Get yourself in the Christmas spirit with Norfolk’s pantomimes

Phillip Green, doing the splits, will star as Herman the Henchman in the pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre. Picture: SUPPLIED. (Image: Archant)

Pantomime only happens once a year and it's as much part of Christmas as silly hats, sillier jumpers, and an over-supply of mince pies. Is there any other time of year when wishes come in threes, when the coolest slippers in town are made of glass, and mirrors really do speak exactly as they find? And how will it all end?

This is panto, so we can be pretty sure that the goodies will end well and the baddies will get their just desserts (usually custard pies), but it's best to be there to make sure. There are plenty of lords, ladies and ugly sisters of misrule with dastardly schemes tucked up their capacious sleeves, and there's no telling what they'll do next.

There's nothing quite like the British Christmas panto anywhere else in the world. With its anarchic brew of slapstick and pratfalls, nods and winks, custard pies and cross-dressing dames, it takes some explaining to anyone whose childhood hasn't included at least one trip to the theatre at Christmas. It may help to tell the uninitiated that panto's DNA is a giddy mix of 17th-century Italian commedia dell'arte, Edwardian music hall, ancient fairytales, and whatever happened last week – but then again, it might not. What we can be sure of is that despite a complete absence of CGI and gravity-defying effects, panto is in pretty rude health – if you'll pardon the pun.

There'll be plenty of quiet nights in by the fire this Christmas. There'll be evenings in front of the TV, turkey sandwich in one hand, egg nog in the other. But there's only one time of year when pantomime comes to town.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Pictured is Ian Marr as Dame Dotty. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

Even if you think you know the answers to this season's burning questions – can seven good dwarves and true succeed in upsetting the Wicked Queen's apple cart?

Will three wishes be enough for our hero? Can you really save a fairy just by wishing hard enough and clapping your hands? The whole family can have a great time finding out. Book seats for you, your children, and your inner child at your nearest theatre and be in good voice for a few hours of riotous, raucous and deliciously naughty festive fun.

Shop local, book local, and see local now – and keep going straight until morning.

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