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Panto Preview
Pantomime season is nearly upon us once again…
Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is!
Ahem…
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 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!!
A more relaxed approach to pantomime this
Christmas at the Theatre Royal Nottingham
The Theatre Royal Nottingham’s sensational family pantomime,
Beauty and the Beast, will star much-loved TV actress, ex-Loose
Women presenter, and Nottingham native, Sherrie Hewson alongside
television and stage star Ben Richards, zany impressionist and
comedy actor Ben Nickless and pantomime dame extraordinaire,
Andrew Ryan. The show will be packed with all of the ingredients
the Theatre Royal’s panto audience have come to expect; breathtaking
special effects, hilarious comedy routines, stunning sets and
costumes and quality entertainment for all the family.
For very young children, it’s worth considering one of the two special
‘relaxed performances’ on offer at the venue on Wednesday 10
January. A relaxed performance contains all the same elements as a
standard performance but is specially adapted to suit customers with
a wide range of disabilities and is also ideal for families bringing very
young babies to their first pantomime.
Find out more at www.trch.co.uk/relaxed
www.trch.co.uk/beauty-the-beast
Box Office 0115 989 5555
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Primary Times OCTOBER HALF TERM 2017 | www.primarytimes.net/nottinghamshire