The Future of Pantomime...
Having been involved with the pantomime Industry for as long as they can remember, what drives the three practitioners to return each year?
"It is one of the few events where every single member of the family can come together to enjoy something," explains Pollard, a point re-iterated by Kaler: "It’s a chance for the whole family, regardless of age, to get together safe in the knowledge that they will see and hear nothing that is offensive or uncomfortable to anyone."
For Alan Taylor, "pantomime is important because it introduces children to theatre which is why it is so important that it is done well." Not only in terms of set and acting, but also in terms of script. As Kaler explains, "pantomime brings out the child in every adult and all generations should be laughing at the same gag without anyone having to explain it. It’s also part of our heritage and is uniquely British and the good professional pantos should be supported and cherished."
So what is the state of the Industry today and what does the future hold for a theatrical form that has taken over theatres every festive period for over 300 years?
"Bookings over the past couple of years seem to have been strong despite the economic downturn," says Pollard. "Maybe this is in part due to the audience knowing what they are getting for their money. In terms of paying out to see a show, a panto is a safe bet."
The importance of presenting a quality pantomime with high production values is something Alan Taylor, Pollard and Kaler believe is vital in ensuring pantomime's future. "Our audience can see where their money has gone," explains Kaler. "It’s right in front of their eyes and for their enjoyment only. Each year we design and build fabulous new sets and costumes for them to behold, with fifteen set changes. Apart from cast members, we also employ a full professional chorus line; a rarity these days in other pantos. We have a lighting designer, choreographer, musical director, musicians; none of this is cheap. The majority of pantos don’t offer these production values, but it is not reflected in their ticket prices. The people I work with are great exponents in the art of pantomime. I think the reputation of pantomime could take a dive if theatres continue the policy of spending money on star names and spending virtually nothing on production values."
"There was a time when panto was looked down on, but this seems to be changing as various theatres realise they can tailor it to their own particular style and needs," says Pollard. "There also seem to be enough performers still seriously interested in it as an art-form to keep it fresh and interesting."
As one of these performers, I ask Kaler whether he sees himself still treading the York boards in ten years time? "No one is going to see me stroll on stage supported by a Zimmer frame," he replies. "Hopefully I’ll have the wisdom to retire before that happens!"
But what is pantomime’s enduring appeal and will it still be filling our festive stage in 300 year’s time? "As long as there are theatres there will be pantomimes... I hope!" says Alan Taylor optimistically.
"We always want to be told those fairy stories, no matter what our age, and as long as we want to hear these stories, there will be panto," remarks Pollard.
Having survived the past 300 years due to its willingness to evolve, pantomime looks set to thrive for future generations as long as the Industry continues to breed passionate pantomime practitioners to carry on the excellent work achieved by Kaler, Alan Taylor and Pollard.
'Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!' runs at York Theatre Royal from 13th December 2012 - 2nd February 2013
'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood' runs at Nottingham Playhouse from 30th November 2012 - 19th January 2013
'Robin Hood' runs at Greenwich Theatre from 22nd November 2012 - 6th January 2013