OPINION: Harrogate's pantomime was a satisfying success for all those involved
Our 125th pantomime finished at the weekend. It was a satisfying success for all those that helped to put the show on, writes David Bown, chief executive of Harrogate Theatre.
It is a gruelling schedule of more than 70 shows with 200 members of staff including performers, creatives, technicians, crew, stage management, freelancers, front of house and volunteers taking part.
A total of 33,000 people attended from all over the world; however, no-one invests quite as much time and effort in panto like the Brits.
The origins of pantomime reach back to ancient Greek classical theatre and have developed further through the 16th century commedia dell'arte tradition of Italy and partly from other European and British stage traditions, such as 17th-century masques and music hall.
An important part of the pantomime, from the early 19th century, was the harlequinade. Back in 1800 the famous Joseph Grimaldi developed the Harlequin character into the more recognisable clown that we have in our modern-day versions. Grimaldi became a theatrical superstar, performing at both Saddlers Wells and Drury Lane. His tatty bright colourful costumes still resonate in today’s designs along with the physical slapstick that he was renowned for.
I went to see several pantomimes this festive season including at York Theatre Royal, Nottingham Playhouse and The London Palladium. They were all very good and embraced very similar elements to Harrogate’s. Also, we all chose the same contemporary pop songs to drive the narrative.
Despite some high-profile names in these shows, Tim Stedman as the ‘clown’ figure at Harrogate Theatre remains my favourite of any show I’ve seen in the past 15 years. He is the consummate professional and very funny with it this year, in his 25th pantomime with us.
The Palladium panto is always a sight to behold, and so it should be with the budget and resources at its disposal. It’s really a huge variety show within a panto format. It is such a spectacular visual experience. This year Catherine Tate was excellent and so was Julian Clary, as ever. He is very entertaining, but he does take the art of innuendo to an extreme that many theatres wouldn’t dare go near, let alone try and pull off.
I’d like to thank every one of those 200 people that helped to make Jack and The Beanstalk the success it was. Also, thank you to all the schools that attended. I fully appreciate that organising the transport for hundreds of children and then safeguarding every single one of them is a huge operation.
But thank you to everyone that came along and supported us this year and, in some cases, for many years previously. Lastly a big thank you to all our sponsors. Harrogate Theatre’s panto is the success it is because of everyone’s involvement and attendance.
Do check out our new season. Just as Christmas is a family affair, so is out Little Stages Festival in April. There is a feast of shows for young people and the family.
I hope 2026 is kind to all. See you soon.