LEISURE: Different venue, but do not fear – the Yeovil pantomime is as magical as ever!

PEOPLE who might be thinking that the festive pantomime treat might not be the same now that it is not being staged at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil have no reason to worry whatsoever (writes the Yeovil Press).

We went along to the pantomime on the evening of December 9 and had reservations about how it would work out at the Westlands Yeovil entertainment venue with the theatre currently out of action – knowing that the new location was very different to the much-loved Octagon and had certain challenges in being able to put on grand large scale shows.

But right from the word go – this pantomime of Cinderella was very special. Evolution Productions have worked their fantastic panto magic once again in Yeovil.

And top marks to panto dame favourite Gordon Cooper who not only took to the stage for a sixth year in Yeovil – this time as one of the dastardly step-sisters, Aldianna – but he also directed the production.

The Westlands Yeovil venue certainly has its disadvantages to the Octagon, but Gordon & Co have pulled out all the stops to make it a fabulous show.

There are all the corny jokes and witty one-liners, madcap hilarity and, of course, the famous panto bench ghost sing-along sketch and the quickfire story involving a certain topic which on this occasion is Disney characters.

It was great to welcome back Jack Glanville for a ninth successive year as Buttons, while Gordon had a great rapport with his on-stage sister Matt Daines (Lidleena).

Damian Patton was great as Dandini, while Beccy Lane as Cinderella and Mark Lamb as Prince Charming were fabulous as the central characters in the love story.

And audiences love to see local people in the local Yeovil panto and it was fab to see Tash Moore on stage as the Fairy Godmother and James Bamford in the chorus line.

The panto really was a hit with the audience who thoroughly enjoyed the show.

Congratulations also to those members of the audience who got involved in the show on the evening of December 9 – Arran who became the central focus for Aldianna and Lidleena, Mel who’s foot sadly did not fit the slipper and birthday boy Austin who found the all-important key!

The future of the Octagon Theatre might be very much up in the air with cash-strapped Somerset Council having to look and think again about the planned redevelopment and expansion of the venue, but for a couple of hours at Westlands people can put those worrying thoughts behind them and immerse themselves in the wonders of pantomime.

The panto at Westlands is a great show and will be a smash hit, but the powers-that-be need to know loud and clear – Yeovil still needs the Octagon Theatre!

Cinderella runs until December 31 – go to www.westlandsyeovil.co.uk for tickets. Don’t miss out!

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Westlands Yeovil and Len Copland.

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Leisure.