The festive season at London's iconic Palladium Theatre has been hit by controversy as audiences are reportedly walking out of its flagship pantomime, a production starring Catherine Tate and Julian Clary. The show, a festive adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, is facing a barrage of criticism for its adult-oriented humour, with families feeling short-changed after paying up to £220 per ticket.
A Family Show Gone Wrong?
Billed as the fastest-selling panto in the Palladium's history, the production features Tate as Carabosse alongside Julian Clary and Nigel Havers. With showtimes at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, many customers expected traditional, family-friendly entertainment. However, the reality has been starkly different, leading the theatre to add a warning on its website advising 'parental discretion is advised due to innuendo'.
Angry visitors have taken to platforms like TripAdvisor to voice their dismay, with a common complaint being the show's reliance on crude gags and a perceived lack of plot or talent. One disgruntled fan described it as a 'grim, lazy tirade of innuendos', while another lamented the absence of a coherent story. The lucrative production, which marks the tenth anniversary of the Palladium's annual panto, reportedly received 'no standing ovation' at a recent performance, with some vowing never to return.
Audience Backlash and Critical Reviews
The criticism has been detailed and widespread. One long-time attendee noted that even the reliably hilarious Julian Clary seemed a 'shadow of his zany panto self', and that the audience was notably more subdued than in previous years. The exception was Catherine Tate’s well-received 'Nan' sketch, but this was not enough to salvage the experience for many.
Key complaints from audience reviews include:
- A lack of clever wit and an over-reliance on tired, repeated jokes.
- A feeling that the production is an 'adult show without children in mind', causing embarrassment for parents.
- Perceptions that the show's attitude, joking about having 'no plot', is insulting to audiences who save up for the expensive tickets.
One infuriated patron summarised the sentiment, writing: 'It’s embarrassing how much £££ is spent on so little story, talent and innuendo.'
Not All Bad News
Despite the wave of negative feedback, some visitors have posted positive reviews, praising the theatre itself, the helpful staff, and describing their day out as 'absolutely brilliant'. However, these appear to be in the minority amidst the current outcry.
The show, with tickets ranging from £35 to £220, continues its run at the London Palladium and is scheduled to play throughout December until January 11. The Daily Mail has approached both Catherine Tate and the London Palladium for comment on the audience reaction.
