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Life at The Little Theatre: Come see our pantomime with a twist

The latest news from Southport's Little Theatre

Hayley Houston

InYourArea Community, Hayley Houston

— 2 min read
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Life at The Little Theatre: Come see our pantomime with a twist

PANTO TIME:Fairy Strudel promoting the show

By Jennifer Corcoran and Andrew Sloman

Fairy tales and folk stories are staples of the traditional family pantomime. It has been this way since it evolved from the 16th century entertainment ‘Commedia dell’Arte’

Throughout the 17th century the variations on plays where quick witted Harlequin was kept apart from his love interest Columbine by her father Pantaloon played out to delighted audiences. We love to see heroes, and villlains. We love to laugh, and gasp and root for a happy ending.

In the 18th century this developed further as the Commedia characters were brought to life via classical stories like those of Dick Whittington and Robin Hood. The performers began to use dialogue and song and pantomimes began to look more like the annual tradition we relish today.

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This year we are bringing you the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. You may be familiar with the Grimm tale, but this is a legend dating back to the Middle Ages. The earliest references are to a piper dressed in multicoloured (pied) clothing who could lure rats away with his magic pipe.

The story goes that the mayor of Hamelin promised to pay the piper 1,000 guilders to lure the infestation of rats to the river, which he duly did. However, the mayor (or Burgomeister) refused to pay the full sum and even accused the piper of extortion. In the original tale, the piper vowed revenge, returned and lured away the town’s children.

SHOW TIME: SDC will be performing The Pied Piper this year

Versions of this story have appeared on screen, including a 1933 animated short film and a 1972 British musical fantasy film. The latter featured music by Donovan (playing the Piper) and the cast included Donald Pleasance and Diana Dors.

Our pantomime version promises a twist in the tale and you will have to book your tickets to come and see what it is! The Pied Piper runs from December 20 to January 7, with 15 chances to catch a show. To book for this and any SDC shows, you can find our online box office by visiting the website and clicking “Book Now”

If you prefer to speak to one of our volunteer members when our box office is open please visit in person or call 01704 530521/01704 530460. Hours of operation are11am-1pm then again at 6pm when there is a performance. You can also find news and updates on the website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram

The Little Theatre is at Hoghton Street, Southport, Merseyside.

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