Hackney Empire Pantomime 2012

A new pantomime dame has arrived at Hackney Empire yet it's hard to replace Clive Rowe who only had to raise an eyebrow and the audience fell about laughing. But times change and Steve Elias has bravely dived into this comedy role for Dick Whittington & His Cat.

There are all the classic features of a good pantomime - thigh slapping and calling "It's behind you!" - plus lots of Hackney-only regular inclusions such as The Maytal's Monkey Man and religious praise of a cheap clothing chain store. Find out more about the show in my Hackney Empire Dick Whittington & His Cat review.

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Photo credit: Robert Workman