Like all great/crazy ideas, this pantomime-mash-up came about in a roundabout way.
For the last ten years or so, I have been writing short 3-hander pantomime scripts for local attractions as well as writing full scripts for 20+ youth theatre performers. One way of ensuring that all of the young performers had a decent size role (the first thing they do is count their lines!) was to amalgamate two pantomime stories. I also wanted to write a show with an ‘eco’ theme to fit with the Badapple Theatre low-carbon ethos. The resulting ‘plot’ (a dirty word in pantomime) had merit, and so a plan was hatched to create the eco-panto-mash-up for just three performers: taking Badapple’s signature style of incorporating puppets, original songs, multi-roling and a large dollop of silliness, to a new level.
All good pantomimes should be specific and relevant to time and place. This is a brand new pantomime written for 2024, but relevance to ‘place’ with a touring show is a little more tricky. This show aims to reference the village themes relevant to the communities it is touring to, whilst also celebrating the sense of occasion and togetherness that is so unique to each village hall. The audience will be at the very heart of this event, whilst also enjoying all the trappings of pantomime that we all know, love and love to hate.
I love pantomime. It is a genre like no other, unique to British audiences who instinctively know all the rules. It creates a safe place for you to let your hair down, cheer and boo amongst friends and family, where the cheesiest of jokes are not only tolerated but positively encouraged. As a proud Yorkshire Dad, I have been honing this style of humour for many years and I know I have got the level just about right when it passes the ‘groan’ test with my teenage daughters.
This pantomime will provide some much needed escapism on your doorstep: with the magic and glitz of a larger scale Panto packaged into your local hall, featuring multi-talented performers, throw in cheaper ticket prices and less need to travel and you’ve got a festive theatre experience you can bring the whole family along to without breaking the Christmas budget.
About Richard
Richard is a York based actor, writer, singer and theatre director.
As an actor, Richard has performed for companies including York Theatre Royal, Leeds Playhouse, Archipelago Arts, Fidget Theatre, Tonguetied Theatre, Badapple Theatre, Red Ladder, Nottingham Playhouse, Bath Theatre Royal and North Country Theatre. TV credits include Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Coronation Street and various short film roles.
He also works as a storyteller and has written and produced several children’s shows for museums, festivals and visitor attractions, including 10 years as resident writer and director at York Maze.
As Associate Artist at Badapple Theatre, Richard has co-directed six productions (The Thankful Village, Farmer Scrooge’s Christmas Carol, The Last Station Keeper, The Snow Dancer, The Elves and the Carpenter, Eddie and the Gold Tops). He has also run their youth theatre and written pantomimes and radio play scripts.
Richard also specialises in choral singing and is currently the Musical Director of Harrogate Male Voice Choir. For more information visit www.richardkay.net