New panto exhibition is on...oh yes it is!

Dec 9 2008 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A NEW exhibition by the University of Glasgow celebrating decades of Scottish pantomime is currently being held in Perth Concert Hall, with associated events taking place in Perth Theatre on Saturday.

Featuring pictures, photographs and playbills from a variety of sources, the exhibition now on show in the concert hall also includes rarely seen archive film footage from the National Library of Scotland of pantomimes in theatres in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

The free exhibition, which runs in Perth until Saturday, is part of a three-year academic research project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), aimed at examining all aspects of Pantomime in Scotland.

Visitors can also listen to sound recordings of audience members and performers of the past and present, not least Stanley Baxter recalling his part in the legendary show, The Tintock Cup (1949).

As part of the exhibition, visitors will be invited to contribute their own memories and experiences of seeing and making professional and amateur pantomime in Scotland.

Pantomime In Scotland events in Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall are:

Tonight: Norie-Miller Studio, Perth Concert Hall, 5pm-6.30pm: Pre-show talk and film screening exploring the history and development of pantomime in Scotland from the Harlequinade and Victorian music hall to the pantomime of today. There are limited places Suitable for ages 12-plus.

Saturday: Pantomime Family Fun Day, Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall. 11am-1.30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Saturday: Gigglin’ and Greetin’ children’s drama, Norie-Miller Studio, Perth Concert Hall, 11am-12.30pm: Why does pantomime make us laugh? Ages five-plus can join in this drama session and find out how to tickle those funny bones using characters, costume, slapstick and jokes. Limited places so book in advance.

Saturday: In the land of the Snow Queen: Family theatre tours, meet at Perth Theatre box office, 10.30am-11am or 11am-11.30am. Join an expert guide to explore this historic theatre building and find out what it’s like to stage and star in a Christmas production. Free, but limited places so book in advance.

Saturday: Pantomime Memories: drop-in session, Perth Concert Hall foyer, all day. Suitable for all ages. For bookings contact the concert hall on 01738 621031.

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