A British Christmas Tradition: Pantomimes

Pages from printed programme for Robinson Crusoe pantomime performed at the Theatre  Royal, 
Drury Lane, December 1881, England.  (c) Victorian & Albert Museum, London

Pantomimes are a mainly British tradition, that has come to be performed almost exclusively in modern times around Christmas.

Being a type of theatre, pantomimes have of course, been adapted to the toy theatre.  The toy theatre versions originally came out during the Victorian age.  Victorian pantomime inspired today's versions, but were very much of their time.  The history of pantomimes goes back much further, however...

West End LIVE! Does Toy Theatre?!

Once again Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop is performing as part of the West End LIVE! event, performing today and tomorrow in Trafalgar Square.

Note that if you do attend, and post photos from the event on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with hashtag #pollockswestendlive, you will automatically have a chance to win a FREE toy theatre!

The cast having their costume fittings at the shop, and "getting into character"

We welcome you to Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop's West End LIVE! theatre...

Come see the beautiful stage, costumes, and very talented (and FUN!) performers...

Toy Theatre performers go Gangsta

Who are these two strangers, dressed in black?!

See you next year at West End LIVE!

Pollocks West End Live!

Panto

In the spirit of Christmas, I offer this link to a video of a 2002 production of Dick Whittington.

Now I fully admit as an American I was totally ignorant of this until recently, but was delighted to watch it. What fun!

New Dramatis Personae Catalogue

The new Dramatis Personae catalogue online. This catalogue has some of the most unique and special ephemera you could find anywhere, including many relating to toy theatre. I highly recommend that you check them out...

Luman Coad

I didn't even know this was coming to where I live, but last night I had a surprising privilege to watch a performance by a great puppeteer named Luman Coad. It was the first time I saw in person a full-blown Commedia del l'Arte pantomime show.

It was called "The Harlequin's Cloak", and it included the classic stock characters of Harlequin, Columbine, Pantalone, El Capitano, and Pierrot. It was indeed very special, and he included a 'how he did it' afterwards, on some of his secrets 'behind the curtain', to the whole audience. After everyone else left, I asked if I might speak with him, and he kindly took time to visit for a bit; I learned that he has worked in television and film, and has worked all around the world, for over 40 years. It was a joy to see him work!

Here are some photos from the performance and the interview afterwards...