S: Hi, I’m Steph
A: and I’m Andrew.
It’s SHOW TIME - in our new mini portion of Norfolk festiveness.
Panto - we love it!
My biggest experience of Panto is at Norwich Theatre Royal. As a child the Kitt Family used to go to the Panto on Boxing Day. We loved it, a right raucous event, full of sweets. I also always wanted to use the theatre glasses too.
S: We also used to go to the Panto at Norwich Theatre Royal, the first time being when I’d just turned 3. It was Cinderella and Paul Henry was Buttons that year - known to older folk listening as ‘Benny from Crossroads’.
This is a story I vaguely remember as recounted by my Mum: When he asked if any children wanted to come up and join him on stage, one of the cast members came to the end of our row and asked our little girl (that’s me) to go up and meet Buttons. By the time she got there, Buttons was in line with about 8 children of varying ages and heights. I was led to the end of the row and was the smallest. Apparently, Buttons interviewed all the children in turn, getting down on his knees when he got to me as I was so tiny. Laughs ensued and we all sang a song. At the end a cast member gave the other children a small gift and some sweets and they all departed the stage. Not me. After all the other children left, Buttons - in trademark bobble hat - made out it was all over and he was on his own. He basically just pretended I wasn’t there, and apparently left me looking alone and forlorn (to many ‘aaaahs’ from the audience). Eventually he came to speak to me and told me he had a surprise for me and to close my eyes.
Now here’s my own memory - I remember being so young I didn’t realise how to close my eyes on command so I told him I couldn’t. I covered them in the end and the Fairy Godmother came on with her wand, to my delight and amazement - bear in mind - this was a long time ago. She produced a big bag of gifts and toys for me to take home - for which I thanked her loudly, and there was a lot of clapping.
Despite the fact I should have been traumatised for life after the whole experience, I actually wasn’t. I remember getting a tin of Quality Street - a massive thing at the time - especially as we only ever usually got Roses and Quality Street had more toffees.
A: That is actually, such a lovely look back at Panto, albeit with a bit of festive trauma.
Along with taking our family to Norwich Panto, continuing the tradition, we’ve also been to see the Cromer Pier Show at Christmas - a GOOD OLD traditional seaside festive extravaganza. And, The Maddermarket Panto, which was a more intimate affair and super fun.
We cannot leave this podcast episode without a mention of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular (this is on my Festive Wish List). Apparently, Thursford is the largest Christmas show in the UK, held annually in a converted barn in Norfolk since 1977. It features a three-hour mix of non-stop singing, dancing, comedy, and variety acts performed by a cast of over 130 professionals, many from the West End. The event is known for its lavish sets, costumes, and a blend of seasonal and modern music, which has attracted over 5.8 million visitors.
S: There are also a good few other Pantos about the County too, which we have
unfortunately not made it to YET, but listeners if you have any comments or memories about Panto in Norfolk, please drop us an email start@enjoyingnorfolk.co.uk.
