Well, it’s tradition, of course, you get to boo the baddie, cheer for the hero, laugh at silly jokes and generally have a good time while getting in the festive spirit. This year, though, there is one rather quite special reason to book your tickets.... it is live theatre, with real actors on stage not a streamed show on your laptop or tv. And being back in a theatre feels so good, oh yes it does. It’s a panto offering like no other.... well thanks to the pandemic there is no other! Gone was the tiered seating, replaced by families and bubbles of six seated at tables. But as soon as the lights went down and the music kicked in, that was forgotten. And it was quite fitting that Peterborough’s own Vanessa Boland - as Fairy Liquid - with a smile as wide as Crescent Bridge got to open the socially distanced show - with the cast also observing the two metre rule incredibly well. That proved to be one of the running jokes, with veteran performer Mike Holloway, very likeable indeed as King Crumble, uttering his “nice to meet her (2 metre)” catchphrase throughout. Did you know he has played Joseph in the West End? Well it’s another very well worked running gag, with him desperate to sing and repeatedly getting cut short. But when his moment came it proved to be one of the highlights- as was the medley of songs from that particular smash hit show at the finale. I particularly enjoyed Cresset newcomer Phil Norton as Dame Trott, a very understated performance from him with lots of great one-liners - and costumes. Climbing the beanstalk - quite surreally by spaceship - was Cresset favourite Mitch Hewer, an admirable hero and with no real stooge in the show he got a few more jokes. His love interest was Victoria Jane as Princess Isabelle - I did chuckle when they sealed their betrothal with a socially responsible elbow to elbow bump. Villain of the piece - the Giant’s henchman Fleshcreep - was the menacing Richard Mann who is part of a Rolling Stones tribute show, so listen out for his musical number. In true Cresset style there was still room for plenty of panto staples - a very brief ghost gag and lots of instantly recognisable songs - and just enough audience participation to keep everyone happy. You can see the show until December 24. Tickets at www.cresset.co.uk
