Pantomime is once again taking center stage at one of the West End‘s most storied venues, as the London Palladium confirms the return of its festive spectacular for 2017. After the runaway success of last year’s revival, which marked the first Palladium panto in nearly three decades, producers are doubling down on the time‑honoured blend of slapstick, star casting and seasonal spectacle. The move cements the theater’s renewed commitment to restoring pantomime to its historic home, and signals a major highlight in London’s Christmas entertainment calendar.
Casting highlights and star power driving the 2017 London Palladium pantomime revival
The Palladium’s glittering comeback is powered by a cast list that reads like a cross‑section of British entertainment royalty, each bringing their own brand of charisma to the panto tradition. At the top of the bill, Julian Clary delivers razor‑sharp double entendres with the ease of a seasoned stand‑up, while Dawn French makes her long‑awaited panto debut, folding her sitcom-honed timing into the theatrical chaos. Musical theatre devotees are equally catered for as Gary Wilmot and rising West End leads supply the vocal fireworks, turning classic showtunes and chart hits into full‑scale, sequinned set pieces.
Television favourites and variety veterans complete a company carefully curated for maximum cross‑generational appeal, ensuring that parents recognize the faces just as eagerly as their children. The result is a blend of comic energy and nostalgic glamour that feels tailored to the Palladium’s grand scale. Audiences can expect:
- Big‑name comedians anchoring the humour with improv flair
- West End vocalists delivering showstopping numbers
- Screen stars drawing in new, younger theatregoers
- Veteran panto performers safeguarding time‑honoured traditions
| Performer | Background | Panto Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Julian Clary | Stand‑up & TV | Edgy, witty asides |
| Dawn French | Comedy icon | Warm, larger‑than‑life presence |
| Gary Wilmot | Musical theatre | Classic song & dance |
| Young West End leads | Stage talent | Fresh vocals and energy |
How the production reimagines classic panto traditions for a modern West End audience
At the Palladium, the familiar building blocks of British panto – the boo-hiss villains, double entendres and audience call-and-response – are being put through a distinctly 21st-century filter. Traditional slapstick is now choreographed with the precision of a West End musical, while the script leans on razor-sharp topical gags that reference everything from Westminster politics to viral memes. Classic set pieces are amplified by cutting-edge digital backdrops and projection mapping, giving time-honoured routines the sheen and scale of a modern spectacle without losing their mischievous heart.
The production also updates the panto playbook with casting and storytelling choices that reflect a contemporary London crowd. Beloved TV personalities share the stage with musical theatre powerhouses, creating a blend that appeals to families, tourists and seasoned theatregoers alike. The show leans into inclusivity and self-awareness, winking at the genre’s clichés while celebrating them. Audiences can expect:
- Interactive moments that extend beyond the stalls via social media prompts
- Revamped songs that remix pop hits with traditional panto choruses
- Costume design that fuses music video glamour with storybook fantasy
- Smart humour pitched to both children and adults in the same scene
| Classic Element | 2017 Twist |
|---|---|
| Dame’s entrance | Runway-style reveal with LED staging |
| “He’s behind you!” | Integrated with sound design and surprise lighting cues |
| Sing-along finale | Medley of chart hits and big-band orchestration |
Behind the scenes insights into staging spectacle costumes and creative design at the Palladium
Backstage, the quiet hum of sewing machines is as crucial as the roar of the audience. Weeks before opening night, costume rails begin to groan under the weight of sequined cloaks, feathered headdresses and hand-embellished boots.Designers sit shoulder to shoulder with cutters and milliners, pinning last-minute adjustments directly onto performers while lighting technicians hover nearby, checking how each fabric reacts under the Palladium’s powerful rig. Every garment is built not only to dazzle from the back row but to withstand quick changes that sometimes allow actors just seconds to transform from palace royalty to pantomime chaos. It’s a fine balance between fantasy and functionality, with the costume team constantly problem‑solving so that spectacle never compromises performance.
Across the rehearsal rooms, reference boards line the walls: swatches of velvet, sketches of oversized gowns, and photographs from the theatre’s rich archive, ensuring this year’s show salutes tradition while still feeling sharply contemporary. Creative meetings morph into hands-on experiments, as the design team tests how far they can push visual gags – from inflatable props hidden within skirts to LED trims woven into capes. Collaboration is key, with departments working in tight formation:
- Designers refine bold silhouettes that read instantly from stage.
- Costumiers reinforce seams and fastenings for rapid changes.
- Choreographers check that elaborate outfits move safely with the dance.
- Make-up and wigs extend the visual story of each costume.
| Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oversized silhouettes | Instant comedy and character |
| High-shine fabrics | Catch and reflect stage lights |
| Hidden fastenings | Speedy costume changes |
| Built-in padding | Comfort and exaggerated shapes |
Practical tips for securing the best seats ticket deals and family friendly performance times
With the Palladium’s festive calendar filling up faster than a panto villain’s inbox,the smartest families plan their visit as early as possible. Aim for midweek performances and off-peak dates (early December and post-New Year) to enjoy keener prices and a more relaxed auditorium. Sign up to official theatre newsletters and follow verified ticket partners for pre-sale alerts and exclusive family bundles, and be wary of unofficial resale sites that inflate prices and obscure seat locations. For the best balance of value and atmosphere, look for front of Upper Circle or rear of Royal Circle seats: you’ll often get a superb view of the show’s lavish set pieces and flying effects without paying top-tier prices.
- Book early-access and pre-sales via Official London Theatre and the Palladium’s box office.
- Target less popular times – weekday matinees and early December shows are usually cheaper.
- Use family tickets and group offers rather than buying seats individually.
- Check restricted-view bargains – minor obstructions can mean major savings.
- Choose child-friendly performance times such as weekend or school-holiday matinees.
| Performance | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Matinee | Younger children | Ends before bedtime, calmer audience |
| Weekend Matinee | Whole family | Easy travel, lively panto atmosphere |
| Early Evening | Older kids (8+) | Post-school treat, retains school-night routine |
to sum up
As the Palladium once again prepares to raise its curtain on a festive spectacular, the return of pantomime to this storied stage signals more than just seasonal entertainment.It marks a renewed confidence in a form that has long been a cornerstone of British theatrical life, and a reaffirmation of the venue’s role at the heart of the West End’s popular appeal.With star casting, lavish production values and a clear commitment to both tradition and innovation, the 2017 season positions the London Palladium panto not merely as a nostalgic revival, but as a flagship event in the capital’s cultural calendar. For families, theatre enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike, its comeback underlines one simple fact: pantomime, in London’s most famous variety house, is very much here to stay.
