There was much excitement in our household on Thursday as we were heading off to the pantomime. This was our first pantomime at Grand Opera House York and our first experience of Berwick Kaler, although I’ve heard lots about his popularity and his shows. I took my 5 and 7 year old and my mum along to the show, the verdict at the end “super duper” uttered about 50 times!
Dick Turpin Rides Again reunites Berwick Kaler with his band of pantomime regulars, including comedy side-kick Martin Barrass, the villainous David Leonard, Yorkshire’s longest-serving Principal Girl Suzy Cooper and favourite funny man AJ Powell.
If you’re heading to the show, make sure you stop by the Panto post box in the main bar. You can request a shout out at the end of the show. My five year old son’s face was a picture when he heard his name!
It may have been all new to us but the panto seemed to have all the usual Berwick moments and anecdotes. The audience were clearly thrilled to have him back on the stage and reunited with his regular team. Berwick and Martin clearly make a great duo. There were plenty of costume changes, jokes, impersonating of others (my kids fave was seeing the main characters masquerading as children on the stage) and not forgetting the flying wagon wheels at the end.
The story is loosely based around the highwayman Dick Turpin, he has a change of ways and travels to York to meet his love. But can he be saved from execution? The highlight of the show for us all was when Dick Turpin took to the skies on his trusty horse Peggy. Fantastic effects, my children were mesmerised and the solo was amazing.
We enjoyed a fab sing-a-long at the end of the show with a popular choice of song (I won’t give it away). Everyone joined in and it ended the show on a real high. We’re now working through the pantomime puzzles, an additional insert in the programme and such a nice touch.
Arrival times were staggered so it wasn’t too busy. NHS passes or test results were checked outside and tickets checked on the door. There was plenty of room for moving around inside. Staff are holding up placards before the show reminding everyone to please wear a mask for the duration of the show.
For full information see the website.
Saturday 11th December 2021 – Sunday 9th Jan 2022
Two performances every day except Christmas Day, New Years Day, 4th and 5th January.
Weds 22nd December, 19:00 – Captioned and British Sign Language Interpreted Performance
Tues 8th January, 14:00 – Audio Described Performance
Tickets from £13
