On Friday this week, Durham’s Gala Theatre will stage a panto with a difference. Audiences are encouraged to leave their kids behind and to expect a somewhat unusual type of show.
For one night only, Newcastle-based improv group the Suggestables will be putting on a pantomime – but with no scripts, no scores and no children.
The Suggestables’ off-the-cuff, off-the-wall show – loosely based on Jack and the Beanstalk – will see ideas from the audience turned into spontaneous scenes, skits, stories, songs and sketches.
Theatregoers should only expect the unexpected, but it can be said that previous performances have included fairies, love songs, frightening scenes, and bags of sweets as well as pantomime goodies and baddies.
Friday will be the Suggestables’ first ever appearance in Durham and – to add to the occasion – they will be joined by very special guest Niall Ashdown.
Niall Ashdown, a member of the Comedy Store Players, used to be a regular on Whose Line Is it Anyway?
The Gala Theatre said, “Every show is uniquely different and made up on the spot.”
“It’s your suggestions that inspire the crazy characters, ingenious songs, and all the imaginative twists and turns in this entirely improvised Christmas cracker of a show.”
The Gala, however, also added that the show might not suit everyone, stating “Just be warned: the Suggestables put the X into Xmas!”
The performance will begin at eight pm. Tickets are priced at £17.50 and can be booked by visiting the Gala Theatre box office or by calling 0300 266 600. They can also be booked online at www.galadurham.co.uk.
The Suggestables’ antics have garnered a great deal of praise. The Guardian have called them “one of the hottest comedy tickets in the north east” while The Journal said, “There’s nothing more satisfying than comedy that makes you ache with laughter – and the Suggestables provide exactly that … it seems there is no end to their talents.”
