Review by Amina Meshnuni
After a challenging year, that brought dire and tiring circumstances but also taught us resilience and appreciation, it was time to celebrate the people that are making a positive difference during the pandemic.
To commemorate this, the National Lottery Fund with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Support, LW Theatres and London Palladium created ‘Pantoland at the Palladium’. Because, in the words of the well-known creative genius and executive producer Michael Harrison ‘The celebration of the great world of pantomime is much needed for Christmas 2020’.
During this event, not only were we dazzled by the glittering (sometimes literally!) performances of Julian Clary, Nigel Havers, Elaine Paige, Paul Zerdin and his puppet friend, Gary Wilmot, Charlie Stemp, Jac Yarrow, Beverley Knight and the famous dance troupe Diversity – we were also honoured by the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
In the words of the Duke of Cambridge: “A special thank you goes to keyworkers, heroes of the NHS, teachers, volunteers, transport officers and workers…”. With many of these workers in the Shpresa family, we felt that thank you was at the heart of this enjoyable celebration.
Dazzle and Cheer, a wonderful thank you for our keyworkers!
And from Shpresa Programme too, thank you!
