All-star pantomime returns to the London Palladium for Christmas

The star-studded show is set to celebrate the very best of British pantomime.

UPDATE: On 14 December, it was announced that Pantoland at the Palladium is suspended from 16 December. In a statement, Michael Harrison said: "We are deeply concerned about the economic impact of today's decision for businesses in the West End and believe that we have done everything possible to ensure a Covid-secure environment within The London Palladium for our audiences, following all advice from Government. Whilst the safety and health of our visitors, staff and performers is of extreme importance, the Government's yo-yoing approach on advice is frankly appalling. It is not possible for any business to function in an environment where our leaders seem to have simply no idea how our country will look from one week to the next. The advice is bordering on incompetent.

Pantoland at The Palladium opened to rapturous standing ovations, and we saw a reaction from the audience like nothing we've experienced before - such was their delight to be back in the theatre seeing live performance. We were honoured to welcome Royal and Government guests at our special key worker performance on Friday. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, saw for himself on Friday the rigorous safety measures in place at The London Palladium and I was thrilled to see him crying with laughter, it's just a shame my entire cast and Company are now crying because of the Government's decision to put London into Tier 3 just 12 days ago encouraging us all to press on with our productions only to realise that was in fact a mistake. One of many, many mistakes."

Pantomime back at the London Palladium for Christmas? Oh yes it is!

Qdos Entertainment and LW Theatres have announced that Pantoland at the Palladium will play in the West End over the festive season, celebrating the very best of pantomime and comedy. Performances will run for three weeks, from 12 Dec. 2020 - 3 Jan. 2021.

The upcoming production marks the fifth consecutive year that pantomime has been performed at the London Palladium. This year's show will commemorate pantomimes gone by, as well as brand new tricks written especially for the show.

Julian Clary will lead Pantoland at the Palladium; starring in previous Palladium pantomimes including Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The cast will also feature Charlie Stemp and Jac Yarrow, who are both nominated for best actor in a musical at the 2020 Olivier Awards.

Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot will appear in this year's show, joined by Ashley Banjo and Diversity and Beverley Knight.

Ahead of Pantoland at the Palladium, director Michael Harrison said: "There is no doubt producing a show of this size and scale is a risk - but it is a risk we have to take. This is not a long term fix, nor a solution to the tragic situation our industry is in, it simply provides a sticking plaster on a very big theatrical wound as we hopefully prepare for full openings in 2021. As well as bringing our wonderful audiences back, we want to play our part in the rehabilitation of London's vibrant West End. The production is made possible by the sheer goodwill, determination and courage of so many people."

Pantoland at the Palladium is choreographed by Karen Bruce, scenic design by Ian Westbrook, costume design by Hugh Durrant, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Gareth Owen and composer and orchestrator Gary Hind.

This year's Palladium pantomime is supported by the National Lottery, who will buy seats that need to remain empty in a new creative initiative.

Pantoland at the Palladium is at the London Palladium from 12 Dec. 2020 - 3 Jan. 2021.

^{Photo credit: (Artwork courtesy of Pantoland at the Palladium)}