This year’s family pantomime, Cinderella, is well underway, and audiences are laughing their stockings off! Don’t believe me? Check out the reviews…
Press Reviews
★★★★ Reviews Gate
“For the third year running, the comedy company Le Navet Bete are taking a central role in the Exeter Northcott Theatre pantomime… the annual show is reaching a level which succeeds on almost every level. Along with a small troupe of other performers, they combine to provide some super entertainment.
“With Le Navet Bete you expect a number of things; silliness, daftness, acrobatics, rudeness and a great comedy skills; you also get water pistols, snowball fights, exploding snowmen, a unicycling Fairy Godmother and plenty of bubbles. All feature in this version of Cinderella set in the Kingdom of Exeter – plenty of local gags ensue as a result…
“A crowd-pleaser of a show and one that is well performed and directed and fits the bill for festive entertainment.”
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Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
★★★★ London Theatre 1
“The storyline as a whole has been modernised up to a point, which makes this panto feel fresh and contemporary. The songs are drawn from a broad range of chart music tunes, including Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen, 1979), Roar (Katy Perry, 2013) and Shut Up and Dance (Walk the Moon, 2014), all performed with enthusiasm and aplomb.
“The show had much appeal for adults and children alike… A highly enjoyable panto that was as glittery as it was gleeful.”
Read the ReviewTorbay Today
“This article lacks the space to address everything that was excellent about this pantomime…
“True to the pantomime tradition, cheeky jokes for adults are seamlessly woven into child-friendly humour, achieving an excellent balance. With years of experience in audience participation, Le Navet Bete skilfully combines hilarious individual interactions with crowd-wide engagement…
“In summary, the cast’s infectious energy matches the audience’s enjoyment, creating a night of unforgettable hilarity… Don’t miss the chance for an evening of laughter, children dressed as ducks, glamour, and West Country accents.”
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Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
Devon Live
Hilarious Exeter pantomime as much fun for adults as comedy hits new high
“They’ve done it again. That unique and magical partnership of the Northcott Theatre in Exeter and the Le Navet Bete theatre company has produced possibly the best pantomime in Exeter yet.
“The comedy is on another level. Funny moments in a pantomime are no surprise but this show is entrenched in humour to the extent that there isn’t a single scene that won’t generate a chuckle, if not a wry smile…
“It’s worth every penny for a feel-good few hours of pure joy.”
Read the reviewMuddy Stilettos
“It was such a cheerful, funny and festive experience that I completely understood the feelings of a small child who was looking teary as she and her mother left the theatre. When her mother asked her: what was wrong? Had she not enjoyed it? She burst into tears, announcing: ‘I just don’t want to leave.’
“Good for: anyone looking for an uplifting, jolly and energetic start to the festive season and suitable for all ages.”
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Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
Fine Times Recorder
“Cinderella is the most popular of pantomimes, but this season the only professional production in the south west is at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, where Le Navet Bete (that’s Daft Turnip in translation) has taken the story and shaken it up a bit, to the delight of children, parents, grandparents and other panto lovers…
“Cinderella at the Northcott has spectacular sets, colourful and glittering costumes and a modern vibe that brings the story right up to date. It continues until 5th January. Leave yourself plenty of time to find the theatre on the University campus, and then to find a parking place. It’s worth it.”
Read the reviewPRSD
“Plenty of the stage action makes the children laugh uncontrollably: slapstick, pratfalls, a frying pan to the head; the grown-ups in the audience laugh at innuendo, double-entre, and the banter with Peter in the front row…
Le Navet Bete have commanded the Christmas residency at the Northcott for a number of years, and have gradually perfected their shtick… This show is safe, family-friendly fun.”
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Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
Exeposé
“As every panto must, this production was full of word play, slapstick comedy, and vibrant characters. There were just enough puns to satisfy the must-have panto quota, but not so many as to take away from the jolly performances of the actors. The physical comedy was repeatedly laugh-out-loud..
“Cinderella, in a nutshell, was charismatic, creative, and witty, a spell-binding adventure for an audience of any age. It’s on at the Exeter Northcott Theatre until 5th January, so I encourage you to get tickets while you still can and treat yourself to this magical experience.”
Read the reviewRazz Mag
“The Northcott Theatre… is currently in an exciting evolution of pushing in-house and South West creative work towards the absolute forefront of the theatre’s artistic ethos…
“There was something joyful in being able to relax amongst the crowd of families and take part in the wonder of the storytelling as if watching my first live performance too. There was a little girl sitting next to me in a Disney Cinderella dress who couldn’t take her eyes off the performance. I was transported back to being that age…
“This production had everything we want and expect from panto.”
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Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
Exploring Exeter
“All the panto essentials are here – slapstick that hits different (including lots of improvised skits), drag that slays, and jokes that work for both the littluns and grown-ups. Proper job!
“My mini critic’s verdict: ‘Really really good and really really funny. Made me laugh out loud!’”
Flip Flops or Wellies
“What a really great show. Fun for the kids and plenty of adult sniggering as well, just as a panto should be…
“If you’re looking for a panto near Exeter go to this one – brilliant for all ages – oh yes it is!”
Audience Reviews
“Cried with laughter throughout! Incredibly funny script and brilliant cast! Absolutely hilarious. A MUST!”
“Best one yet. If you haven’t got tickets, go get them now. Even my 16-year-old who never smiles was laughing all the way through.”
“Thoroughly recommend for the festive fun and a really good laugh.”
“Hands down the best panto I’ve ever seen. My 8-year-old has been telling everyone about it.”
“It was amazing! We really had a very enjoyable afternoon. The granddaughters loved it, so did we… Do go if you can, the best pantomime we’ve seen in years.”
“The funniest panto we have seen in a long time! Brilliant.”
“Aching after laughing and clapping and singing so much. Go and see it! It’s brilliant.”
Photo by Craig Fuller
Photo by Craig Fuller
“It was brilliant! Looking forward to next year’s already”
“The funniest one to date. Laughed so much. Had the happy feel-good factor about it. Roll on your next masterpiece.”
“Loved every minute of it! You had us in stitches all the way through. Well done all – a brilliant show as always.”
“The best panto around… I’m still giggling”
“Absolutely brilliant. The best panto we’ve watched in years. If you haven’t already, book your tickets because you will not be disappointed.”
“It gets funnier each time. Also, the set, props and costumes are amazing. You can tell a lot of hard work and laughter goes into it!”
“Hilarious! I was crying with laughter!”
“It was hilarious. Loved the fairy godmother. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Cinderella will run at the Northcott Theatre until Sun 5 Jan 2025, with audio-described, BSL-interpreted, captioned and relaxed performances available. Don’t miss out!
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