Pantomimes
The British pantomime probably dates back to the middle ages, and blends the traditions of the Italian 'Commedia dell' Arte, and the British Music hall to produce the art form that is pantomime. Commedia dell Arte was a 16th century street entertainment that used dance, acrobatics, tumbling and buffoonery.
Pantomimes have evolved to become as big a part of Christmas as Santa Claus and his reindeer. Most pantos have a very familiar story line, which ends with the principal boy and girl living happily ever after. You'll nearly always find goodies, baddies, a principal boy and girl, a dame and animals in British pantomimes. But, each character is open to very different interpretation, depending on the story being told.
Every year in 1066 Country we stage some of the best family pantomimes in the South East at our theatres and arts venues. Hastings' White Rock Theatre shows a traditional fairy-tale story with familiar faces from film and TV. Arts hot spots, the Stables Theatre in Hastings and the De la Warr Pavilion in Bexhill host alternatives to the traditional show with interpretations of long-told tales or dance and modern performance.
2009 Pantomimes and Christmas shows
Aladdin:
White Rock Theatre, Hastings – Friday 11 December 2009 to Sunday 03 January 2010
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby:
Stables Theatre, Hastings – Tuesday 15 December to Wednesday 23 December 2009 and Friday 01 to Saturday 09 January 2010
A Grand Night Out with Wallace and Gromit:
De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill – Sunday 20 December at 3pm and 7pm
A Christmas Carol:
Battle Memorial Hall – Sunday 27 December
A Christmas Carol:
St Thomas's Church, Winchelsea – Friday 27 December
Further Information: