by Hayley Andrews

Pantomime is a much-loved British festive tradition.

It is now a popular form of theatre which incorporates cross-dressing men and women, audience participation, song, dance, buffoonery, slapstick mess, in-jokes, old jokes, corny jokes, and jokes with risqué double entendre to appeal to the large proportion of parents who have brought their children along.

Since the storylines are normally slightly adapted traditional stories, we know what’s going to happen, all roads lead to the happily ever after end.

That is what pantomime is about, and that is what we love about it.

Another contemporary pantomime tradition is the celebrity guest star, which helps pull audience from outside the parents and children pool. With Hollywood star, George Takei, (most well-known for his role as Mr Sulu in Star Trek), CBeebies favourite, Phil Gallaher, comic impressionist Paul Burling and ex-Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson, the audience at Chatham has been spoilt.

George Takei (left), as the Emperor of China, stood out for me.

He stepped out of the serious actor box and dove head first into the new frontier of the camp theatrics associated with pantomime.

He delivered old sci-fi gags, over acted perfectly using exaggerated hand and arm movements as well as some comedy faces.

His costume hat bounced with his every step and head movement adding a quaint and subtly humourous element to his character.

I adore him even more having seen him in this Aladdin.

Even with his theatrical gravitas he was more than willing to allow the scriptwriters to make in-jokes about Star Trek and I’m a Celebrity.

The friendly and self-mocking feel was extended to Shaun Williamson too.

Other cast members continuously referred to him as Eastenders disaster ‘Barry’, much to the disgust of his new character, the evil Abanazar.

As Abanazar, Williamson was desperate to be a serious Shakespearean actor, but for me, panto suits him.

I found myself drawn to the brothers, Aladdin and Wishee Washee.

Their camaraderie was a pleasure to watch and they were both a real hit with the kids in the audience.

I found great pleasure in listening to the innocent giggles from all around me! Phil Gallagher (right) was a bundle of boyish bounce and joy.

Unsurprisingly his experience as a children’s entertainer won the crowd over form the beginning.

Talented impressionist Paul Burling has been in Chatham pantos for four seasons and has certainly developed a deserving fanbase.

Playing Wishee with a hint of Little Britain, Dot Cotton and X-Factor, it was buy 1 get 20 free for the audience and they marveled at the vocal gymnastics he performed to emulate so many recognizable voices.

Actress Claire Huckle is also worth a mention, she was a beautiful Princess Jasmine with an equally stunning voice.

Whether or not you are a pantomime lover, it is undeniable that this show is worth seeing. Fun for all the family…what else is Christmas about?!