80 minutes of panto fun and banter
The Oliver nominated show returns for the festive season, the second time that it has been performed at the historic Wilton’s music hall in east London, bringing seven panto’s in 80 minutes and settling the debate as to whether A Christmas Carol is really considered one…
Dan and Jeff are almost hosts rather than the traditional narrator of a panto, introducing the concept of Potted Panto and arguing which ones should be included on the list, breaking down aspects of a pantomime before taking us through a condensed version of the story. With both Dan and Jeff playing multiple characters in each panto, supported by a few other performers taking on some of the roles, including the all-important fairy godmother (who might not be as innocent as she usually is…)
There isn’t a set as such-though there is a draped block, a movable chest which is multi functional and a black backdrop with several curtained holes which are used throughout to introduce different characters. The lighting felt almost festive-heavily red and green with a dab of yellow and blue. Costume was equally minimal, more like accessories just to give a hint of the character allowing for a quick transition of character. This streamlined set up still encapsulated the look and feel of a panto.
Dan and Jeff are equally hilarious and at times, it felt like a bit of improv was thrown in and you could see them, normally Jeff, trying to not burst out laughing at the shenanigans, which I think added to the performance as there is usually some kind of mischief that happens in a panto. There were plenty of cultural and current references and audience participation (again I am not much of a fan of this but panto always seems to make you get up and join in however ridiculous) with plenty of heckling from the audience which both Dan and Jeff really bounced off of.
Overall, Potted Panto is a fun, energetic and festive performance, capturing the essence of pantomime and delivering a shorter version of some classics. Because it is based on shows that we all have seen over the years and know, it didn’t feel like you were missing out on the full panto experience-there were plenty of laughs, innuendos and many rounds of “oh yes we are” and some equally hilarious props as well as plenty of banter between Dan and Jeff and the audience. Potted Panto is a fresh take on the pantomime and really enjoyable for all ages.