Bury St Edmunds: Romance and fun at panto

LOVE conquers all and that’s the way it should always be in pantoland.

But there was more than a touch of romance at the Theatre Royal, in Bury St Edmunds, with the opening of Rapunzel and the Rascal Prince on Friday night.

It had everything that you would want from a family production, including a wonderfully-created fire-breathing, scary monster. The show had song, dance, comedy, the obligatory audience participation, fantastic scenery, colourful and at times totally outrageous costumes, and a great cast.

This is a show that will delight those aged from eight to 80.

In fact it’s “well wicked” as the rapping Prince Rapscallion would tell you.

And the glorious panto dame in the shape of Steve Wickenden, as Hyacinth Horseradish, steals the show and will have you chuckling in delight with the gags and one-liners coming thick and fast.

Well-known songs litter the production and their version of The 12 Days of Christmas is hilarious... particularly the first day.

And don’t be too offended if you are from Ipswich or Norwich, as you might come in for some mickey-taking.

Rapunzel and the Rascal Prince runs until January 13.

For tickets call the box office on 01284 769505 or e-mail booking@theatreroyal.org.