So, you’ve decided you want to go to a pantomime – fantastic! You may catch yourself wondering whether to spend all that money on a professional production, be it in Sheffield, Manchester or anywhere else, or to save on pennies and go to a local amateur performance. I hope you find this article useful when deciding between the two.
For the purposes of honesty, I would like to state my own personal experience (of nearly 20 years) of being involved in amateur performances, which is where my heart lies (oh yes it does). That being said, I have seen a few professional pantomimes and can see the merit of both.
First, practicalities: how much do you want to spend on seeing a show and how far do you want to travel? If you live in a city, indeed Sheffield, you’re lucky to have the Lyceum on your doorstep for a pro show. But if you’re in a smaller town, you’re much more likely to have to travel less for an am-dram production. If you have around £25 to spend on a ticket, then go for a professional production (cheaper and more expensive tickets available depending on day etc.), whereas £6-£10 should usually be enough for an amateur production.
A professional pantomime features an all-star cast of singers (Duncan James from boy band Blue is playing this year in Sheffield), Radio DJs (Scott Mills in Leicester), Comedians (Jason Manford in Manchester) and many other TV personalities and soap stars, to name a few. A professional panto does what it says on the tin: it’s more slick, the sounding, lighting and special effects are of a high quality and the performance every night is of a high, consistent standard.
During a week of am-dram performances a lot can change! Cast members can forget their lines, props can break and audience members can heckle. But here is the beauty you’ll only find in am-dram. If something goes wrong, it’s actually gone wrong! If a prop breaks, as an audience member, the hilarity lies in knowing that there isn’t a replacement. That broken prop will be used all week. If cast members forget their lines and the prompt has been lost the script, the scene may need rescuing, which is sometimes done in a hilarious fashion by the dame. If a character comes on stage at the wrong time it can lead to a highly comical, if not confusing, exchange, which won’t be the same as the previous night’s performance.
If you opt to go to a local am-dram production of a pantomime, just know that the jokes are likely to be localised, referencing the local area/football teams/MP/etc. If you’re new to the area don’t let this put you off. Sometimes it can be useful to get a local view on hot topics! Equally, if you’re a big celebrity or involved in local politics, don’t be surprised if you get picked on. One of the funniest moments I can remember in a pantomime is when our local MP got ‘pied’ in the face during a bakery scene. He’s not been back to see another production, come to think of it…
As I mentioned before, professional pantomimes have all the latest tech equipment and mod-cons. However, sound, lights, special effects, music, scripts (and even acting!) quality can all vary within the am-dram world. That’s not to say however that am-drams are basic productions; some are of very high quality and are recognised as such. Every year NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) visits productions in order to give out regional and national awards for everything from Best Pantomime to Best Dame to Best Programme. The society I’m involved with has been privileged to win a number of these awards. If you’re looking for an ‘up-market’ am-dram production, look up the theatre societies’ social media accounts as they will usually upload awards and nominations on there (note: NODA aren’t the only awarding body).
So, if you can spare two nights and a bit of money then you should definitely attend both an amateur and professional production.
But if you want to support the local community and have a good laugh without spending a fortune, buy a ticket for an am-dram panto today. Remember, am-dram associations are essentially charities, so by buying a ticket you’re helping to keep amateur theatre alive!
