Review: PANTOLAND, Peter Duncan - Online

Photo credit: Gordon Render

If you’re looking for a Christmas pantomime experience like no other this year, then look no further than Peter Duncan’s online production of Pantoland.

Dame Dolly Doughnut takes us on a storytelling experience with the help of a few puppet friends. Aladdin, Peter Pan and Little Red Riding Hood are among those within the stories too and there’s even a few panto songs thrown in for you to sing along to.

At just over an hour long in duration, it will keep even the youngest children’s attention nicely, as they join in and shout back at the TV set when prompted.

Duncan takes on the lead role of Dame Dolly Doughnut with the ease and experience that he clearly has, as well as having written the screenplay and directing. Filmed outdoors in London on the hottest day of the year, it may not look like the traditional pantomime classic, but it definitely feels like it!

The costumes, designed by Natalie Beaumont, are extremely imaginative, especially for Duncan’s Dame character and the storytelling is visually supported by wonderful artwork that is a pleasure to see.

It’s a great ensemble cast with a children’s TV presenter vibe, so everyone will find both the performers (and puppets) and characters easy to relate to.

It’s a well put together piece that is perfect for the whole family to sit and share the experience together (especially if you’re counting the pennies this Christmas), to keep the kids entertained for a while or to share as part of a group.

So, treat yourselves Besties, with a feel good pantomime experience from the comfort of your own home.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

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