Perfect Panto – Part Two

I had an email from someone, who though he is half-British, says he remains bewildered by Panto.

 

As I said in my previous entry, I’ve adored traditional pantomime since I was a child. I’m sure that part of that was implanted and heightened by the theatrical experience, and in my case, by the experience of the theatre itself. I grew up in a town that has one of the few surviving Victorian theatres that were designed by the architect Frank Matcham. The Gaiety Theatre in Douglas remains a marvel, and a beautiful example of Matcham’s art.

 

Part of my childhood Christmas memories was going to the Gaiety to see a panto. While in those years, the Gaiety was ageing and looking shabby, I never seemed to notice that; to me it was simply magical, and sitting in the stalls or the balcony, yelling out "He’s behind you!" was wonderful, in the true sense of the word.

 

I’m pleased to say that the Gaiety Theatre has been restored to its former glory. This web site dedicated to the theatre and its history is well worth visiting. Did you know, for example, that the theatre is probably the only theatre left in the world with a fully functioning Corsican Trap (watch the video!)? And the site also mentions the terrific book on the theatre written by Roy McMillan: A Full Circle. I have a copy of this in the library, and I can recommend it as a fine example of a book that celebrates the life and times of the Gaiety Theatre.