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This weekend we went to Blackpool Tower for their fantastic Christmas show. Action packed with a great blend of panto and circus, the whole family were enthralled for the full 2 hours.
The staff at Blackpool Tower couldn’t be more helpful; from the promotion man at the front who checked us in, to the staff within the circus selling the obligatory flashing wands and swords (we bought one, £7!) In all seriousness there are extras you can buy including photos taken on a green screen – (cute if you can co-ordinate smiles,) posters and a face painting lady who was available before the start and during the interval -£2. None of this however is compulsory and is a definite optional in terms of the way it is promoted.
On with the show!
A live band in what is an amazing old building, sets the scene for Pinocchio. The first half tells most of the story with some hilarious work from the main characters Mr Boo, Mooky the clown and others, who were clearly enjoying themselves as much as everyone watching in the theatre! Mixed in are circus acts that are exceptional; no animals here, some of the highest calibre acrobats, accompanied by a mixed age chorus which included some gorgeous little dancers. Charlie’s favourites (age 5), a husband and wife act involved the husband balancing his wife on his head, at the end of seemingly enormous poles…eek!
The interval reintroduces the regular popcorn, ice cream and drink options which were all pretty reasonably priced, plus the opportunity to meet Mr Boo and Mooky who will sign posters and have photos with guests. They also read out birthdays of people in the audience, young, and not so young, followed by a rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday to You.’
The second half performers are quite honestly breath taking, look out for the ladies in the ring who had me literally on the edge of my seat! Some beautiful dancing accompanies the acts and again, the live band really makes it. The show wraps up with a feel good ending and a rendition of classic ‘On the 12 days of panto’ making you really feel like Christmas season is here. A good old singalong to YMCA has everyone on their feet with cheers for more. This was a show with a brilliant family feel that left us wishing our neighbours (an adult couple with no children having an equally fabulous time) Merry Christmas.
I’ve been to a lot of Pantos but not one like this. We will definitely return in the future, thank you Blackpool Tower!
NB: We were given the tickets in exchange for this review but all views and opinions are our own
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Oh what fun! I look Kitty to her first pantomime yesterday (Jack and the beanstalk) and we absolutely loved it – such a childhood classic isn’t it!
Sounds like a fabulous trip. Will look out for this next year.