What is panto all about? We asked our Director, Jessica Jhundoo-Evans
We spoke to our Director, Jessica Jhundoo-Evans, about this years panto and the importance of it to us here at the Corn Exchange.
What can you tell us about this year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington?
Dick, followed by his mum Dame Jolene Malone, leaves Newburyshire for the big city of London, where he meets Alice and her dad who run a perfume emporium and together they go on a wonderful, action filled and ridiculous adventure to save London from this year’s baddie. Every panto needs one and this year its the cunning, evil Percy Rat.
We always promise a bit of magic, something a bit special, but this is top secret. So you’ll have to visit and see for yourself.
The cast and creative team this year are incredible. I've seen it a few times now and it is so funny. Energetic. Hilarious. Audiences are in for a real treat this festive season!
What kind of boost do pantomimes give theatres?
It’s a highlight of the year for many reasons. For the Corn Exchange, the panto is the only show we produce/create ourselves, which is really exciting. But it also means we keep all of the ticket sales, and this helps us to deliver our community focussed programmes throughout the year.
For regional theatres, many of which are charitable trusts, pantomimes are absolutely key to helping us to stay open the rest of the year. But just as important, we also love to see new people and families come into our venue each year and discover the joy of panto. And whilst enjoying panto, they learn about all of the other amazing things their local arts venue has to offer.
What makes pantomimes so special and why do people love it?
Pantomime includes a bit of everything: music, singing, dancing, comedy, some naughtiness if you managed to get an adult night ticket. Fun, mayhem, drama. All the components for a fun visit to the theatre. They’re usually based on well known and much loved stories, with goodies, baddies, adventure, turmoil and of course happy endings.
I think panto is, for many families, part of their Christmas traditions; something they do as a family and all enjoy. It is just fun for everyone. Our team go all out each year and everyone gets into the festive spirit together.
Tell us about the Panto Pay It Forwards Appeal ?
We have continued Panto Pay it Forwards, our annual initiative to provide free pantomime tickets to those in the community who are most in need, ensuring cost is not a barrier to experiencing the magic of pantomime.
£26,000 has been raised since we started the Panto Pay it Forwards initiative three years ago. With the appeal being well-received in the community and we know it has made a positive difference to people by offering a joyful cultural experience those who might not otherwise be able to attend the pantomime.
This year, a total of 654 free tickets have been distributed:
- 448 tickets were given to school children in receipt of pupil premium funding from 9 local schools.
- 206 tickets were provided to local community groups, including organizations such as Audrey Needham House, West Berkshire family placement, Berkshire Vision, Eight Bells for mental health, Sensory Consortium, and many others.
The whole team is committed to ensuring that we are accessible and inclusive and that everyone in the community has the opportunity to attend their local arts venue.
What do you enjoy most about putting on a pantomime, especially one that promises plenty of magic and festive fun?
It is a whole team effort, we add lots of special touches to our spaces and everyone gets into the festive spirit. It is so wonderful to see the children come dressed up and super excited. Fun is an absolute given and our audiences wholeheartedly join us on the fun train!
And yes, we always promise and deliver a bit of magic. In the past we’ve had snow, disco balls, illusions. I can’t tell you what it’ll be this year, you’ll have to come and see for yourself.
Pantomimes are all about family fun. What do you hope audiences of all ages will take away from this year’s production of Dick Whittington?
I always hope they come away saying wow! Feeling happy, excited and smiling. I hope they feel that they’ve been able to step away from everyday life and the stress that Christmas can bring to many and join us for a couple hours of frivolity and laughter. I hope they feel they’ve spent some quality time together as a family, or with friends. We have an excellent cast this year. And I hope they go away and tell their family and friends all about their visit.
What are you most looking forward to about collaborating with this year’s cast and creative team at Corn Exchange Newbury?
The cast and creative team this year are incredible. They have come together and have worked incredibly hard in such a short space of time - they just bounce off of each other and you will see this in spades on the stage. We’ve cast Chris Rankin as Alderman Fitzwarren, who audiences will know as Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films. Jade Johnson returns for her third pantomime at the Corn Exchange as Cosmo the Cat and a number of the fabulous cast have performed in hit West End shows.
Dick Whittington runs until Sunday 5 January 2025. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Photo Credit: Richard Lakos
