Cinderella, a panto at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre

Great Yarmouth Area, Norfolk, UK
Christmas, Christmas in Norfolk, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Norfolk for families, Panto, Things to do in Great Yarmouth, Things to do in Norfolk

The O'Hallorans

We’re made up of Lyndsey, John and Erin, who all love a new adventure. We try to get away as much as possible, especially during school holidays and variety is a must for us. That means staying anywhere from a luxury hotel to a hostel and it’s not often we go to the same place twice.

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Norfolk has so many great things to do and see during the festive season. If you’re looking for a family-friendly panto to watch, the Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston is an ideal choice. For 2024, Cinderella is the panto of choice!

Address and contact information

Pier Gardens,
Gorleston-on-Sea,
Great Yarmouth,
NR31 6PP
01493 662832
Website: http://gorlestonpavilion.co.uk/

What parking is available?

The Pavilion Theatre does not have direct parking. There is plenty of free parking and pay and display parking, within walking distance of the theatre.

Panto toys and programmes

Who doesn’t love to buy a program when they go to the theatre? In 2023, programs for Dick Whittington cost £3 each.

Also available to buy before the show and during the interval are panto toys. Unlike some theatres, these items are reasonably priced at the Pavilion Theatre. Prices were around £4-£6 and items such as the following are available to buy:

Unicorn headband
LED swivel spinner
Pixel sword
Star wand
Rainbow foam baton
Spikey ball

Cinderella and Prince Charming at Gorleston Pavilion

A family-friendly pantomime: Cinderella

Seating with a difference

Before the show started we were shown to our seats. Seating at the Pavilion Theatre is a little bit different compared to a traditional theatre. Here, you’re seated at tables of 6, being shared with others unless you book all 6 seats.

We had seats at the front and side of the table and had a great view of the stage. It was nice to have somewhere to put our things, without balancing everything on our knees! This is a much more comfortable way to enjoy a show at the theatre as a family.

Baroness Hardup at Gorleston Pavilion's Cinderella

Cast

Cinderella – Lucy Roper
Buttons – Jamie Coleman
Prince Charming – Charlotte Ware
Dandini – Kimberley Mason
Baroness Hardup – Alison Dean
Primarketta – Mike Coleman
Quedelia – Tom Girvin
Fairy Godmother – Eloise Holland-Hare

Although you won’t find big names at this panto like at the bigger theatres, you’re still in for a fantastic show. This year, I think all the main cast have plenty of time on the stage, and each really has their time to shine. Buttons is that likeable character though, that all of the audience end up cheering for, and we loved him.

Of course, a panto wouldn’t be the same without a dame and this year it’s the two ugly sisters. We saw Mike Coleman in last year’s panto and loved him so we were glad to see him back this year as Primarketta. Playing his sister is Tom Girvin as Quedelia. We loved seeing what crazy outfits they would come out with next and there’s a particularly funny dance scene which was a favourite of ours.

Prince Charming and Dandini at Gorleston Pavilion's Cinderella

Soundtrack

One of the things that Erin said during the show was that she loved how many songs there were. You can’t beat a bit of a sing-song at the pinto and Cinderella excels in this area. There’s a real mix of music throughout, including a party with some well-known songs. It was great for most of the audience to know a lot of the songs, and really feel included.

There’s a great part where the whole audience are encouraged to join in, with a fun rendition of Old Macdonald. Erin thought this part was hilarious and wanted it to go on for longer than it did!

Erin was sitting dancing in her chair, and I don’t think anyone would have complained if she’d got up to dance. That’s the lovely thing about this theatre. It was quite a relaxed performance with plenty of children and families, all having a great time during the show.

Baroness Hardup. Quedelia and Primarketta at Gorleston Pavilion's Cinderella

Boo! Hiss!

Another great way that Cinderella was able to really invoice the audience was by getting them to participate throughout. Buttons encourages the audience and shout whenever he comes on the stage and when Baroness Hardup appears you can boo and hiss. Erin and I get into this part of the panto so much and love booing as loud as we can.

Cinderella is such a family-friendly panto and the Pavilion Theatre is a lovely venue. With the choice of well-priced souvenirs and snacks, it’s a great choice for everyone that won’t break the bank. We’re already looking forward to going back in 2025!