It’s now officially my favourite time of the year in the theatre world – oh, yes, it is!
Because, of all the West End shows, top-flight comedians, stunning dance works and, yes, even world-class opera (I’m a snob, sue me), the one thing guaranteed to light up my night is a good panto.
I’ve already got one under my belt: Attic’s rip-roaring knockabout, Beauty and the Beast, that comes with a delightful wee twist at the Tivoli.
And I am beside myself with glee at the prospect of heading to His Majesty’s Theatre for Sleeping Beauty, to be reunited with Aberdeen panto treasures like Alan McHugh, Danielle Jam and PJ Corrigan, with the added bonus this year of Gary: Tank Commander, eh?
I’m fairly easy to spot at any given pantomime. I’m the old boy who’s shouting “oh, no, you’re not!” at the top of his lungs, the baldy mannie who’s first on his feet for the singalongs, and the one needing a sooky sweetie on the way out because I’m hoarse with all the cheering and hissing.
I love the spectacle of panto; I love the lights, the costumes, the laughs and, above all, the sheer daft capering of folk on that stage, having a great time while they ensure the audience have an even better time.
And there is such a special warmth about the way that, at this the time of year, theatres across the country dismantle the fourth wall and talk directly to the folk sitting in the auditorium, making them feel as much a part of the show as the actors and tech team.
More than anything else, though, I love the way pantos celebrate the culture and community where they take place. In amongst all the standard panto jokes, there are always local references, digs at current affairs (usually at the expense of the council), and the prodding of well-kent local faces.
That’s true whether it’s Sleeping Beauty at HMT or Jack and the Beanstalk in Stonehaven Town Hall; Rapunzel at Aberdeen Arts Centre, or the other Rapunzel at Inverurie Town Hall. It’s a hoot, and we are all in on the joke.
Support your local panto
It doesn’t matter how you are feeling when you head into a panto, what might be worrying you, whether you are fed up of the cold and the dark – you are guaranteed to leave that theatre two hours later with a huge smile on your face and the spirit of Christmas in your heart.
But, behind all the fun and games and silliness, pantomime serves a more serious purpose for our theatres – helping to keep the lights on. These next few weeks are crucial for getting bums on seats and sales revenue coming in, so our precious venues have a fighting chance of weathering the financial storms that have not yet abated.
It’s thanks to the dames and daft laddies, the princes and the princesses, and the boo-able baddies that we can enjoy shows and performances all year round
It’s thanks to the dames and daft laddies, the princes and the princesses, and the boo-able baddies that we can enjoy shows and performances all year round. And that really is magic.
So, whatever else you are doing this festive season, make time to support your local pantomime. Because panto truly is theatre for the people.
Scott Begbie is a journalist and editor, as well as PR and comms manager for Aberdeen Inspired
