Dames in drag
Filed Under Events | December 4, 2007
Taking your tots to theatre and live performances is a great way to start some family traditions. And one great family-friendly theatrical tradition is the British pantomime. Pantomime combines singing, dancing, buffoonery, slapstick, in jokes and lots of audience participation with the plot of children’s stories. Customs include the pantomime dame being played by a man in drag, a horse or cow played by two actors in one costume, and lots of double entendres.
Perhaps because of our British roots, pantos abound in the Lower Mainland at this time of year:
Aladdin
White Rock Playhouse Theatre, 1532 Johnston Road, White Rock
Speaking of tradition, Alladin was the first pantomime ever performed, and this one includes magic, mayhem and those three all-important wishes. Runs November 28th to December 26th. Call 604.536.7535 for tickets and info.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Metro Theatre, 1370 South West Marine Drive, Vancouver
The Hot Dog Demon is back at the Metro this year and he’s ripe for heckling in this classic tale. Runs December 14th, 2007 to January 5th, 2008. Call 604.266.7191 for tickets and details.
Cinderella
Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 – 144th Street, Surrey
Written and directed by Ellie King, BC’s own ‘Queen of Panto’, Cinderella is true to British Pantomime tradition and filled with merriment and fun as well as some truly ugly stepsisters. Runs December 21st, 2007 to January 5th, 2008. Call 604-507-6355 for tickets and info.
Goldilocks & The Three Bears
Deep Cove Stage Gallery, 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
The classic story is beefed up with circus acts and a truly wicked dame. Runs December 20th, 2007 to January 5th, 2008. Call 604-929-3200 for tickets and info.
Garry Plotter and the Pantomimer’s Stone
Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
Based on a familiar-sounding, and more modern fairy tale, you’ll almost recognize all your favourite characters – Uncle Vermin for example. Runs December 13th to 30th. Call 604.990.347 for tickets and info.
If you know of pantomimes we’ve missed, please use the comment functionality on the site to let us know about them.
And don’t forget that booing the bad guys is de rigueur.
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Event Info Name: Goose. The Mother of All Pantos!
Tagline: This Christmas Skip The Turkey…Go For The GOOSE!!!!!
Host: Millennium PLayers
Type: Music/Arts – Performance
Time and Place Start Time: Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 7:30pm
End Time: Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 2:00pm
Location: The ACT
Street: 11944 HAney Place
City/Town: Maple Ridge District Municipality, BC
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Contact Info Phone: 604.476.2787
Email: tdramaqueen@hotmail.com
Description
Join Jack, Jill and all of your other favourite fairytale characters as they go on a wild ” GOOSE” chase to rescue mother from the evil Giant. This twisted fable is a combination of song, dance and audience participation. A musical fantasy for the whole family!
Starring Michael Roberds (of TV’s NEW ADDAMS FAMILY) as WEE WILLIE WINKIE!
Don’t Miss The Shenanigans in this Christmas Pantomime!
Directed by Ben Odberg & Martin Sheppard
Tickets:
$18 Adults
$16 Seniors & Seniors
$60 Family Pack
December 6-8, 13-15, 2007, 7:30pm
December 8, 15, & 16, 2007, 2pm
The St. Martin Players (www.smpdramatics.com/) present a panto version of “Alice in Wonderland” January 17-26, 2008 at St. Martin’s Church Hall 195 East Windsor Road, North Vancouver. ph: 604-767-0665 for tickets.