Memorable Moments and Career Highlights
With each of the theatres possessing its very own unique house style, I ask Kaler, Pollard and Alan Taylor how they would define their pantomimes?
"It’s got all the ingredients of a traditional family panto, but refuses to play safe or be predictable," says Kaler. "It’s never boring, borders on lunacy at times; if there’s a plot it’s a bonus. Add anarchic, manic, surreal, visually stunning sets and costumes and bags of belly laughs and that’s the York Theatre Royal panto," he explains.
Pollard defines Greenwich Theatre’s pantomime as having "a great rocky band and a big sound." "Though our budget isn't huge at Greenwich," he says, "all the scenery and costumes are made for each show. The story is the show and if you let each character and cast member have their journey, it makes for a much stronger and happier pantomime."
"The Playhouse pantomimes are first and foremost family shows," explains Alan Taylor, "with the highest possible production values and a proper rehearsal period of nearly one month, which is essential to achieve the highest possible standard of song and dance."
Having been actively involved in pantomime for nearly a century between them, the three pantomime practitioners have a host of memorable moments from their time upon the panto stage.
"Although it sounds schmaltzy," says Pollard, "seeing and hearing the audience's reaction to the various scenes and the show as a whole is always one of my favourite things. I also love it, of course, when a bit of comedy business I've invented gets a big laugh!"
Pollard cites a moment in Jack and the Beanstalk as one of his most memorable in terms of individual shows. "When the audience saw the giant for the first time it was so big that it permanently took up a third of our revolve and as it swung into view you could hear the gasps. Fantastic!" he enthuses.
Jack and the Beanstalk also holds a special place in Alan Taylor’s memory as it was the first pantomime he presented at the Nottingham Playhouse 29 years ago. The production was well received by the local audience and press, but that’s not the only reason why the production has stuck in his mind.
"The beanstalk broke on the first night causing much hilarity and an awful lot of ad-libbing and improvisation!" Alan Taylor recalls. He also cites the moment his three grandchildren came on stage dressed as Dames for his 25th pantomime as a glorious moment in his career.
One performance high up on Kaler’s list of most memorable occurred when the Theatre Royal had a very special guest in the audience. "I got the then Archbishop of York to stand up in front of a packed house and sing the songsheet number which was called ‘A Good Old Yorkshire Pud’ all by himself" says Kaler, before sharing a touching story that he will never forget.
"The most memorable moment for me, however, occurred about 12 years ago and although terribly heartbreaking made me realise just what our annual offering had become part of their lives. I had just finished a week of two performances a day and feeling very tired. The stage manager came in to my room and she asked if I would go to the stage door and meet a family. I told her how tired I was and to give them my apologies. She came back five minutes later and said I think you really should go down.
"When I got to the stage door I was greeted by a lady and her husband and their two teenage daughters. She simply wanted to thank me for all the laughs and enjoyment we had given her for many years. As she explained that the panto had become part of their lives and the main highlight at Christmas I noticed the husband and girls trying to fight off tears. I returned to my dressing room thinking why did she feel the need to thank me, surely she’ll be back to see us next year? The stage manager came in and told me the lady was dying of cancer—a week later she sadly passed away.
"I still can’t believe that with so little time left that lovely lady had felt the need to personally thank me for what was after all my job. From that moment I have never taken a member of our audience for granted and realised just what a couple of hours of our little local panto means to many people."