Pantomime in its present form of being based on a fairy tale, having cross-dressing, audience participation (particularly children), slapstick, and topical and sometimes mildly suggestive humour, was developed mainly in Britain from early Italian commedia dell’arte. Such typical pantomimes have also been present in Canada, but in America only to a limited extent.
The tradition has been kept alive and well in Durban for a decade by KickstArt, whose latest production Jack and the Beanstalk opened to a packed house last night at the Sneddon Theatre.
Acting, dancing, singing, sets, effects, puppets, lighting, and music and sound were all to the very high standards which have won award after award for the Company.
As I have been able to do in previous years, I can heartily recommend that local residents and visitors avail themselves of this opportunity between now and 5th January for a top-class and thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of entertainment.
© Colonialist December 2013 (WordPress)
Colonialist's Blog 
I used to love going to the Durban pantomimes as a child. It’s been a lo-o-o-o-ng time!
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It looks delightful.
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It looks a blast, Col 😀 I do love a good pant, if only for the change to bawl bawdily at the actors and have sweets chucked at us on a regular basis.
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Treasured aspects!
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OH NO IT ISN’T!
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OH YES IT IS!!!!
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BEHIND YOU!
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I love our pantomimes…
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I have friends in Peterborough who do pantos every year around the holidays. I was lucky enough to attend one a couple of years ago. I participated to the hilt, because Clive threatened to bring me up onstage if I didn’t.
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He has a nice persuasive way about him, doesn’t he? 🙂
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I love pantos. This looks like a great performance. 🙂
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I haven’t seen a panto since moving to France 20 odd years ago. I miss the yearly fun, but French humour is vastly different from British, and a panto would go down like a lead balloon hereabouts. I understand that in the Dordogne which is VERY English, they do have all sorts of British imports like cricket and pantomimes.
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Pity that. I could imagine a lot of nonplussed Gallic shrugging at the fare served up last night!
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The smell of the grease paint and the roar of the crowd are wonderful from both sides of the footlights! That production sounds good!
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Truly excellent!
My experience on the other side of them was of brief duration – child singer, and then as the assistant to my dog who was the real star.
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I agree with Misswhiplash, LONG LIVE THE PANTOMIMES. Thank you for sharing Col.
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The photos make it look like great fun!
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Really spectacular, all of it!
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I used to look forward to the pantomimes as a child. Brings back great memories.
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One is never too old to repeat the experience if there is a convenient one happening within reach!
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I would love to go but I no longer live in London where I grew up as a child. There are no pantomimes here.
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That is a pity.
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Yes a real shame!
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We have been attending the plays at a local college for the last few years. I’ve enjoyed every one of them; the talent is remarkable. The last one was Big River, as a musical, and it was the best one yet! I was told Jim was played by a local military man who is now starring on Broadway.
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There is nothing quite like a live show for sheer entertainment! One is in awe of people who can produce such perfection right in front of one without ‘take’ after ‘take’ in front of cameras.
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I love panto’s, I started back when a little’un, my dads works use to hold one.. we are going to the Mayflower in Southampton to watch Robinson Crusoe. Not a traditional one but should still be fun…
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How interesting! That should be fun, indeed.
We managed to see ‘Phantom of the Opera’ at the Mayflower. It was the first time it had moved out of London. Just for a bit of extra excitement, the chandelier fell down for real!
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that must of been a great experience… 😉
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I love Panto’s – wish I could go every year…
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We are so lucky having an ‘in’ with the producers for reserved seats!
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When i was just a wee thing going to the panto at Christmas, just after actually, was the thing that we children most looked forward to. I used to take my own daughters when they were small.
but now it seems that TV and Box 360 have taken away that pleasure.
Yes there are still pantos, and there are still children that enjoy the but not to the same extent.
SO I URGE YOU , IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY, TAKE CHILDREN AND GRANCHILDREN TO SEE THE PANTOMIME
they may not be here at all in a few years…..Long live the Panto!
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Hear, hear!
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wow just love it 🙂 next year I want to treat us to a live show of some sorts and your post has now really motivated me even more so.
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These are particular fun coming at this time of the year!
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🙂
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