Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia

Gresham’s have been performing at the Fringe for many years and have a history of approaching traditional works in a new way. This is no exception; who else would consider turning one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies into a pantomime?

Much of the basic story is retained. As in the play, King Lear is old and tired and wishes to retire and split up his kingdom among his three daughters. However, in a minor departure from the original plot, this is to be decided by an X-Factor style singing contest!

Every pantomime needs a villain and this is provided by Edmund, son of the Duke of Gloucester. From the moment he appears, wearing a cloak and with a thoroughly evil laugh, the audience immediately recognises him as ‘the bad guy’ and is encouraged to boo and hiss him at every opportunity.

Probably the most bloodthirsty and violent scene in the play, the plucking out of Gloucester’s eyeballs, is retained and even expanded, but in a very humorous way. Instead of using his fingers Cornwall uses a wide variety of inappropriate household implements. However, as it’s a pantomime, nobody dies and at the end Gloucester’s sight is restored so all live happily ever after.

In true pantomime tradition, many of the jokes in this production lead to groans rather than laughs but the enthusiasm and energy of the cast is infectious, leading even the most cynical members of the audience to boo, hiss, clap along and shout ‘he’s behind you’. Great fun.

Reviews by Alan Chorley

History Boys

★★★★

Dracula

★★

Cherry Orchard

★★★★

Azincourt

★★★★

Secret Garden

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

Gresham's returns for its 14th consecutive Fringe. Complete with ugly sisters, panto villain and a bit of 'X Factor'! Why can't a tragedy be a laugh? 'Worth getting out of bed for' - **** (ThreeWeeks).
Buy cheap tickets for Agatha Christie The Mousetrap
Buy cheap tickets for Mamma Mia

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Abba Voyage
Abba Voyage

From £67.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for MAMMA MIA!
MAMMA MIA!

From £15.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Matilda

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Marriage of Figaro
The Marriage of Figaro

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Frankie Valli
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma
Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for Alls Well That Ends Well
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Starlight Express
Buy cheap tickets for Mrs Doubtfire
Buy cheap tickets for Mozart - Her Story
Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Mark Strong and Lesley Manville