Making a Scene

If there’s one criticism of Rhuthun/Ruthin’s annual pantomime it’s that demand outstrips supply. Otherwise, it’s a jolly occasion for the crew, cast and audience.

Sadly, Microsoft Excel and the internet have resulted in our using a colon rather than a point for clock time. Almost everywhere, 7.30 has become 7:30, as here

We think that about 1,000 people had been privileged to see last week’s Cinderella but that figure could be so much more. The only problem is that an additional (fifth) public performance puts on the pressure. It probably isn’t practical in terms of the time required during half term to ready the stage, given that all this can only occur during a single week when the school is closed. An additional matinée on Friday would probably result in those working struggling to get time off. And it all adds to exhaustion. We wouldn’t want anyone to be so tired as to miss the Saturday afterparty : ) 

Other than that, the panto this year was one of the panto society's best. We were loving the lime green glam rock knee high boots as worn by M’maa. The redoubtable yet intentionally imbecilic Billy is of course deliberately typecast as the mild-mannered Clouseau character fittingly played by one of our town extroverts. We felt that the stars of the shows were Wandalina (‘One’) and Tallulah (‘Two’) and their stepmother, for their put-downs, their costumes, their Madonna-style hair colours, their shoes and their mockingly hacksaw chuckle. That the cast come back year after year says to the rest of us that they’re a real family. 

None of this would be possible without writer, re-imaginer and director Polly Snape, who should be truly proud of this year’s hilarity. She manages to ensure that the whole project is fully inclusive: old, young, differing abilities. 

I don’t suppose it’ll be too long before future pantos are written entirely by artificial intelligence. Already, some of the cast biographies are ‘with the help of AI this year!’ (there exclamation mark, not ours). Perhaps that’s why some seem a little breathlessly enthusiastic and eager. 

The most memorable moment? There was a little bit of comic piquancy when Ella’s carriage ‘ELL A1’ (should that be ELL 1A?) was lead by one of the ‘mice’ holding a 20 mph road sign. Very abrasive. Very topical. 

And very pantomime.