Panto season isn't over just yet – some productions are still pulling in audiences with their festive cheer.
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty, starring John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny, is running until this weekend, while Liverpool's Royal Court has extended its Scouse Christmas Carol panto to 24 January. Meanwhile, Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk is set to kick off on January 22nd.
For audiences who may be struggling with post-holiday blues, pantomime provides a welcome respite from the gloomy winter days. The shows offer an infectious energy, making them a perfect antidote to the January chill.
At Nottingham Playhouse, Elkington notes that his audience tends to thin out after Christmas, but this year's show has attracted a new wave of fans eager to enjoy one last festive treat. He says: "For audiences who come in January, it's something to look forward to – an extra treat after Christmas."
The Royal Court takes a similar approach, offering its panto as a way to lift spirits during the coldest months. With its unique take on A Christmas Carol and a pre-show meal option, the show has become a highlight of the venue's calendar.
Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk is a different beast altogether – a "pantomime for grownups" that promises to be fun and silly, with no adult themes. Lucy Hayes, the director and Vincent Hayes' daughter, says her panto has become an own tradition: "Christmas is such a busy period... people may have more time afterwards [and] need more cheering up, lifting out of the blues."
So if you're feeling down in January, why not treat yourself to a trip to the theatre? Pantomime is here to bring some much-needed cheer – and it's still available for many weeks yet.
Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty, starring John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny, is running until this weekend, while Liverpool's Royal Court has extended its Scouse Christmas Carol panto to 24 January. Meanwhile, Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk is set to kick off on January 22nd.
For audiences who may be struggling with post-holiday blues, pantomime provides a welcome respite from the gloomy winter days. The shows offer an infectious energy, making them a perfect antidote to the January chill.
At Nottingham Playhouse, Elkington notes that his audience tends to thin out after Christmas, but this year's show has attracted a new wave of fans eager to enjoy one last festive treat. He says: "For audiences who come in January, it's something to look forward to – an extra treat after Christmas."
The Royal Court takes a similar approach, offering its panto as a way to lift spirits during the coldest months. With its unique take on A Christmas Carol and a pre-show meal option, the show has become a highlight of the venue's calendar.
Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk is a different beast altogether – a "pantomime for grownups" that promises to be fun and silly, with no adult themes. Lucy Hayes, the director and Vincent Hayes' daughter, says her panto has become an own tradition: "Christmas is such a busy period... people may have more time afterwards [and] need more cheering up, lifting out of the blues."
So if you're feeling down in January, why not treat yourself to a trip to the theatre? Pantomime is here to bring some much-needed cheer – and it's still available for many weeks yet.
I mean, who doesn't love panto season at this time of year? It's like a big warm hug from the theatre world, reminds me of when my kids were young and we'd all go to the pantomime together as a family. Now that they're grown up, I still enjoy it with my grandkids 
. There's something about that infectious energy on stage that just lifts your spirits. And it's great that some theatres are still going strong in January, offering a little pick-me-up during the post-holiday blues. I've been meaning to check out Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk – sounds like fun! 
But at the same time, I think it's kinda weird that we need some manufactured fun to get us through January... like, can't we just enjoy the post-holiday blues or something? It sounds cheesy, but isn't it better for our mental health if we don't have all this sugarcoated 'cheer' shoved down our throats?
. And don't even get me started on how over-the-top the whole "it's an extra treat" thing is 
. I think it's just people feeling guilty for eating too much mince pie and wanting to do something, anything, to make themselves feel better 
. Give me a break 
.
. I love how some theaters are trying to make the most of it by offering shows for longer periods or even adding special perks like pre-show meals. It's great that they're recognizing that people need a pick-me-up after Christmas 
. I've been meaning to check out Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk, sounds like it could be a really fun way to lift your spirits! 
. I've been feeling meh about winter lately, but this makes me wanna get out and enjoy some festive fun with friends and family! The Royal Court's Scouse Christmas Carol sounds like a great way to lift our spirits 
. And Brick Lane Music Hall's Jack and His Giant Stalk seems like just the thing for us grownups who still want to be silly 
. Nottingham Playhouse's Sleeping Beauty has me tempted too, especially with John Elkington as Nelly the Nanny 
I mean, who doesn't love a good panto? The energy in the theatre is just infectious 
And I love how it's become this thing people look forward to after Christmas. I've been meaning to check out that one at Royal Court, everyone says it's really something special 
You know what's even better than pantomime? Having seen all the productions already! But seriously, I think these shows are doing a great job of providing entertainment during the post-holiday slump. The fact that they're extending their runs is a huge plus – who doesn't love a good excuse to get out and about on a cold winter's day? 