If ever a show, and its title, captured the spirit of the age then Pantomonium at the Grand in Blackpool this Christmas takes the prize.
The venue, its panto legend Steve Royle (third-placed in Britain’s Got Talent final last weekend) and producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions, have come up with a condensed and COVID-safe pantomime fundraiser.
Pantomonium will run with strict safeguards for a limited time and for a limited period—a sell-out is almost guaranteed.
Created by Jon Monie, it’s a one-act pantomime about pantomime. When beloved panto character Fairy Tales is kidnapped by the villainous Killjoy, a hunt ensues for an all-powerful magic book.
Stepping out of the chorus-line, a young, unnamed girl from the village of Ensemble joins the adventure to help find the missing manuscript. Along for the ride are the handsome Prince Charmless, and the hapless Tilly and Billy Topps from the local Panto Emporium.
Martin explains: “Blackpool Grand is very close to my heart, and this year would have been our 25th pantomime in this beautiful theatre. Our wardrobe department and costumes for all our shows are housed in the resort. After long discussions, we’ve created a show full of all the great panto elements. All profits go to the Grand, and we hope we create a total sell-out.”
Pantomonium! will run Friday December 18 to January 3. There will be three performances a day (11AM, 3PM, and 7PM, running for about 75 minutes with no interval. All seats are £25.50 per person and only available in set bubbles of 2, 3, 4 or 6.