One of the traditions of a British Christmas is for younger kids to be taken to see a pantomime or Panto as its commonly called. Panto is a live theatre production, done in a knockabout style, of classic children’s stories such as Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and others in a similar vein.
The show’s all have common elements, singing and dancing, over the top acting and a lot of interaction with the audience, the kids are encouraged by the characters to respond to certain lines or actions and the shows can get pretty raucous with three or four hundred 6 year olds screaming at the stage. The lead male character in something like Peter Pan or Aladdin is traditionally played by a woman, while some of the main female parts might be played by men in drag(don’t ask me why).
The cast of most pantomime’s in the UK are usually made up of a motley crew of C and D list actors, soap stars, celebrities, music stars from 20 years ago, Page 3 Girls and just about anyone who has some sort of name recognition. If Monica Lewinsky was British she’d be in Panto every year.
If you’re going to be in London during December and January and have kids with you, here’s a run down of some of the pantomime’s around town that might keep them occuppied for a few hours.
Peter Pan, New Wimbledon Theatre This one’s actually got a bigger star than most, Henry Winkler aka The Fonz does his best Captain Hook against Sarah-Jane Honeywell’s(no idea who) Peter Pan. On until 14 January, tickets £11-£23. Two shows a day, normally 2pm and 7pm.
Dick Whittington & his Cat, Barbican Theatre This is the Barbican’s first every pantomime and its stars Summer Strallen as Dick. I’m sure she’s lovely but I haven’t a clue who she is. This runs until 20 January, at 2pm and 7.15pm most but not all days, some don’t have matinees. Tickets range from £12-£35.
Jack And The Beanstalk, Richmond Theatre Former child soprano star (nothing to do with New Jersey) Aled Jones heads up the cast here as Jack, although according to the website he’s hurt his leg and will miss the start of the run, it finish’s on 21 January. Tickets £16-£23.
Cinderella, Hackney Empire This will definitely include a couple of ugly blokes dressed up as the ugly sisters. Quite highly rated, tickets are £8-£18.50 and it runs until 13 January.
Snow White, Millfield Theatre Only on until 7 January with two performances each day but at varying times, the Millfield is a far way from central London on the North Circular Road. Tickets £11.
Cinderella, New Victoria Theatre, Woking Woking’s actually southwest of London in Surrey, but if you’ve ever wondered what Patrick Duffy of Bobby Ewing and Dallas fame ended up doing, well he’s starring in this production until 21 January alongside Susan Hampshire. Tickets cost £13-£23.
There are literally hundreds of pantomime’s on across the UK this Christmas, you can get the full list at the Big Panto Guide website.
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