Sir Laughalot brings laughter and Christmas cheer to Tameside

Ensemble Theatre’s Sir Laughalot and the Twelve Knights of Christmas proves that pantomime magic is alive and well in Tameside, delivering laughter, warmth and festive fun for audiences of all ages.

The production marks a welcome and much-celebrated return for pantomime legend Michael Lawlor, who steps back into a frock after coming out of retirement to play Dame Aunt Polly. Having been synonymous with the Dame role across the region for more than four decades, Lawlor’s return feels like a homecoming, both for him and for audiences who have clearly missed his unmistakable comic timing and rapport with the crowd.

From his first entrance, Lawlor commands the stage with ease, drawing laughs effortlessly and embodying everything a traditional pantomime Dame should be. His performance as Aunt Polly is packed with wit, warmth and cheeky humour, proving why he remains one of the most loved figures in local theatre. The audience response says it all - loud laughter, enthusiastic participation and smiles from start to finish.

The title role is taken on by Nigel Skinner, who plays Sir Laughalot, a knight cursed to laugh constantly. Skinner’s physical comedy and infectious energy make the curse a joy to watch, and his commitment to the role keeps the momentum of the show bubbling along nicely. Together with the rest of the cast, he helps bring writer Janet Fagan’s medieval-inspired pantomime to life.

The plot follows Sir Laughalot and his companions as they battle wicked witches in a bid to save the knights and a prince from being turned to stone. It’s a classic good-versus-evil panto storyline, complete with plenty of audience interaction, boos, cheers and laughs along the way. Add in a dragon, colourful costumes and musical elements, and the production has all the ingredients needed for festive escapism.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its broad appeal. With a cast ranging in age from seven to 77, the humour lands across generations. Even those who might not consider themselves theatre fans are won over, proof that this is pantomime at its most accessible and enjoyable.