Review: Sinbad, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Review: Sinbad, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn

4:26pm Tuesday 13th December 2011 in Stage: Show reviews By Vicky Cosgrove

We put this pantomime to the ultimate test by taking two young children whose usual choice of Saturday night entertainment is the X Factor.

Could Sinbad and co compete with Little Mix, Marcus and Amelia?

This Pendle Productions show promises ‘the most fantastic voyage you have ever had’ and the action moves along at just the right pace to keep children interested.

It also introduces fresh elements into the traditional format.

Instead of a pantomime horse we get a monkey, a giant teddy bear and a camel.

And as well as a fairy, we get a friendly mermaid.

The Panto Dame, Salubria Fatima (played by Anthony Batey) is an hilariously camp creation with more than a hint of Lady GaGa.

The villain, Sinistra (Darren Langford, of Hollyoaks fame), is like an evil version of Johnny Depp in Pirates Of The Caribbean.

And Tinbad the comic lead (Callum Arnott) holds the whole thing together with his ability to engage the children.

The children from Katrina's Dance Academy, Zoe Taylor's Dance Academy, The Bernese School of Theatre Dance and Drama, and Blackburn Youth Theatre deserve a special mention for their first-class dancing and acting.

*Sinbad, Thwaites Empire Theatre until January 2. Box office 01254 685500