Red Riding Hood – The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at the City Varieties Music Hall Leeds Review

Reviewed by Tracey Stoker

I’d never heard of the rock and roll panto’s at City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds before but apparently, they are becoming a bit of a tradition since they started in 2011. So we decided it was about time we went and checked it out. It said on our email to come in our Christmas jumpers, which we did thankfully as everyone else had theirs on. And once we got to the City Varieties, we purchased our flashing toys and a blow-up saxophone so our little boy could pretend to join in with the band!

This year the panto is Red Riding Hood. And it keeps mostly to the fairy tale, it’s got the wolf (arrrr!!) and Little Red Riding Hood but it has the added interest of a handsome prince (awww!!) and a panto villain (booo!!). I have to say I was expecting a panto where the cast just sung along to rock tracks but was really surprised to see that all the cast, not only acted and sung but they all also played the instruments. A very talented bunch indeed. Our little boy had an inflatable sax, but others had guitars etc, so they could pretend to join in with the music. They loved it.

All the cast were really good. Lucy Keirl, who played Maisy Merry aka Red Riding Hood, can really sing. And the choice of songs for her were really well thought out. From Whitney’s ‘I want to dance with somebody’ to Lady Gaga’s ‘The edge of glory’, she had the whole audience singing along with her. But she also played the keyboard, bass and guitar. Definitely a feisty, modern version of Red Riding Hood. Prince Florizel Fortunate, played by Ben Mabberley, is Red Riding Hood’s new love interest and just the man to fight off the big bad wolf who was played by Ben Stratton. Ben also played the panto villain Sir Jasper de Ville and he played both parts wonderfully. He got booed at every opportunity as Sir Jasper and screamed at every time he came on stage as the wolf. He really encouraged the audience to participate and we were more than happy to join in. Well it’s not a panto, if you can’t boo at someone!! Our little boy loved him. And as a singer, he was fantastic. Brilliant rendition of Nirvana’s ‘Smells like teen spirit’. I won’t reel off all the cast but they are all really good. Really worked well together.

But the total star of the show and one of the best dames I’ve ever seen in a panto was Grandma Millicent Merry, played by Simon Nook. From the outrageous outfits and massive hairpieces, Millie was everything a panto dame should be. Sassy, sarcastic, flirty, quick witted and very, very funny. Her double entendre jokes had both the children and adults laughing but for different reasons. This dame definitely stole the show.

This really is a great panto. We were all singing along to the songs and even got up to dance at the end. I won’t spoil for you but look out for the boulders!!!

Can I also say, we have never been to the Leeds City Varieties before. What a beautiful place. Its only small but well laid out. The stage and lightening were really good and the seats were a good size and plenty of room for your legs. Prices were also decent for refreshments and ice cream in the interval. It had good disability access also. With it being in the city of Leeds, it has plenty of car parking places within walking distance and lots of public transport options. We will definitely be booking for next year.

If you are looking to go see a panto over the Christmas or New Year period, go see this one, I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £15 to £28 (booking fees may apply).

Red Riding Hood is at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds from 29 November 2019 to 12 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.cityvarieties.co.uk or call the box office on 0113 243 0808.

City Varieties Music Hall, Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW | 0113 243 0808