PANTO WARS! Which shows are worth seeing this Christmas

OUTSIDE CROYDON: Ken Towl has reviewed the pantomimes being performed in Croydon and Bromley this festive season. But there’s lots more family shows available across London.
Here’s DAVID MORGAN’s suggestions

• Elf the Musical on stage at The Aldwych (until Saturday, January 3) is super family fun. Carrie Hope Fletcher and her husband, Joel Montague, lead a great cast. Montague’s humour and timing are first-class. Her singing is superb. Top-class show.

• The pantomime at the London Palladium is what many people would say is the gold standard. This year is no exception. Sleeping Beauty has an enormous budget, well-spent on fantastic sets and costumes. Julian Clary, revelling in his “tsunami of smut” description, again leads an all-star cast which includes Catherine Tate, Nigel Havers, Paul Zerdin and Jon Culshaw, with entertainment galore.

• A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic has become an institution. This year Scrooge is played by Paul Hilton (right), best known for his Slow Horses appearance. The Dickens tale is well-told, with the talented ensemble hand-bell-ringing traditional carols. Emotions are fully tugged in this excellent show.

• And for a final recommendation that’s just a tram ride away, Diversity are starring in Robin Hood at New Wimbledon Theatre. Thoroughly entertaining.

• And click here for our review of pantos closer to home in Croydon and Bromley, together with ticket booking details

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