Last year my family and I thoroughly enjoyed the Leicester Panto at De Montfort Hall. I reviewed it here.
Could this year’s panto be just as good? We were excited for the show and couldn’t wait.
We were lucky to get tickets for the opening night and had good seats in the stalls near the front. We probably bought the tickets just a couple of weeks after the 2023 show.
The line-up was similar with Jarred Christmas, Dame Jack Ballard, and Sam Bailey all back after last years successful show. Joining them was Tash Bacarese-Hamilton as Snow White and Davina DeCampo as Queen Morgiana.
Antony Costa is joining the show during its first week after Gyasi Sheppy withdrew due to a family emergency. We saw the show’s choreographer and understudy, Stuart Rogers, take on the role as the Prince.
Jarred Christmas and Jack Ballard are very funny and popular. I have to say that Jack as the Dame is brilliant again, and there are loads of wonderful and funny costumes that he wears. Jarred is also excellent at interacting with the crowd and making everyone laugh.
Sam Bailey, Tash Bacarese-Hamilton and Davina DeCampo each have their moments to sing. Sam and Davina’s set pieces were particular highlights. Stuart was also good as the Prince.
The set, lighting and sound is excellent. The story is of course the Snow White we all know and lots of local humour is injected.
The panto was strong throughout for this first opening show. I particularly enjoyed the second half where the show follows many Panto traditions. And yes, you do get to see the 7 dwarfs in a very clever way.
The singing and dancing in the show was generally excellent by all performers, supported by a wonderful younger ensemble of dancers.
The highlight? It had to be the talented Davina DeCampo, who is brilliant as the evil Queen. Great costumes, acting, and singing. Word-perfect delivery for the very first show. She nailed it! While I wanted to boo her in appreciation , my voice is strained so clapped all her entrances.
I do love watching Sam Bailey, also, which is another highlight, a great singer who is possibly a little underused. But very funny when singing the 12 Days of Christmas and powerful when singing a Queen track. The 12 days of Christmas with Jarred and Jack appears to be a regular and funny Leicester skit. Jack being particularly funny during this segment as the amazing Dame.
We were entertained for 2 hours and 20 minutes which included an interval (about 15 mins). The show runs to the 5th of January and you can book by visiting the DeMontfort Hall website here.
Definitely recommended for all the family. A great curtain call at the end and opportunities to dance and take photos before the end of the show. Makes you feel good and buzzing when leaving the theatre. Don’t miss this Panto as it is an amazing production. All involved should be proud.
Next year they have announced that it will be “Dick Whittington”. I will definitely be booking early again.
