Pantomime Theatre….Such a Treat!
Having traditions is very important for kids – even if they don’t always recognize it until later in life 
– and one of our traditions is to attend a pantomime each Christmas. A pantomime is a tradition in British theatre dating back to the middle ages – something between a music hall production and Italian commedia dell’ arte – and it’s alive and well on Vancouver Island, where many theatre companies run a pantomime, usually from Boxing Day until just after New Years. What’s so special about a “panto,” as they’re called? Audience participation is not only ok, it’s mandatory. Cheering the heroes and booing the villains, among other things, is crucial to a panto – and that’s something you don’t get sitting in a movie theatre.
Here’s a quick rundown of some pantomime in the area:
The Chemainus Theatre has Rumpelstiltskin running from Dec. 20 – Jan. 3,
Ladysmith Little Theatre features A Very Sticky Christmas from Dec. 26 – Jan. 6,
Peter and the Wolf plays at the Nanaimo Theatre Group Dec. 26 – Jan. 5,
Echo Players Village Theatre in Qualicum will be putting on Puss in Boots Dec. 19 – 31st,
and Courtenay Little Theatre has Snow White at the Sid from Dec. 26 – 31st.
Do Try and catch some of these showings…
