Christmas Entertainment
With the theory that it is always good to plan ahead, planning for Christmas is now an almost all year round activity! However, we are now into November, and seems fairly reasonable to look at the very British tradition of Pantomime.
Like many things we enjoy today, panto has it’s roots in ancient folk; in the past Mummers Plays were performed seasonally in streets, pubs and by house to house visits. Mixed with the Italian Harlequin characters – a couple in love, the girl’s angry father, and his comic servants, the style of panto we now have developed during Victorian times. Based on traditional fairy stories, we always expect the same things – the love lorn couple, the dame, the magic fairy, the comic simpleton, a villain, some slapstick, songs, topical and local humour, and some audience interaction. There is also the opportunity for the panto cow, creative scenery changes, and a dance chorus.
Where you go to visit panto however can vary greatly, they are performed all over the Christmas season, from small village halls to Wembley Arena (they have ‘Peter Pan The Never Ending Story’ with Stacey Solomon as Tinkerbell if you are interested). Having a look around locally, there is much to do, and I’m sure everyone has their own personal favourite venue.
The Royal Victoria Hall in Southborough, has ‘Beauty and the Beast’ billed as “a laugh-a-minute family pantomime”. The Royal Victoria Hall was erected by Sir David Salomons in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and was remodelled in the 1970s. The original facade was in a traditional local style of red bricks, and had a cast iron canopy entrance.
Celebrating it’s 75th anniversary next year is the Art Deco building of Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Theatre. Using a cast of professionals from TV and theatre, the panto here is ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ where there will be magic beans, a golden goose, and a very tall beanstalk, as well as an evil baddie and a glitzy fairy.
For those that don’t enjoy the now traditional format of panto, there are other seasonal shows available. In the town centre is Trinity Theatre, originally Holy Trinity Church until 1974. Now a popular arts centre; the Christmas show will be Roald Dahl’s ‘Big Friendly Giant’. Adapted from the book, a young girl and a friendly giant set out to get the Queen to help them defeat the un-friendly giants. (Won’t spoil the ending for you….)
There’s no traditional panto at the often forgotten Victorian theatre at Salomons, Broomhill, but they are hosting several special evenings through December; some include performances on their organ, thought to be the finest Welte player pipe organ ever installed in Britain.
Don’t forget the many Christmas craft and food fayres, and the Calverley Grounds ice rink, and there is something for everyone, whether you are the baddie or the good fairy!
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