Primary Times Derbyshire Oct 17

Oh no it isn’t!
Oh yes it is!
Ahem…
Pantomime season is nearly upon us once again…
Originally, Pantomimes weren’t
just restricted to Christmas
time, but happened
throughout the year, in
conjunction with religious holidays or
the seasons. 200 years ago Pantomimes
were very different, being mostly centred
around dancing and music but over the
years, audience participation and the
Pantomime Dames were introduced and
Panto became what it is today.
Although often considered to be a British
phenomenon, Pantomime actually
developed from the Italian commedia
dell’arte tradition, involving a part
improvised, part scripted play that also
paid homage to Greek comedies that
Welcome to Buxtonia – a happy land full of lovable characters
where the beautiful Princess Aurora is planning her 18th birthday party. But
vengeful fairy Maleficent has her own plans for Aurora, namely to fulfil a curse
made when the princess was just a baby. Will Dame Nanny Nora, her daft
sidekick Billy and handsome prince Christopher save the day, or will Aurora
sleep for 100 years? There’s only one way to find out!
It’s the first time Buxton Opera House has ever staged
a pantomime version of the Sleeping Beauty
story, but that’s not the only new development.
Director Philip Dart has revealed that the
production, starring James Holmes (‘Clive’ from
BBC’s hit comedy series Miranda) and Jessica
Revell (‘Elektra’ from CBBC’s Tracy Beaker
Returns), will also feature a male actor playing
the iconic role of evil fairy Maleficent. Johnathan
Tweedie’s performance as Maleficent is guaranteed
to give you the chills and make you laugh out loud all at
the same time.
Join them for this panto of delights, which will take you on a rip-roaring
adventure.
Sleeping Beauty is on the 9–31 December Tickets are priced at £19.50-
£23. Discounts are available. To buy tickets contact Buxton Opera House Box
Office, Tel: 01298 72190 or visit: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
date back to 400 BC. The idea of role
reversal – a man playing the Dame and
a woman playing the principal lead
character – is thought to have its roots
in Tudor tradition, where a “Feast of
Fools” celebration would be directed by a
commoner. Amazingly, this custom may
have come from Rome where masters and
servants would swap roles for a short time.
Despite its roots, Panto does feel like a
uniquely British phenomenon and can
be baffling to those unfamiliar with it.
Apparently, Kevin Spacey (actor and
director at the Old Vic between 2003-
2015) was “bewildered” by Pantomime
when he first experienced it, prompting
Sir Ian McKellen to reassure him by saying
“So many disparate elements of theatre
are on display…often stretching back to
Shakespeare and the origins of Western
theatre tradition and yet unique to Britain”.
The truth is, that whilst Panto is not a
universally popular form of theatre, it
flourishes in Canada, New Zealand, South
Africa, and even Jamaica, where Panto
combines with Anansi folklore.
Next time you’re at the theatre for a
Pantomime and you’re shouting “It’s
behind you!!” – remember that there’s a
lot of history behind Panto too!! Most
importantly – Join in and have fun!!
Derby LIVE & Little
Wolf present Beauty
& The Beast Derby
Arena 5-31 Dec
Coming This Christmas At
Derby Theatre
The Gingerbread Man - 5 to 31 December
A delicious adventure suitable for ages 3+ and their families and friends.
“Run, run, as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!”
Chase after our cheeky gingerbread
hero as he sets off on the biggest
adventure of his life! Out of the
kitchen, through the town, across
the fields and all the way to the
river... now if he could just avoid that
sly old fox!
Hiccup Theatre and Derby Theatre
cook up a brand new version of this
classic tale adding delicious original
live music, tasty story-telling and
dollops of fun.
Family tickets, group rates and
concessions available.
Box Office: 01332 593939 – www.derbytheatre.co.uk
Peter Pan - 2 Dec to 6 Jan
This Christmas, join Peter Pan, the free spirited child who never
grows up.
Journey with Peter and the Darling children, as they
soar through the night sky, to embark on a spellbinding
adventure to the magical and mystical island of
Neverland. Peter introduces the children to a neverending
childhood and a new world of wonder with the
Lost Boys, fairies, mermaids, the mischievous Tinker
Bell and the fearful Captain Hook…and wait a minute,
what’s that ticking noise?
As with previous Derby Theatre Christmas productions,
a talented team of actor-musicians create a charming
and captivating tale for all, with original music, stunning
set designs and vibrant costumes. Peter Pan is Derby
Theatre’s big festive production for all ages - an
exhilarating and enchanting production, sure to bring out the child in all of us.
Family tickets, group rates and concessions available.
Box Office: 01332 593939 – www.derbytheatre.co.uk
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Primary Times OCTOBER HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/derbyshire