Local Reviews
In December 2016, Caroline W said about Epsom Playhouse
I like this theatre and the staff. The pantomimes do tend to be of a slightly lower standard than Richmond or Lincoln but that is reflected in the prices - certainly when compared with Richmond. This year the Genie was a minor celebrity - Heavy D - and unfortunately the role was beyond him. It was a real shame but the rest of the cast were of a good standard - in particular Abananzer (Andrew Goddard) who was fantastic and Wishee Washee (Phil Green) who is clearly very talented particulary at doing impressions!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, Tracy C said about Epsom Playhouse
A poor performance, hardly any jokes, bad singing, some funny bits but these were when things went off script. Wishee washee was good and tried hard. Heavy D was appalling, only a few lines, badly delivered, he seemed bored and irritated to be there. Like the big brother house - it's time for him to be evicted.
A very expensive night when after 15 minutes we all wanted to leave.
A very expensive night when after 15 minutes we all wanted to leave.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2016, MattDH777 said about Epsom Playhouse
This panto seems to have had mixed reviews so I thought I'd give my impressions.
The theatre itself:
a really nice sized theatre - it's a great size for a panto as it's small enough for everyone to have a good view of the stage and for there to be good interaction with the cast. It's a bonus that the multi storey car park is right next door. The toilets are inadequate for the number of people and not in great condition (grim would be too far but they're not the nicest).
The staff were cordial and polite and were helpful. I think that they volunteer too which is marvellous if so.
The performance:
The panto was a lot of fun. It's not the most polished production by far and the script is corny in places (a lot of places), but I laughed out loud quite a few times. The scene with Widow Twankey washing the policemen was hilarious.
Those characters along with Wishey Washey and Abanazar were by far the best and funniest ones. (Although the otherwise excellent Wishey Washey should drop his welcome ritual - it was fun at first then became tedious). The Princess had a great singing voice, Aladdin, sadly, not so good tonight. And Heavy D as the genie? Once I'd gotten over the fact that it wasn't THE Heavy D from such 90s hits as "Now that we've found love" (he died a few years back it turns out), I actually started to feel sorry for him. I couldn't hear him very well (he didn't project well) and his continuous use of "boom" was tolerable at first, but quickly became irritating. I'm sure he's a great bloke, but he's not very good in this.
The adult dancers were ok, although I was concerned at several points that we'd see more than we needed to due to the female dancers' costumes.
The inclusion of child dancers was a nice touch and they did really well.
In conclusion, this felt like a family panto - all of our family enjoyed it, we all laughed a lot and the venue and cast gave it a family feel, which was aided by the overall production levels.
Pros:
Wishey Washey
Policemen
Widow Twankey
Abanazar
Some hilarious moments
Princess's singing
The child performers
Good feel to the theatre and panto
Cons:
Heavy D
Aladdin's singing
Being worried for the dancers' modesty and that they'd do themselves a mischief
Some terrible lines of script with beyond corny jokes
Toilets stank
The theatre itself:
a really nice sized theatre - it's a great size for a panto as it's small enough for everyone to have a good view of the stage and for there to be good interaction with the cast. It's a bonus that the multi storey car park is right next door. The toilets are inadequate for the number of people and not in great condition (grim would be too far but they're not the nicest).
The staff were cordial and polite and were helpful. I think that they volunteer too which is marvellous if so.
The performance:
The panto was a lot of fun. It's not the most polished production by far and the script is corny in places (a lot of places), but I laughed out loud quite a few times. The scene with Widow Twankey washing the policemen was hilarious.
Those characters along with Wishey Washey and Abanazar were by far the best and funniest ones. (Although the otherwise excellent Wishey Washey should drop his welcome ritual - it was fun at first then became tedious). The Princess had a great singing voice, Aladdin, sadly, not so good tonight. And Heavy D as the genie? Once I'd gotten over the fact that it wasn't THE Heavy D from such 90s hits as "Now that we've found love" (he died a few years back it turns out), I actually started to feel sorry for him. I couldn't hear him very well (he didn't project well) and his continuous use of "boom" was tolerable at first, but quickly became irritating. I'm sure he's a great bloke, but he's not very good in this.
