I love the British pantomime tradition and looked forward to writing this blog piece. I had all my puns and quips lined up and then researched (see also: typed ‘panto’ into Google) the history of pantomimes to find it’s a far cry from the current comic theatre, designed for a family audience. First gaining popularity in Britain in the 1700’s, the pantomimes of old didn’t features our stock characters of a ‘dame’ played by a man in drag, a principal boy – played by a woman, or the ubiquitous ‘celebs’! The origins of British Pantomime or “Panto” as it is known date back to the middle ages, taking on board the traditions of the Italian “Commedia dell’ Arte, the Italian night scenes and British Music hall to produce what panto aficionados call an intrinsic art form that has constantly adapted to survive and prosper.
This year, we are proud to support the Reydon & Southwold Pantomime Group. Now in their 35th year of productions the group donates all profits to local charities and groups. All their shows are original, very funny and have a local twist (don’t be surprised to see the local RNLI crew) so we were delighted to be able to help. Diane and the team at our lovely Southwold branch have supplied 2 TVs and a laptop. The laptop (suitably emblazoned in Hughes livery) will be situated in Southwold library, allowing the group to offer online tickets – a 1st for the group!
Pantomime continues to break box office records all over the country. Reflecting society and changes in popular culture the ‘traditional’ pantomime is ever changing. Pantomime remains an intrinsic jewel in our arts crown and carries with it an important task; a pantomime may be a child’s first experience of live theatre. If that experience is magical enough, it can leave a lasting impression and a love of theatre that remains forever. My first panto was at the pier in Cleethorpes on a very cold January evening. Do I remember it 30-some years on…? Oh yes I do!
Click to find more about the Reydon and Southwold Group or find your local pantomime production here.
