Robinson Crusoe & the Caribbean Pirates
starring Brian Conley and Gok Wan
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
10th December 2016 - 8th January 2017
starring Brian Conley and Gok Wan
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
10th December 2016 - 8th January 2017
'Brian and Gok are the perfect panto pairing as Robinson Crusoe anchors up for a swashbuckling Christmas on the shores of Southend'
It's that time of year where we just can't contain our excitement. Oh no it isn't - oh yes it is! (sorry, couldn't resist) There's always an air of anticipation knowing that funny man and musical theatre legend, Brian Conley will be starring in Southend's panto but this year we also have Gok Wan, tv's iconic fashionista, television presenter, chef and designer, also gracing the Cliffs Pavilion stage.
Taking a break from his usual role of Buttons in Cinderella, Brian takes on the title role of Robinson Crusoe this year, allowing Gok to get all 'blinged up' as the Spirit of the Ocean, aiding Robinson and his mum, Mrs Crusoe, in his quest to find treasure, defeat the evil Blackbeard and marry the beautiful Polly.
Taking a break from his usual role of Buttons in Cinderella, Brian takes on the title role of Robinson Crusoe this year, allowing Gok to get all 'blinged up' as the Spirit of the Ocean, aiding Robinson and his mum, Mrs Crusoe, in his quest to find treasure, defeat the evil Blackbeard and marry the beautiful Polly.
Gok & Brian after last night's show
Qdos Pantomimes, the biggest pantomime producers in the UK, certainly know how to put on a spectacular production and this year is no exception with razzamatazz and sparkle in higher abundance than ever. With stunning scenery and flamboyant costumes, no expense has been spared to bring this Christmas treat to Southend audiences.
The panto stage almost seems to be Brian Conley's spiritual home and it's a joy to watch someone who appears to be having as much fun on stage as the audience are watching him. Gok has also grown into a natural performer for panto and the audience can't get enough of him. Brian and Gok together are a big hit and a match made in panto heaven. Whoever thought of putting this unlikely pair together have certainly come up trumps.
David Robbins returns to Southend (he was one of the ugly sisters last year) and really is a sight to behold as the most exuberant yet endearingly funny, Mrs Crusoe, with no less than 13 costume changes! I honestly didn't think that pantomime costumes and wigs could be any more impressive after last year's unbelievably outrageous ugly sister outfits but Mrs Crusoe's costumes are really on a whole new level; one outfit in particular drew gasps and giggles of delightful mirth - I overhead one little boy say to his horrified mother, "that's what you look like on holiday.."
Of course every pantomime needs an evil villain and this is brought to us in the form of nasty pirate, Blackheart, captain of the Skallywag. He does a great job of getting the children in the audience all riled up and booing every time he's on stage. Alex Bourne, who plays him, is however, far too dashingly handsome for a baddie, although it didn't stop me booing his dastardly behaviour along with everyone else!
Suzy Bastone plays Polly and certainly has her hands full having to put up with all the antics that Brian as Robinson faces her with, especially in one scene involving him eating an apple and singing to her! In fact most of the cast have their work cut out putting up with Brian's naughtiness at some point throughout the show, whether it's in the script or not!
The panto stage almost seems to be Brian Conley's spiritual home and it's a joy to watch someone who appears to be having as much fun on stage as the audience are watching him. Gok has also grown into a natural performer for panto and the audience can't get enough of him. Brian and Gok together are a big hit and a match made in panto heaven. Whoever thought of putting this unlikely pair together have certainly come up trumps.
David Robbins returns to Southend (he was one of the ugly sisters last year) and really is a sight to behold as the most exuberant yet endearingly funny, Mrs Crusoe, with no less than 13 costume changes! I honestly didn't think that pantomime costumes and wigs could be any more impressive after last year's unbelievably outrageous ugly sister outfits but Mrs Crusoe's costumes are really on a whole new level; one outfit in particular drew gasps and giggles of delightful mirth - I overhead one little boy say to his horrified mother, "that's what you look like on holiday.."
Of course every pantomime needs an evil villain and this is brought to us in the form of nasty pirate, Blackheart, captain of the Skallywag. He does a great job of getting the children in the audience all riled up and booing every time he's on stage. Alex Bourne, who plays him, is however, far too dashingly handsome for a baddie, although it didn't stop me booing his dastardly behaviour along with everyone else!
Suzy Bastone plays Polly and certainly has her hands full having to put up with all the antics that Brian as Robinson faces her with, especially in one scene involving him eating an apple and singing to her! In fact most of the cast have their work cut out putting up with Brian's naughtiness at some point throughout the show, whether it's in the script or not!
The whole company are out to impress with lots of high energy song and dance numbers, with a special mention going to the members of Junior Masters Performing Arts School in Southend, who all look like they are having the time of their lives.
Once again, there's so much fun and laughter to be had, as expected, but what strikes me about this panto is that it seems to have taken a kind of 'retro' turn with a lot of the humour. As well as the usual subtle innuendo gags that have the parents panicking over whether their little one's will understand them, ie; "Look at my enormous galleon!" - there's also lots of good old fashioned schoolboy japes which will have grandparents, mums, dads and children alike, all giggling away at the utter silliness of it all. I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to listen to The Devil Went Down to Georgia in the same way again.
With a nice mix of new, old and original songs, fabulous costumes, magic tricks, slapstick, a scary monster - be careful if you're near the front - and lots and lots and lots of laughs, Robinson Crusoe ticks all the boxes for yet another Qdos success in Southend.
For tickets go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Once again, there's so much fun and laughter to be had, as expected, but what strikes me about this panto is that it seems to have taken a kind of 'retro' turn with a lot of the humour. As well as the usual subtle innuendo gags that have the parents panicking over whether their little one's will understand them, ie; "Look at my enormous galleon!" - there's also lots of good old fashioned schoolboy japes which will have grandparents, mums, dads and children alike, all giggling away at the utter silliness of it all. I honestly don't think I'll ever be able to listen to The Devil Went Down to Georgia in the same way again.
With a nice mix of new, old and original songs, fabulous costumes, magic tricks, slapstick, a scary monster - be careful if you're near the front - and lots and lots and lots of laughs, Robinson Crusoe ticks all the boxes for yet another Qdos success in Southend.
For tickets go online to www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Ask the Audience
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Toby Newman, 11 years old, Rochford "I thought the show was amazing, enjoyed every minute of it. Thought Brian Conley was the most funniest guy I've ever seen, I loved all his jokes. Gok had a cool look!" |
Toby and Alex
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Alex Newman, 11 years old, Rochford "I thought the costumes were amazing. Brian Conley was very funny. I loved the monster. I also enjoyed the dancing!" "10 out of 10" |
Herbie
Herbie, 11, Westcliff-on-Sea
"It was very good. I thought all the technical stuff was excellent. Gok was the best!" 9/10
Oscar, 10, Westcliff-on-Sea
"I thought it was really funny. Brian inside the tree was the funniest bit for me." 10/10
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Kaitlyn, 12, Leigh-on-Sea
"I really liked Mrs Crusoe. She was the best and also Gok." 10/10 |
Kaitlyn
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Olivia, 11, Basildon
"All the things that went wrong made me laugh. I thought it was better and funnier than last year's panto." 10/10 |
Olivia
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Billie, 13, Brentwood "I really liked all the jokes. The monster was really cool. I liked the friendship between Gok and Brian - it really made me laugh. I've had such a good time." 9/10 |
Billie
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