It wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto! It’s true, but I’ve never seen one in person. Sure, the requisite CBeebies panto on the tele when my kids were little, but that was it. No surprise then, when I received the invitation to attend a press show for Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto! Presented by Pleasance and The Vaults, it was a ‘Yes’. In fact, it turned out to be a mummy daughter evening out. Miss V and I had a blast. We sang. I shimmied. She blew bubbles. The panto is the theatre’s most ambitious Christmas offering to date, launching the build-up to Pleasance London’s 30th anniversary in 2026. At the end of Wicked Witches, Miss V and I left with a joyful buzz.
Wicked Witches Plot
Wicked Witches is a Wicked-inspired Christmas panto. It’s set 20 years after Dorothy (Dor) first crash landed into the Borough of Oz- lington. Dor joins forces with the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin 2.0. Will they stop the storm and defeat the Wicked Witch?! Seeing is believing.
This is a unique collaboration with The Vaults. The Pleasance will present two different versions of the show, with an all-ages performance for the family, and a separate, outrageous after dark adults-only show. Both versions promise a festive walk down the Yellow Brick (Caledonian) Road for a gloriously camp Christmas spectacular. Designed to bridge generations, the show is intended as a celebration of identity and community, offering all the beloved tropes of classic panto, including big musical numbers and audience participation.
Pleasance’s adults-only version of the show will have the same sentiment with a twist; a campier and naughtier adaptation providing a fabulous queer cabaret take on the classic panto tradition.
Both magical versions star an incredible cast, uniting stalwarts of the queer nightlife, drag and panto scenes. The shows are rooted in the desire to create a fun, safe space for all ages and to champion queer voices and present a panto for today and the future.
Cast Of Wicked Witches
The cast line-up is; The Wicked Witch ‘Adelphaba’ played by drag powerhouse Gigi Zahir / Crayola The Queen (Cinderella, Theatre Royal Stratford East; Frankie Goes to Bollywood, UK Tour/Southbank Centre). Eleanor Burke / Apple Derrieres (Death Drop, West End; Cinderella, Wyvern Theatre) is to play The Good Witch ‘Kelly Oz-Born’, Rosanna Suppa (Count Dykula, Soho Theatre; Lesbian Space Crime, Soho Theatre, Sleeping Beauty, The Shipwright) will play Dorothy (Dor), alongside Lew Ray (QUEENZ, UK tour, Walk the Line, ITV; Bring it On, Urdang Academy) as Tin 2.0.
They are joined by Nick MacDuff (Beauty and the Feast, The Vaults) in the role of Scarecrow and on-stage Assistant Stage Manager. The production is written and directed by Shane ShayShay Konno (Mulan Rouge, The Vaults; The Simple Life & Death, The Pleasance), co-founder of The Bitten Peach, the UK’s leading Pan-Asian queer artist collective, creating a company that is as diverse, glamorous and talented as the world of Oz-lington itself.
Jeremy Corbyn makes a guest appearance as the Wizard of Oz-lington. Jeremy Corbyn MP, comments, The Pleasance has been at the heart of our community for 30 years, and local theatre like this deserves our support. Panto brings people together – it’s fun, inclusive and a brilliant celebration of creativity. It’s a pleasure to conjure up a little festive magic with the Pleasance in their 30th year. Local theatre is where the real wizardry happens – sparking imagination and spreading a bit of joy.
Also guest appearing is Sir Ian McKellen. Sir Ian comments, Having survived – just – my appearance in the film of CATS, I am thrilled, relieved even to now be offered the role of a dog – TOTO no less in Wicked Witches. I would be barking mad to refuse.
Team Green
Is it fair to have a favourite? I don’t know but I’m firmly team green. I certainly dressed for the occasion. Nonetheless, I was touched by the message of friendship and acceptance that ran through the telling of the story. Miss V enjoyed the theatrics of it all. You can expect a tale of inclusivity, acceptance and the fun of drag with a generous helping of pop parody and cabaret.
VISITOR TIP: If you are usually in that neck of the woods, make a day of and visit Camden, Kings Cross or even Shoreditch to extend the festive cheer.
Show Details
Wicked Witches, all ages, runs from Friday 21st November – Wednesday 31st December. The adult only shows run from Tuesday 18th November – Sunday 28th December, both at The Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, London N7 9EF. Visit The Pleasance Theatre website for further details.
Will you be attending any pantos this year? What do you enjoy most about Christmas pantos? Comment below I would like to hear from you. While you are here, check out my lifestyle content and follow me on Instagram @MsXpat
Photo Credits: David Monteith-Hodge
