“Three things are required at Christmas Time.
Plum Pudding, Beef and Pantomime.
Folks could resist the former two,
But without the latter, none can do!”
That’s what the Victorians said about the time of year when packed theatres echo with helpless laughter and ear-splitting cheers and ‘boos’ from children aged five to 95.
Pantomime season’s already underway at some venues, with more opening shortly, featuring TV soap stars; pop singers; comedians and sitcom actors…and those stalwart performers who annually put on ‘skirts’ (never ‘drag’ in pantomime) to become the beating heart of any pantomime – the Dame.
Although pantomimes often open in late November, traditionally the first performance was always on Boxing Day and they’d run for several weeks.
A mate witnessed those terrible Winters of the 1970s – Mike and Bernie – wandering through “Robin Hood” at Bristol Hippodrome . . . at Eastertime!
Not many pantomimes feature sports ‘personalities’ today, because after their first entrance, the novelty wears off once audiences realise talented sports stars don’t necessarily make talented actors.
Then again, you rarely see Panto Dames playing in the Rugby World Cup!
Before the season ends in January, I’ll try and fit in some amusing panto stories, but I’ve only got space for one,concerning the great pantomime Dame and Welsh Prince of Laughter, Wyn Calvin.
Because he performed in ‘skirts’ he could usually pass through the stage door unrecognised.
But, one night, a lady waiting outside the Theatre Royal, Nottingham, recognised his voice, grabbed her little girl’s programme, gave it to Wyn and said “Sign this for her!”
Charming!
Having asked the girl’s name, Wyn turned to a photo of himself as The Dame, signed it “To Avril” and handed it to her.
The child looked at it and burst into tears, prompting her mother to ask, “What’s wrong, dear?”. Her daughter, tears rolling down her cheeks, sobbed “He scribbled all over my programme!”
Whether you attend a professional pantomime or an am-dram production, you’ll be transported into a colourful world of quick-fire comedy, slapstick, song and dance and hilarious audience participation for a couple of hours – something we could all do with.
See you in the posh seats!