Katie Price Faces Setback as Adults-Only Pantomime Struggles to Sell
Katie Price, the former glamour model turned media personality, is no stranger to making headlines — but her latest theatrical outing isn’t grabbing attention for the right reasons. Just hours before taking to the stage in the adults-only Easter pantomime Pinocchio alongside 90s TV veteran Bobby Davro, ticket sales have failed to ignite the kind of buzz organizers were banking on.
Set at the Northwich Memorial Court, the performance promises laughs, cheeky humor, and a dash of nostalgia. Yet, with large blocks of unsold seats and dwindling public interest, the show is shaping up to be more of a flop than a fairy tale.
A Raunchy Return to the Stage
Katie Price, 46, is set to headline the “no strings attached” pantomime that leans heavily into risqué humor, adult-only content, and playful satire. Joining her on stage is Bobby Davro, the former EastEnders actor and veteran comedian known for his energetic performances in variety shows and pantomimes.
The show, billed as a “hilarious Easter panto with no strings attached,” is a twist on the classic Pinocchio tale, swapping innocent family fun for bawdy jokes and outrageous antics.
But despite the names attached, ticket sales have been sluggish — with seating charts showing vast areas of the theater still available just hours before the curtain rises.
Ticket Sales Plunge Hours Before Showtime
A look at the ticket booking platform reveals a grim picture for the production’s opening night. At £24 per ticket, the pricing is far from steep — yet whole sections of the venue remain unsold.
It’s a disheartening blow for the star, who has been banking on the success of her theatrical ventures following a difficult few years financially and personally. This marks another chapter in Price’s recent struggles to reinvent herself through stage work.
The adults-only panto format, while edgy and attention-grabbing, may not have broad appeal in a smaller town like Northwich — especially during the Easter period when audiences often gravitate toward more family-friendly options.
A Familiar Venue with Familiar Issues
This isn’t Katie’s first time performing at Northwich Memorial Court. In January, she joined forces with close friend and fellow reality TV veteran Kerry Katona for a traditional take on Cinderella — another production that sparked as much criticism as curiosity.
Despite being paid a five-figure salary (reportedly £50,000), Price’s stint as a wicked stepsister was marred by claims she appeared unprepared, failed to follow choreography, and drew flak for lackluster performances.
Katie’s Panto Past: Glamour and Gaffes
A History of High Fees and Higher Expectations
Katie Price’s foray into pantomime hasn’t come cheaply for producers. Reports have revealed she was paid handsomely — often five-figure sums — to headline various shows. But critics and fans alike have questioned whether the return on investment has been worth it.
In her Cinderella role earlier this year, video clips from the show posted to TikTok painted an uncomfortable picture. Price was seen singing “A Whole New World,” a track she originally recorded with ex-husband Peter Andre in 2006. While it made for a nostalgic moment, the performance quickly went viral — for all the wrong reasons.
Comments ranged from supportive to savage. One viewer mused, “Bad singing is mandatory in panto so it doesn’t surprise me,” while others were less kind: “Omg she’s like a screeching cat,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “Wow did she even rehearse?”
Dance Drama and Choreography Confusion
If the singing sparked criticism, the dancing fueled it further. Footage showed Katie visibly off-beat, unsure of the steps, and appearing generally confused by the choreography. Online commentators had a field day:
-
“Katie getting the choreography wrong, an icon!”
-
“She doesn’t look like she knows any of it.”
Even fans who were sympathetic couldn’t help but notice the lack of polish in her performance, with some questioning whether the star had put in the required rehearsal time or was simply phoning it in.
Bobby Davro: The Veteran Performer Caught in the Crossfire
While Katie Price’s presence draws headlines, Bobby Davro’s involvement brings gravitas — and a contrast in stage pedigree. The comic, who made his mark in the 1980s and 90s with shows like Copy Cats and EastEnders, has decades of live performance under his belt and is a familiar face on the panto circuit.
Yet even Davro’s seasoned reputation hasn’t been enough to save ticket sales or quell the skepticism surrounding this production. It remains to be seen whether his comedic timing and improvisational charm can elevate the energy on stage and pull focus away from the criticism leveled at his co-star.
Behind the Scenes Tensions
Parking Drama and PR Fallout
Even off-stage, Katie hasn’t avoided controversy. During her previous panto run at Northwich, she was spotted parking in a disabled bay without a badge — sparking outrage from the public and theatre staff alike. Katie later clarified that her son Harvey, who has complex medical needs, was in the car with her, and thus she was entitled to use the space.
The explanation did little to soften public perception, as many saw it as yet another case of Price bending rules without consequence.
A Divisive Reputation
Katie Price’s history of media controversy, bankruptcies, plastic surgery, and reality TV drama continues to follow her into every new endeavor. While some fans remain loyal, others are quick to criticize her work ethic and professional approach.
Her efforts to reinvent herself — from author to OnlyFans creator to panto queen — have been met with mixed reactions. And in the theatre world, where consistency and professionalism are paramount, that reputation may be proving more of a hindrance than a help.
The Future of Adults-Only Panto?
A Niche Format with Risky Returns
Adults-only pantomime, while increasingly popular in urban hubs and fringe theatre scenes, remains a niche format. When done well, it can be hilarious, edgy, and refreshing — offering grown-ups a raunchy twist on traditional tales. But when ticket sales rely primarily on celebrity draw rather than theatrical merit, the results can be uneven.
With ticket prices modest and a known venue at their disposal, producers were likely banking on star power and local interest to carry the show. Instead, the lukewarm response may raise questions about whether adult panto has staying power outside major cities or dedicated comedy festivals.
A Career in Transition
Katie Price is clearly still in search of her next successful reinvention. After decades of tabloid fame, TV deals, and personal drama, pantomime may have seemed like a fun and financially viable pivot. But the demands of live performance, especially in front of a skeptical audience, don’t always align with her strengths.
Whether she continues down this theatrical path or returns to reality TV, podcasting, or digital content creation, one thing is clear — her ability to attract headlines remains undiminished.
Conclusion: A Show Must Go On… But Who’s Watching?
As Katie Price and Bobby Davro prepare to take the stage for their Easter-themed Pinocchio pantomime, the atmosphere is less “opening night excitement” and more “cautious optimism.” Despite a strong promotional push and eye-catching branding, poor ticket sales and lingering criticism are threatening to overshadow the show itself.
Katie Price’s reputation as a larger-than-life celebrity may help keep her in the spotlight, but in the world of live theatre, talent and preparation often speak louder than tabloid fame. Only time will tell if this show finds its audience — or becomes just another cautionary tale in Katie’s unpredictable career.
- Strictly Come Dancing 2024 full line up: All the contestants on the hit BBC competition - April 21, 2025
- Fresh blow for Katie Price as her ‘adults only panto’ fails to sell hours before she hits stage with 90s TV legend - April 21, 2025
- Universal credit log in: How do I sign into my account? - April 5, 2025
Follow