With the dark nights drawing in and an Autumn chill in the air, here at Birmingham Hippodrome, the countdown to this year’s spectacular pantomime has already begun.

As much a part of Christmas as turkey, tinsel and all the trimmings, this year’s festive, family pantomime – Dick Whittington – brings together an all-star cast which includes TV and musical theatre star John Barrowman, Britain’s biggest soap villain Steve McFadden, comedy legends The Krankies, West End leading lady Jodie Prenger and Birmingham’s favourite panto performer Matt Slack. Add to this, amazing 3D effects, a hilarious script, outrageous costumes and plenty of fairytale sparkle and you have all the ingredients of a perfect Christmas night out!

Ahead of panto season, Heart FM Drivetime Presenter and self-confessed panto addict Steve Denyer shares his memories of Hippodrome pantomimes past and present and fills us in on what he’s most looking forward to about this year’s sparkling production of Dick Whittington…

It’s fair to say when it comes to the now legendary Panto in Birmingham – absolutely anything can happen and to be honest it usually does. I’ve been lucky enough to watch the last ten Pantos. From Julian Clary risking life and limb on a magic carpet that looked a little too shaky for my liking, to Joan Collins having a full on diva moment during her monologue breaking off character and asking ‘can someone please get me some water now’ – the panto never disappoints.

For me the star of the last four has been everyone’s favourite bald clown Matt Slack: “Dick Whittington will be my fourth Panto. I think that’s a record – especially as in previous years I’ve managed to knock myself out when I misjudged a dance move and last year I battled through the entire panto run with a nerve damage to my vocal chords.

To say Matt’s two performances a day are energetic is probably the understatement of the year: “I run around like a nutter for four hours a day. It’s crazy – last year I managed to knock myself out when I misjudged a jump. I was out for four or five seconds. I just dusted off my costume and carried on with the show – that’s why I love panto anything can happen it tends to happen to me!”

Matt holds the whole production together – he has arguably the most difficult task of the night: “I get the kids up and interact with them. I love it!! To me they are little adults. I’ve never had one cry on me or storm off stage. He also writes those amazing monologues: “This year in Dick Whittington my opening bit involves me talking about my mum – I’ve managed to weave in about 58 place names  in and around Birmingham into  90 seconds – come and watch me stumble. It’s a real tongue twister.”

I’m so glad to report the Hippodrome has pulled out all the stops for this year’s performance of Dick Whittington. Where else can you get John Barrowman, rubbing shoulders – or maybe that should be knees – with The Krankies not to forget Andy Ryan and Jodie Prenger adding some glamour to their five week run.

I hope to see you and your family for Dick Whittington this Christmas from 19 Dec 2016 – 29 Jan 2017. It’ll be here before you know it! 

Steve Denyer

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