Famous names and fairytales are still drawing in crowds
By George Boulton, Stuart Clarke and Sean Kearns
Families in South West London still enjoy a winter trip to the pantomime judging by advanced ticket sales at some of the region’s productions.
Famous names and traditional fairytales continue to draw in the crowds, with generations of families shouting ‘he’s behind you’ from the stalls.
Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre is enjoying success with their production of Jack and the Beanstalk and slight changes made to the traditional show have proved popular.
“Our pantomimes are more popular year-on-year and have been for the past five years,” said Simon Thompson, Lyric press officer.
“It’s important in our role as a community based organisation that residents have this art form.
“It’s a very particular art form where certain conventions are stuck to but we also introduce chart music and colourful design to give it a fresh contemporary edge.”
The Richmond Theatre, which is staging Aladdin this winter, reports that their advanced ticket sales are the best they have seen for a number of years.
“Pantomimes are still drawing in the crowds as it’s such a big tradition,” said Becky Batten, press and marketing officer at the theatre.
“We get people saying that they’ve seen this show every year for ages and now they’re bringing their grandchildren.”
With Happy Days star Henry ‘The Fonz’ Winkler taking the lead role in Richmond, the theatre is hoping for bumper audience numbers heading into 2014.
“We’ve got The Pride coming direct from the West End which is our big thing in the New Year which will bring in a new audience as well,” said Ms Batten.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Lyric Hammersmith until January 4 and tickets can be purchased by calling 020 8741 6850.
Richmond Theatre’s Aladdin runs from December 6 – January 12 and for further details and ticket information call 020 8332 4500.
Photo courtesy of Lowther Pavilion, with thanks.
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