The adult dancers were ok, although I was concerned at several points that we'd see more than we needed to due to the female dancers' costumes.
The inclusion of child dancers was a nice touch and they did really well.
In conclusion, this felt like a family panto - all of our family enjoyed it, we all laughed a lot and the venue and cast gave it a family feel, which was aided by the overall production levels.
Pros:
Wishey Washey
Policemen
Widow Twankey
Abanazar
Some hilarious moments
Princess's singing
The child performers
Good feel to the theatre and panto
Cons:
Heavy D
Aladdin's singing
Being worried for the dancers' modesty and that they'd do themselves a mischief
Some terrible lines of script with beyond corny jokes
Toilets stank
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, Frank w said about Epsom Playhouse
Took my grandchildren to Aladdin at Christmas and we all really enjoyed our experience with having to go up town to watch a show. parking was a lo cheaper and we had a meal in epsom afterwards. The performance was better than I was expecting. Cann't wait to see another one.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, Thomas' said about Epsom Playhouse
All characters were excellent. Good timing slick response's and interacted well with the audience. Widow Twankey was amazing with hilarious scenes along side Wishee Washee, and SGT ping and PC pong. Costumes were superb and very glamorous.
We couldn't get tickets till today only 5 available as earlier days sold out. Well worth seeing if you can get tickets before it closes.
We couldn't get tickets till today only 5 available as earlier days sold out. Well worth seeing if you can get tickets before it closes.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, carolinefitz2017 said about Epsom Playhouse
Lovely theatre and the tickets were well priced. I usually visit Wimbledon theatre and hadn't really registered the Epsom Playhouse. The theatre was comfortable and well run. The staff helpful and accomodating. The show itself was great and exceeded my expectations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, Jabs80 said about Epsom Playhouse
Having not seen a panto for years I went to see this with fairly low expectations, but boy was I impressed! Upon entering the theatre I found the ushers (who are all volunteers by the way so it enrages me to see people criticise them!) to be really friendly and efficient. I had great seats to the side of the stage I could see everything really clearly. Considering this is a small local theatre I thought the production value was fantastic. Heavy D was sick that day so was not there however he was not missed and the rest of the cast were excellent. The two PCs in particular were hilarious and wishy-washy was brilliant. Adults and children alike really enjoyed the show and when it finish the ashes were again really helpful in guiding people out of all the exits safely and efficiently. I shall be back next year!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, Mary S said about Epsom Playhouse
Wonderful pantomime with everything singing comedy. Costumes great and the evening out was great. Audience participation was very amusing. I cannot believe how polished this panto was. Even Aladdin being hoisted across the stage on a carpet. Special effects of the journey back to peking
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, Chris A said about Epsom Playhouse
What a brilliant Panto! We took our grandson and we all laughed from beginning to end. We loved the Dame and Wishy Washie, they were fantastic! They just bounced off each other.
We also loved the Scottish policeman.The dancers were all good, but especially the cute little girl.
We found the staff friendly and my only criticism was that I thought the costumes of the older dancers were a little inappropriate.
Went to the evening performance on 30 December and would throughly recommend it.A fantastic night was had by one and all.
We also loved the Scottish policeman.The dancers were all good, but especially the cute little girl.
We found the staff friendly and my only criticism was that I thought the costumes of the older dancers were a little inappropriate.
Went to the evening performance on 30 December and would throughly recommend it.A fantastic night was had by one and all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2017, angela_grimes901 said about Epsom Playhouse
Nice venue. Great staff. Excellent script
V professional. Funny. Well paced. My kids loved it and so did me and my husband. Put a smile on my face for the start of January! What more could you want!
V professional. Funny. Well paced. My kids loved it and so did me and my husband. Put a smile on my face for the start of January! What more could you want!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk