Adult Pantomimes are proving to be very popular and each one I have attended this year has been performed pretty much to full houses. With adults enjoying the spirit of Christmas as much as children do, with plenty of audience participation.

The Liar. The Bitch and The Wardrobe isn’t a typical Pantomime title or subject. However, with Narnia permanently under a blanket of snow it makes for a fitting destination.

We are in 1939 and war has broken out. Bombs are dropping and London is becoming an unsafe place to live. Gertrude (Tom Duern) and Bonnie Who (Katie Ball) decide to send their sons (who are hiding a secret) to Mrs Douches’ country boarding house for bad butch boys.

Mrs Douche looks very similar to  Gertrude they could be sisters! The cast of four split all the roles between three of them extremely well. James Georgiou in the role of Peter has too many stage appearances to change character.

However, Joe Pieri raises a few “ooos and admiring looks” when he enters the stage as Mr Topless the faun in Narnia Land. He certainly plays to the audience.

Special mention needs to be given to Katie Ball from Arselan the Lion, The Hungry Beaver and Bonnie Who. Ball is a strong versatile actor whose range of voices adds depth and humour to the Pantomime.

There is audience participation expected during the performance and, don’t think avoiding sitting in the front row will exempt you from this. The cast likes to be “all inclusive” including the back row. From the matinee crowd, they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

For more information about The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe and future productions at The Union Theatre please use the link below.

Four Stars.

https://uniontheatre.biz/show/the-liar-the-bitch-the-wardrobe-a-very-adult-panto/

Cast

Tom Duern-Gertrude

Joe Pieri-Edward

James Georgiou-Peter

Katie Ball-Gwendoline