THEY say Christmas comes but once a year… but not if you’re panto producer Tom Rolfe.
“Every day’s a panto day,” jokes the man who brings a festive show to The Witham each December.
This year it’s the old favourite Aladdin.
The official show launch may have just taken place, but for Tom staging each panto is a 14-month process.
“I already know what’s going into which venue for next year. That process starts now with flyers ready to give out at the end of this year’s panto.
“Every day is a panto day, but it really ramps up in September.”
Tom’s production company is responsible for five pantos being staged at various venues across the north this winter.
“I always say it’s a bit like Eddie Stobart with glitter. There are a lot of logistics – where is the cow going, the beanstalk, the magic lamp.”
Rather than simply rotate his shows around the venues, Tom makes sure they are tailored to the local audience.
For example, a new set is being built for Aladdin at The Witham to ensure it makes best use of the old music hall surroundings.
What doesn’t change are the ingredients which bring people back year after year to enjoy the magic of panto.
“I always say it’s like a variety show. Only the comic or the dame should break character, everyone else is there to tell the story,” he said.
“There should be plenty of music, songs, gags and effects to build up the layers of the panto.
“It is important that the show appeals to everyone – children and adults. It should not be rude. You should be able to say a true panto innuendo to both children and their grandparents.”
When audiences do come along to Aladdin, they will be greeted by a couple of familiar faces.
Eleanor Alderson and Phil Hoyles are both back for their third panto at The Witham.
“I was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz last year and Jill in Jack and the Beanstalk,” said Eleanor, who will play the Spirit of the Ring this time round.
“For anyone familiar with pantos, she is the fairy character who tells the story,” she added.
This is the perfect role for someone who describes Christmas panto as “magical”.
She added: “I just love to see the look on the children’s faces – and their parents’ faces when they are checking the kids are having a good time.”
Phil will be donning the dame’s costume again, this time as Widow Twanky.
“I have got to be the matriarch of the piece and provide the comedy moments.
“Every panto needs a panto dame. I try to make it traditional and hopefully people will laugh along.”
Aladdin will be staged at The Witham from Monday, December 16, and concludes with two shows on Christmas Eve. For details of show times and ticket prices, go to www.thewitham.org.uk or call the box office on 01833 631107.
