THERE can be no doubt about it - The Chuckle Brothers give good pantomime.
This year Hull New Theatre's seasonal treat is Sleeping Beauty but really, as ever, it is the real-life brothers from Rotherham who are the stars of the show.
Playing court jesters in Beauty's dad's court, the stars of Chucklevision storm it, with tried and tested gags, great humour and the kind of professionalism that comes from treading the boards for longer than either of them probably care to remember. Opening night provided a couple of minor of gaffe's - a misplaced balloon boob and Paul Chuckle accidentally treading on a prostrate Barry - that actually only added to the fun of the night. The audience, who roared whenever the Chuckles appeared, were certainly willing to forgive anything - and laugh along heartily with all the set gags and pieces, which this year includes some fantastic comedic acrobatics.
The brothers are given a good run for their money this year by a great panto dame, Nurse Dolly Coughdrop, who also provides plenty of laugh-out-loud fun and the rest of the cast do a fine job in the show, which features all the usual jinx, japers and music, which this year, obviously includes the entire cast breaking out into Gangnam Style. There is also a smattering of magic, a few pyrotechnics and a fabulous villain, who you can boo to your heart's content.
As far as storylines go, Sleeping Beauty does not really have the narrative strength of, say, Cinderella or Jack and the Beanstalk.
But really if you are going to a pantomime to analyse the plot then you really are in the wrong place. If you want a rollicking good laugh - my Chuckle Brother-loving companion was wiping tears away from her face the entire show - and a whole heap of festive fun then you know you are not going to be let down.
Sleeping Beauty runs from Thursday 6 December 2012 to Sunday 6 January 2013. Tickets are available for purchase from the Hull City Hall box office, the Wilson Centre on Alfred Gelder Street, via the Booking and Information Line on 01482 300 300, or online at: www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre
