The Alhambra’s annual show is regarded as the jewel in the crown of pantomimes. It’s always a big production – and this year is no exception. Making his 24th appearance at the Alhambra, Yorkshire comedian Billy Pearce remains a firm favourite.
Pinocchio is, however, not your traditional panto, and prior to seeing the show I had my reservations as to whether the storyline would work in that setting. As in most pantos these days, it became rather fragmented along the way, as Pearce’s traditional sketches were woven into the flimsy plot.
Grand entrance
In the past, Pearce has made some grand entrances, ranging from flying over the audience to appearing out of a huge box. This time, instead, he just casually walked on stage. After watching the grand opening sequence with dancers in elegant outfits, it felt like an anti-climax.
He didn’t need to worry though – as soon as he appeared, he had the audience in the palm of his hand, keeping a tight grip throughout the show. This should help you understand why his name is already on the posters for next year’s panto – families know that they are going to have a good time and a laugh, areas where Pearce never disappoints.
The first ten minutes of the panto relies solely on him performing his routine with his toy dog. While the sketch is very funny and also very wet (don’t sit near the front), you began to wonder if you have come to see the panto or the Billy Pearce show.
Finally, the proceedings begin, set in the supposedly Italian village of Bradfordia. Toymaker Geppetto (Pearce) has carved a wooden figure, Pinocchio, who comes to life. Trouble brews, however, as the evil Stromboli – played with a menacing yet likeable guile by former Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne – has plans to kidnap Pinocchio to make him star in his circus.
The references to Gascoyne’s time in the soap opera as Peter Barlow come thick and fast, though when he first appears wearing his bowler hat and with a cane in hand, he looks more like Charlie Chaplin than the evil and manipulative character he’s supposed to be.
Glitz and glamour
Former RuPaul’s Drag Race star Courtney Act provides some glamour as the Blue Faerie while Steve Arnott as Dame Rita models a set of outfits that range from a Christmas pudding to a running bath! Arnott is a veteran of playing the panto dame – his presence threatens to overshadow Pearce at times, when both appeared on stage.
Ewan Goddard, as Pinocchio, delivers youthful exuberance with a touch of innocence, while Nicholas McLean, as Jiminy Cricket, dazzles as brightly as his green outfit. The Yorkshire contingent is further supplemented by Sarah Pearson as Phyllis the Fox and Monique Ashe-Palmer as Kitty, The Cat – both sidekicks to Stromboli.
Add to that the pyrotechnics displays from the Spark Fire dance duo, plus the traditional Sunbeams (a young dance troupe) – both mainstays of the Bradford panto – and you have an entertaining show.
Pinocchio at the Alhambra: no strings attached
What storyline there was saw the cast end up on a ship at the beginning of the second half. The inclusion of a Village People medley of YMCA and In The Navy might have appealed to the mums and dads in the audience, but the omission of any recent chart hits to enthral its younger members seemed like a missed opportunity.
Sometimes the old tried and tested methods worked the best – the singsong of Old McDonald Had a Farm, complete with some participation on stage from three youngsters brought some of the biggest laughs of the evening.
“You have given us the gift of your laughter” Pearce thanked the audience as the panto concluded. It was a night where brilliant costumes, stunning special effects and an entertaining show gave spectators a good reason to escape the everyday world, for two hours at least – no word of a lie!
Runs until Sunday 19 January 2025
