THE PANTO SEQUEL WE NEVER KNEW WE NEEDED

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

If you thought pantomimes could not get any cheekier, Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! proves you were wrong. From start to finish, this adults-only production had me laughing, singing along, and thoroughly revelling in its camp, chaos, and unapologetic joy. Directed by Shane ShayShay Konno, this is the sequel we never knew we needed, and it delivers in every possible way. A queer, hilarious, and utterly fabulous Christmas spectacle at London’s Pleasance Theatre.

From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was fully part of the action. Shouts of “he’s behind you” mingled with spontaneous singing and cheeky one-liners. It’s rare to find a show where the energy in the room mirrors the energy on stage so perfectly, but Wicked Witches pulls it off effortlessly. I have seen previous ShayShay productions, but this one tops them all. The cast were phenomenal, with every single performer shining in their role. Honestly, it’s impossible to pick a favourite.

THE CAST, THE ENERGY, AND THE AUDIENCE MAKE THIS AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OUT

Wicked Witches thrives on its fearless reinvention of classic characters. Dorothy now goes by Dor and is non-binary, and Tinman has become Tin, embracing her identity. There’s even a nod to ADHD woven into the story. The musical numbers are riotous, with show-stopping takes on songs like Fabulous from High School Musical and Golden from Huntrix. They cleverly tweak the lyrics and style to make each number their own, adding extra humour and camp. Swearing, sexual innuendos, and outrageous comedy fly left, right, and centre, and I was here for all of it. This is a show that knows exactly what it wants to be, and it pulls it off brilliantly.

The show also includes two unforgettable on-screen cameos. Jeremy Corbyn makes a delightfully rogue appearance as the Wizard of Oz-lington, popping up in all the right moments to add extra mischief and laughs. And they only went and got Sir Ian McKellen as Toto, a washed-up rock star dog with more bark than bite. His performance is outrageously funny, and the unique take on the pup adds another layer of camp and charm to an already unforgettable night.

Though the stage is small, the design is clever and inventive. The cast work with it perfectly, creating moments of visual comedy, spectacle, and sheer fun that make the space feel much bigger than it is. When a backdrop didn’t close as planned, they didn’t skip a beat, turning it into a hilarious moment and keeping the energy flowing. Costumes are pure spectacle, combining drag, panto, and queer glamour in a way that feels authentic and over-the-top. And yes, there is a flying broom scene, you should go just to see this! It is ridiculous, glittery, and completely hilarious.

A SHOW THAT CELEBRATES QUEER JOY, INCLUSIVITY, AND THE PURE MAGIC OF PERFORMANCE

Beyond the performance, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the cast and crew after the show, which was a real treat on press night. Their passion, energy, and love for the work are obvious. You can feel their joy, and it makes the show feel even more special. Every element of the adults-only production is designed to entertain and to champion queer voices, and they do it with charm, heart, and fabulousness.

Ultimately, Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! is an unforgettable night of laughter, camp, and joy. Adults should grab their friends and go ready to cheer, sing, and revel in one of the funniest, most vibrant pantos London has seen in years. There is no question that this show deserves every one of its five stars.

Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! is running at the Pleasance Theatre until Sunday 28 December. Make sure to check whether you are booking the adults-only performance or the family-friendly show when planning your visit.

NB: Make sure to check whether you are booking the adults-only performance or the family-friendly show when planning your visit.

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Photo Credit: Ella Carmen Dale