This year’s exciting pantomime performance of Peter Pan will make you laugh out loud and have you singing and dancing by the end. Directed by Phil Beck at Blackfriars Theatre in Boston they will have glittering costumes, amazing unforgettable local dance troupe (JCADA), spine tingling singers and a lot more hilarious madness.
Last year, Phil directed a pantomime based on Jack and the Beanstalk. We spoke to people who went to that show and told that, “my favourite part was the singing and dancers because they were well rehearsed, and the acting and jokes were on point”.
We spoke to Josie Clarke, choreographer and teacher of the JCADA dance school;
YJA: Why do you think people should watch this year’s pantomime?
Josie: “For many, it’s tradition to go to the pantomime over the festive period. Pantomimes are always so much fun and can be enjoyed by the whole family. I love them because it’s such silly humour – right up my street!. It’s also so important to continue supporting our local theatre, Blackfriars. Peter Pan is a brand-new production which has never been done before at Blackfriars so it’s pretty exciting! “
YJA: What’s something you’re really looking forward to watching on stage?
Josie: “As much as I can’t wait to see the whole show, it’s always such a special moment seeing our dancers perform their routines. Pantomime really brings out another side to them, as they have to use their acting and facial expressions too. I couldn’t be prouder when I’m sat watching!”
YJA: What’s your favourite part about doing performances like this one?
Josie: “It’s a lot less stressful than organising a full JCADA production! For those, I’m working with over 250 dancers, 25 routines and in insane number of costumes! For the pantomime I’m working with just 16 dancers, and I get to know them all really well. The routines are a lot shorter and very “action” and “mime” based to fit the theme of the songs. I don’t have to choreograph a tricky tap or ballet routines which involve a lot of technique. The pantomime really helps develop confidence and performance skills in our dancers and gives them an insight into what it’s like working in a professional show – it’s a very busy time indeed!
YJA: How much effort and time goes into the pantomimes?
Josie: “A lot, but not as much as JCADA show. I spend a lot of time at home planning out the choreography before I teach it in the studio. The dancers who do the pantomime are incredibly committed as they practice most Sundays in October and November, and also through the October half term. They also perform most days over the Christmas holiday so it’s very time consuming and they must have very supportive and understanding parents!”.
YJA will be attending this year and we hope we can spot you in the crowd.
Chloe L, Yr8
Boston High School Newsroom