Pantomime at the London Palladium
Posted on 15 November 2016
All round London, posters are appearing for the upcoming pantomime at the London Palladium. Indeed, since its announcement, much has been made of this production of Cinderella at the London Palladium, not only because of the celebrity cast, but because it’s the first time in almost three decades that there has been a panto at this theatre. But what is it that is so special about the Palladium?
Hidden behind Regent Street, up near Oxford Circus, this temple-like theatre quickly established itself as the home of variety. Such shows have been popular since the theatre opened in 1910, and its reputation for variety was cemented in 1955 with the first broadcast of Sunday Night at the London Palladium.
While it has been home to long running shows, including La Cage Aux Folles, Barnum and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, an ever changing programme of concerts, ‘Evenings with…’ and comedy has remained at the heart of this theatre.
Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, The Crazy Gang, Sammy Davis Jr. are just some of the names to have performed on the famous stage. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to see the last ever public performance given by Robin Gibb at the Palladium before he sadly passed away.
It has become, to performers, the ultimate place to perform and the illustrious list of artists to be on the bill there, make it a draw for audiences.
This year's star studded pantomime promises to deliver the star quality and finesse associated with the Palladium.
By Harrison Fuller
Theatre manager, writer, maker.