This morning on Twitter I came across a Tweet that spoke to me:
They are both right so: Hats off to all the wonderful Panto actors!
This winter, I decided to make an effort to get two steps closer to the British Christmas tradition of Panto. I have always enjoyed it- first one I saw as child was Peter Pan and the next one was Mother Goose. I hadn’t directed one so I needed to gain experience. With the help of strangers, friends and the magic of Christmas ;), I shadowed for 4 days Dick Whittington and His Cat being made at the Oxford Playhouse. Steve Marmion directed and wrote it, as he has done for Oxford Playhouse since 2015. I had landed in Panto Central! The amount of work, talent and excitement that goes into making it all happen is immense. The songs, the double entendres, the physical comedy (who doesn’t appreciate a huge foam saucepan hitting a man in the face!?), the outfits and sweets being thrown at the kids. All present; I fell in love again.
Oh & if you’re in the Oxford area then get yourself over to see Dick (Whittington and his Cat) as it hits all the right notes. The kids and the rest of the family are in for a right treat. On until Sun 6th Jan. Or go to your own local one. It’s Panto Season, so enjoy it while you can.
I learnt a lot in the the time I was there (Thanks Steve, Samson, Oxford Playhouse, the cast and crew) but I do now know: One day, my Panto will come!