‘Turn again Whittington…’ no, not back to London but to the world-famous City Varieties Music Hall where this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto needs you!
After the success of last year’s Beauty and the Beast, and previous titles, including Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Aladdin, Leeds’ favourite panto will run from Friday 25 November 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023.
A very different format to the traditional Christmas panto, Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantos – from the enchanted pen of Peter Rowe – mix traditional elements of audience participation and corny gags with a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart-toppers, all performed live on stage by an ultra-talented cast of actor-musicians, including Kenny Davies (Alderman Fitzwarren) and Simon Nock (Sarah, The Cook): ‘Where else can you see the Fairy Godmother banging the drums and Pantomime Dame playing the sax?’ Fairy Powered Productions.
Pantomimes at City Varieties date back to (at least) the early 1940s, with today’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto being a must-see: ‘It stands out a mile from stereotypical pantos thanks to its talented team and, tucked away in the City Varieties Music Hall, it couldn’t have found a more perfect home for a laugh-out-loud panto with musical performances that will take your breath away.’ One Play More.
Dick Whittington: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at City Varieties Music Hall from Friday 25 November 2022 to Sunday 8 January 2023.
Dramatic panto warning
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto can be a noisy affair, with pyrotechnics and flashing lights, plus some audience members may receive a minor drenching, resulting in outbreaks of festive mayhem. From experience, we don’t recommend our panto for children under four years old, but if guests do want to bring toddlers, we recommend ear defenders, and they will be required to purchase a ticket for any child aged one upwards.
Performances may last up to 2hrs 30mins (including a 20-minute interval)
City Varieties Music Hall
Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the nation’s longest running music hall, The Varieties is Leeds’ oldest theatre that began life in 1865 as a room above a pub, established for the working class.
Widely known as the home of the BBC’s Good Old Days from 1953-83, The Varieties’ stage has welcomed many of the world’s greatest entertainers, from Harry Houdini and Lilly Langtree to John Bishop and Russell Crowe.
Following major restoration work (2009-11), The Varieties is still regarded as one of the nation’s best venues for live comedy, music and variety, plus National Theatre live and delayed screenings and the hugely popular Rock ’n’ Roll Pantos that showcase the very best of live actor/musicians in a break from the traditional pantomime.
