By Jude
It’s the holiday season, which means many things—but in the theatre world, it means one thing: panto season! (That’s short for pantomime, though calling it “panto” definitely feels cooler.) “Potted Panto” is now officially open at Wilton’s Music Hall in London’s historic East End (yes, East—though the humour is West End-worthy).
The story follows Dan (Daniel Clarkson) and Jeff (Jefferson Turner) as they present short summaries of the best pantos of all time. While Jeff insists there are only six, Dan argues there are twelve! Along the way, Jeff introduces Dan—and the audience—to all the classic panto traditions, retelling favourites like “Cinderella”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “Dick Whittington”, and more. Meanwhile, Dan insists on including stories like “Mary Poppins” (not a panto), the Nativity play (not a panto), and his beloved “A Christmas Carol” (also not a panto), much to Jeff’s dismay. The result is utterly hilarious.
This panto has it all, appealing to both seasoned panto enthusiasts and complete newcomers. Having performed in pantomimes outside the UK, I was curious to see how this one would compare, while my plus-one for the evening was entirely new to the genre. Yet we both found ourselves howling with laughter, gasping at jokes, and booing the villain. The highlight of the evening was an uproarious 3D adventure segment that brought the audience to their feet. We became part of the action—dodging objects, cheering wildly, and laughing hysterically as the chaos unfolded. From start to finish, the entire audience was completely engaged.
The quick-witted and energetic dynamic between Dan and Jeff is evident, rooted in their nearly 20-year partnership. Their journey began in 2005 when they were commissioned to create “Potted Potter”, a five-minute street show summarising the Harry Potter books for fans waiting in line to buy the sixth installment. “Potted Potter” toured internationally, with performances in Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Canada, the United States, Australia, Ireland, and the UAE. “Potted Panto” debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010 and later transferred to the West End, earning an Olivier Award nomination. They also have “Potted Pirates” and “Potted Sherlock” as part of the collection.
Expect stupid jokes, ghostly gags, dames in drag, newsworthy quips, and magical moments of improvisation that are just as funny as the scripted ones. It’s clear why this show has received so much acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Wholesome, hilarious, and full of holiday charm, if you’re looking for a pantomime this holiday season for anyone aged 6 to 106, don’t miss out—“Potted Panto” is a holiday treat that deserves a spot on your must-see list!
I give this panto 5 stars!
Sounds and Stage
