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Comment by Rob Keeley on March 9, 2015 at 23:34

The best pantomime I ever saw was a rock and roll one in Liverpool in 1999 where the villain was a food manufacturer and - I think - wanted to see Puss in Boots end up in a tin!  So it is possible to put new wine into old bottles and rework classic formats such as panto.  Though what the kids thought of it I have no idea.  (I was with the family and in my teens at the time, so in the mood for satire.)

 

I see this blog has been online for a few years but anyone want to join a group on here dedicated to children's theatre/entertainment?  See my blog "New group?"

 

 

 

 

Comment by Amelia Forsbrook on November 26, 2010 at 12:46

It is true we're not in the midst of a children's theatrical revolution, but does that really matter? I've never met a child who is bored of the current state of the British theatre, or one who has grown wearisome of the same old stuff and the lack of momentum in the few years since their 6th birthday. I doubt I ever will.
If you'd allow me to state the embarrassingly obvious as well, childhood only lasts a few years so once you take away the days wasted at school, awkward trips to Grandma's and the time it takes to climb every tree in town, you're not left with much time to experience the basics of family theatre (what we deem dull and samey) let alone evaluate the state of the current pre-teen arts scene.
Until the age of 12, I only saw one production (if we discount 'karaoke' pantomime... which, as always, I'm more than happy to do). I don't think that really ruined my life and the fact that it was based around nineteenth century German cautionary tales really didn't bother me at all. In fact, I'd say that until every child has seen struwwelpeter there's no need at all to generate new stuff!!
As for Wales, specifically, there have been quite a few examples of works in the time I've been down that -although perhaps not suitable for children- have been performed by children and so function as a more than adequate way of getting kids involved in the arts.... I'm thinking of Sherman's end-of-era Oedipus in particular. Now that was something very special. I'm sure you can think of more examples in Bridgend.
Right, better get me to the pub! What are your opinions?