great dames
Filed Under Events | December 18, 2009
Because they require lots of audience participation, pantomimes are a great way to introduce your tots to the theatre. This holiday tradition combines singing, dancing, slapstick and jokes and the custom of the pantomime dame being played by a man in drag, a horse or cow played by two actors in one costume and a plethora of double entendres.
Panto Wars: May the Farce Be With You
ongoing to December 20th, matinee and evening performances, Presentation House Theatre, 333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver
There’s still time to catch this very modern panto, which is more in the tradition of Spaceballs than Cinderella. New from the creators of The Panto of the Rings, if your child (or your husband) has ever hankered after Pottery Barn’s classic Star Wars bedding, they’ll probably also love this tale of wookies and womp rats. Catch a few video clips here: www.phtheatre.org
Snow White
ongoing to December 26th, matinee and evening performances, Coast Capital Playhouse, 1532 Johnston Road, White Rock
In traditional English style this panto features a brave hero, a beautiful princess, dwarves and possibly gnomes and giraffes. Characters include King Burger, Sir Greasy Dipstick and Glossy Centerfold: www.whiterockplayers.ca
Babes in the Wood
ongoing to January 2nd, 2010, matinee and evening performances, Deep Cove Stage, 4360 Gallant Avenue, North Vancouver
Most performances of this show are already sold out so get your tickets while you can. Like many pantos the story’s only loosely based on the traditional fairy tale of Babes in the Woods and includes witches who misquote Shakespeare, Sir Rowland Macassar and the nauseatingly good Queen of Fair: www.deepcovestage.com
Ellie King’s Robin Hood
ongoing to January 3rd, 2010, matinee and evening performances, Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage, 88th and King George Hwy, Surrey
Known for her pantomimes, Ellie King has gone all out using the thread of the story of Robin Hood on which to hang music, slapstick, jokes and more. Characters include Dame Gertie Goodbrew, Miss Anne Thrope, Lady Marian Fitzwalter, the Demon King and Goodfairy Charm: www.rctheatreco.com
Christmas Pantomime: Dick Whittington and His Cat
December 18th – January 9th, 2010, matinee and evening performances, 1370 South West Marine Drive, Vancouver
The Metro is known for all things British and they never disappoint when it comes to their annual pantomime. Starring Dame Sarah Suet and the dastardly villain Demon Distastely get ready to hiss, boo, cheer and perform in their traditional finale the Twelve Days of Christmas: www.metrotheatre.org
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
hurrah!
i was just thinking yesterday… i wonder if there’s any good pantos on? i knew you’d be the source!
thanks!!!!
xo