★★★★★

“an incredibly creative and comical work of genius”

Potted Panto is a brilliant, fun and hilarious explosion of spectacular panto goodness! Written by Daniel Clarkson, Jefferson Turner and Richard Hurst we speed through six well known pantomimes, and are led by the leading stars Daniel Clarkson and Gary Trainor. They both shift and swap between playing the hosts, narrators and characters for each of the stories bringing to life well known stories with side splitting and rib tickling twists and turns.

Upon entering the auditorium you are immediately welcomed with well known Christmas jingles and songs getting you in the spirit for some festive tradition. The stage (Simon Scullion) is set with five windows, a door and a chest, all of which is lavishly draped in deep Christmas red velvet. Amongst these things is a podium holding a very large book, immediately setting a tone of anticipation for a bombardment of entertaining storytelling along with the mystery of who we’re about to meet. Who will be appearing in these windows and doors? What could be stored in the chest? What stories are in this oversized book that will have us cackling in mere moments. The excitement was palpable.

We very quickly meet our storytellers for the evening and they captivate the audience in a moment’s breath. The dynamic duo stun us with high energy and witty humour getting us prepped and primed for the madness that will come. You will hardly believe that these two could possibly move through so many pantomime stories and characters all whilst keeping us tickled, but they were both spewing absolute mastery in holding the audience, embodying multiples characters and giving us ALL the jokes and pantomime tropes possible. It was just out of this world how talented these two men were on stage, they made what on paper seems impossible, look slick and somewhat organised! Yes, it was naturally chaotic but they lean so far into absolute absurdity that we have no choice but to join in and enjoy the utter silliness of it all.

The Potted Panto script itself is a work of art alone, Clarkson, Turner and Hurst take the most important and iconic scenes and present them to us with a fresh new lens, they also zoom into things that are often overlooked and make them unforgettable. We see new and returning characters all made hilariously fun. The script is extremely up to date and relevant for all ages, there is really something for everyone to enjoy.

It’s really no wonder why Potted Panto is Olivier Nominated, it’s an incredibly creative and comical work of genius. We have all the traditional pantomime rules and traditions made better without losing any of the nostalgia and comforts of a pantomime at Christmas.

The talent really runs through this production, from singing and acting appearances of the stage managers, James Guilliford and Georgia Corrigan. To the costumes (Nicky Bunch), which were ingeniously put together to support a vast amount of quick changes but not forgetting iconic outfits and hilarious put-together costumes that deserve a laugh and a round of applause independently.

The sound, music and sound effects (Tom Lishman, Mark Cunningham and Drew Jameson) keep us singing and laughing throughout, helping the energy to stay high and joyful, you just want to join in with everything.

All in all Potted Panto is a glorious night out. It’s everything you want in (six!) pantomimes and even more. Get ready to get involved, have a laugh, cringe and cry if you’re wanting to see this masterpiece. It is truly worth every penny.

LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

Woolwich Works

★★★★★

“a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth”

Woolwich Works’ flagship comedy night, ‘Live at the Works’, regularly draws high profile talent, staking its claim as East London’s comedy capital. Tonight’s line-up – Tadiwa Mahlunge, Sarah Keyworth and Russell Kane, deftly hosted by Amy Gledhill – delivers a raucous mix of wit and social commentary. Upping the ante until we’re literally gasping, expect an uproariously funny yet sharply insightful night.

Produced by the award-winning Show and Tell, we start with host and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, Amy Gledhill. Gledhill – from Hull – opens playfully with some gentle northern bashing. Audience participation is plentiful and sharp, though perhaps a beat too long in places. But Gledhill makes up for it with a hilarious story about Grimsby burlesque featuring a hapless balloon artist named Sharon. Even in warm up mode, the laughs are steady. After the interval, Gledhill returns sharper and snappier than before. Hull University becomes a running gag thanks to an unexpectedly high number of alumni in the house. The atmosphere becomes communal with Gledhill impressively working the crowd. The fact not one of the Hull alumni present seems to have used their degree becomes a punchy concluding one-liner. An impressive display of improv and comedic flair.

Opening the night is Comedy Central’s rising star, Tadiwa Mahlunge. Born in Zimbabwe, raised in Cardiff and now based in Croydon, expect incisive comedy about cultural displacement and casual racism, among other things. Mahlunge toys with audience expectations, skilfully leaning into or away from unconscious biases to keep us guessing. A gag about trainers seems to fall flat with the largely white crowd – or does it? His sharp riffing on the silence is so quick witted it’s hard to tell what’s scripted and what’s pure instinct. With an easy knack for weaving in callbacks that feel slick and fresh, Mahlunge proves himself a comic talent to watch.

Next up is award winning comedian Sarah Keyworth, delivering a hilarious set that immediately draws us into their world. Themes range from youthful looks to lesbian foursomes, balancing punchy wit with an easy-going tone. Razor sharp riffing turns a slip of the tongue – calling their girlfriend ‘mum’ (awkward) – into comedy gold. Audience participation is met with sharp, snappy responses that keep the room buzzing. Keyworth’s playful mic work adds texture, even if it’s occasionally held a touch too far away. A highlight is the story about top surgery, challenging the BSL interpreter to translate ‘the surgeons moved my nipples’ with uproarious effect. It’s sharp, inventive comedy, delivered with disarming calm that makes even the deepest content accessible.

The star of the evening is multi award winning comedian, presenter, actor and author Russell Kane. His energetic, rapid fire set is outrageously funny, tearing through a dizzying range of topics – from Gregg Wallace, social anxiety, permissive parenting, Brexit, Keir Starmer and more with barely a pause for breath. Kane’s edgy style cuts deep, while pitch perfect impersonations and physical dynamism amplify the absurdity. The audience erupts in waves of ‘I can’t believe he just said that’ laughter, while the BSL interpreter is left scrambling to keep up – often stifling their own laughter in the process. Yet beneath the relentless humour lies genuine concern for society, closing with a seamless shift to sober reflection that drives home his core points. It’s a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth.

The staging is deliberately stripped back, a bare stage backed by Woolwich Works’ distinctive zigzag emblem. The sound is slightly boomy which Keyworth uses to comic effect, though Kane’s rapid fire delivery sometimes outpaces it. The lighting is kept simple, which is effective enough until Kane’s rampant energy drives him into the shadows at the stage’s edge – though more testament to Kane’s irrepressible style than any technical flaw.

‘Live at the Works with Russell Kane’ is a riotously funny night – miss it and you’ve missed out. Gledhill, Mahlunge, Keyworth and Kane each light up the stage, blending sharp insight with irresistible humour. Keep your eyes peeled for future shows at this up-and-coming venue.

POTTED PANTO

Wilton’s Music Hall

★★★★★

“an incredibly creative and comical work of genius”

POTTED PANTO

Wilton’s Music Hall

Reviewed on 5th December 2025

by Paige Wilson-Lawrence

Photography by Geraint Lewis

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LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

Woolwich Works

★★★★★

“a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth”

LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

Woolwich Works

Reviewed on 29th November 2025

by Hannah Bothelton

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