkle, glitter and bedazzle. The fireworks during Australian duo Spark Fire Dance (who hula with flaming hoops) are off the scale. Donny Osmond's rendition of 'Crazy Horses' has enough megawatt power to blow the roof off our most famous variety theatre.
Panto veterans Gary Wilmot, Nigel Havers and Paul Zerdin give excellent and polished performances to celebrate the history of panto at The Palladium but are often just fuel for Clary and his brand of humour. The audience lap it up and throw their adoration at the king (or queen) of innuendo.
Panto is back at The Palladium. Well, sort of. If you are up for some uncomplicated fun but don't mind viewing a plotless affair, this production may well jingle jangle your Christmas bells!
2021 video trailer
2022/23
On 24th February 2022 Michael Harrison for Crossroads Pantomimes announced that Dawn French (Dame Trot) was returning to panto at the London Palladium alongside regulars Julian Clary (Spirit of the Beans), Paul Zerdin (Simon Trot), Nigel Havers (King Nigel) and Gary Wilmot (Queen Nigella).
On 27th April 2022 Alexandra Burk was confirmed as also joining the cast as Mrs Blunderbore, the giant's wife.
On 27th September 2022 3 additional cast members were confirmed. From the hit TV series Louis Gaunt was confirmed to have joined the cast alongside Natalia McQueen (as Princess) and Rob Madge (as the Cow)
