Following on from The Wizard of Oz by our youth members in mid-October, The Stage Door Theatre Company are bringing you a laugh-a-minute comedy revue called ‘Christmas Cracker’ full of fun sketches! We’ll also be raising money for a very good cause – Mid-Northland Hospice from ticket sales.
Sketches include the failed dinner party, a typical evening with Netflix, an aging Romeo and Juliet, the Blind Date, Les Mis in 4 Minutes and plenty more.
Tickets are now on sale through iTicket and the Turner Centre Box Office. Two performances only, so don’t miss your chance for some festive fun.
Lockdown put us out of action for a while and we had to postpone our youth production of The Wizard of Oz, despite being almost ready to go!
But we’re back, and the show will go on. Come and join in the fun with this classic magical tale of Dorothy, Toto and all the friends – and enemies – they meet on their journey through the mysterious land of Oz as they try to get back home. Filled with wonderful songs and colourful characters, this is the feelgood show for all the family to welcome in the Spring.
Tickets available through iTicket and at the Turner Centre Box Office.
We’re auditioning 7 to 17 year olds for our Youth production of The Wizard of Oz which will be showing at The Turner Centre in Autumn 2020, directed by Jackie Matthews.
Hurray! The silly season of saucy dames and thigh-slapping high jinks is almost upon us! The Stage Door is currently in rehearsals for our Pantomime ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’, ready for performances on December 13th – 15th at The Turner Centre, so we thought we’d look at where the pantomime comes from, and what makes a good panto.
Where does the name come from?
The term Pantomime comes from ‘Pantomimos’ – an Ancient Greek name for entertainment by a solo actor who performed all the roles. ‘Panto’ means ‘All’ and ‘Mimos’ means ‘Actor’. The modern form of the Pantomime, however, comes from 16th century Italian street theatre ‘Commedia dell’arte’ which had a fixed set of recognisable characters.
What makes a good Pantomime?
As with the Commedia dell’arte, there are conventions that many Pantomimes follow. Here are a few of them…
The main young man in the play (the principal boy) may be played by a young woman, and usually in tight-fitting male clothes (such as breeches).
An older woman (the pantomime dame – often the hero’s mother) is usually played by a man dressed as a woman, accompanied by some very flamboyant outfits!
Often the children do not understand some of the jokes in Pantomimes. They are cheeky ones just for the grownups!
The audience are encouraged to take part. For example, they call “look behind you!”, and “Oh, yes it is!” or “Oh, no it isn’t!” The audience is always encouraged to “Boo” the villain, and “Awwwww” the poor victims.
It is panto custom that the goodie always enters from stage right, and the baddie from stage left, a tradition that’s evolved from superstition of right signifying Heaven, and left all things Hell, witchy and wicked.
There is usually a messy scene, involving water, slime, bubbles or custard pies
Pantomimes are a lot of fun for the audience, and for the performers. They are traditionally performed around Christmas time to spread some festive cheer and get everyone in the mood for the holiday period.
And, if all that has whet your appetite, we invite you to come and join us!