Venue celebrates huge success of debut pantomime
By Connor Steel
FAREHAM LIVE are celebrating a highly successful festive period as they reached the end conclusion of their first ever pantomime season last Sunday evening (January 5); which saw thousands of families and local residents attending the brand new venue to enjoy this unique edition of Cinderella performed by a “big name cast” from the entertainment field.
The show premiered on December 13 and saw a number of sell-out crowds throughout a three week running schedule; which often saw multiple performances per day including special showings for the different audiences. Every show was approximately two hours and five minutes in length which included a twenty minute rest interval for audiences and cast.
Rhiannon Bacchus played the main role of Cinderella from this historic fairytale along with Gareth Mitchell and Garnon Davis as the Ugly Sisters; whilst Buttons was played by Britain’s Got Talent star and impersonator Paul Burling. Strictly Come Dancing’s AJ Pritchard and his professional dancer brother Curtis of Love Island further starred as the 2 princes.
Audiences laughed and cheered throughout the performances with real highlights across the spectacle; which included a soaking from water pistols, an unique chocolate themed song, the crisp based outfits, and the beautiful transitions on stage. There was soon the traditional pantomime features of “It’s behind you” and “Oh no you didn’t” in the second half.
Engagement proved to be a huge factor behind the show’s big success with audiences encouraged to shout at Buttons during the performance; whilst 1 audience member was picked upon for “fun” at the beginning. A loud singalong of Old McDonald further saw young children called on stage to choose animals for the farm and then receive a chocolate box.
An audience member went to this show on December 22 (Sunday) and they said: “What a treat that was!! Each person was casted beautifully and I haven’t laughed or cheered like that for ages. I enjoyed every minute of this show and I did love all engagement between audience and performers. Credit to everyone involved in a real fun Christmas Spectacle”.
The venue have also announced that their 2025 pantomime will be Beauty & The Beast and is currently set to run from December 12 until January 4 next year with further information all to be released in due course. Very limited tickets are available for its adult pantomime next Thursday (January 16) entitled Jack & His Giant Stalk, which can be seen online.
PICTURED BY AISLING STEEL: Cast members pose for cameras in last stages of performance (5pm / December 22).
