Hercules

When I first heard that Whitehaven Theatre Group were staging Hercules as their annual pantomime, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s not your typical panto fare – no glass slippers, poisoned apples or beanstalks in sight – but credit where it's due, this was a bold and refreshing choice that piqued my interest straight away. And from the moment the curtains opened, it was clear we were in for an epic (and very silly) adventure of mythical proportions.

James Ridehalgh donned the iconic sandals as Hercules, giving a performance full of charm and sincerity. He carried the heroic heart of the show with ease – even as the story around him sometimes meandered.

Shaun Donald as Ma was exactly what you’d expect from Whitehaven’s panto pro – polished, playful, and utterly hilarious. Shaun has a knack for knowing just how far to push a moment without toppling into chaos, and his scenes with Zak (played wonderfully by Jodie Morgan) were absolute highlights. Their chemistry crackled, toeing that fine line where everything feels like it might collapse into giggles at any second – peak panto magic.

Speaking of Jodie, she was, in many ways, the glue that held the whole show together. Whether bouncing off Shaun or driving scenes forward solo, her presence grounded the production in all the right ways.

Jae Wilson made for a stylish and suitably sinister Hades, serving up villainy with a side of sass accompanied often by double act Hayley Hodgson & Grant Tebay as Pain & Panic.  They worked really well together.

The music team should be commended for some excellent song choices. From the cheeky Book of Mormon, to pop hits by Adele and Marvin Gaye, the musical choices were bold and thoroughly entertaining.

Kayleigh Donald, as director, and Amy Morton, as choreographer, had quite the task in crafting a pantomime from a story that isn’t traditionally part of the genre’s repertoire. And while the result was largely a success, it did feel a touch long. Whether due to the script or pacing, a snip here and there wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Technically, the production boasted a few gems – the animated introduction on the video wall was a real eye-catcher, and the lighting design was vibrant and well-executed. Sound, however, was occasionally tricky, with a few principal lines often becoming muffled. It didn’t derail the evening, but it did mean some punchlines missed their mark.

This was another solid offering from Whitehaven Theatre Group. It might not have been my ideal panto title, but the reaction from the crowd told a very different story – laughter, applause, and the unmistakable energy of a delighted audience. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

Bravo, team – from myth to musical mayhem, you pulled it off.

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