Panto season is back and this year has seen a wave of quirky productions with the retelling of many classic fairytales. Theatres are priding themselves on diversity and inclusion.
With Christmas just round the corner, it can only mean one thing. Yes, pantomimes are taking centre stage to entertain families. This year has seen a wave of quirky productions with the retelling of many classic fairytales.
The inclusive theatre company Chickenshed is celebrating the festivities with its Christmas Show, RED. The company, which has been running for more than 51 years, prides itself on welcoming everyone from all walks of life and abilities into its fold.
Laura Brady, who appears in RED, says: “I love being in the Christmas show because everyone helps each other and we all get to be part of the story. In Red I feel really proud because we make the audience smile, and it doesn’t matter who you are – you can be on stage and be amazing. Chickenshed is like my second family and Christmas is my favourite time to perform.”
With a 800-member cast, RED is a magical twist on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. When Red and her siblings are sent from their cosy city life to stay with their grandmother in the snowy mountains, they soon find themselves swept into a strange and thrilling adventure. Packed with wonder, music, and plenty of heart, it promises to be an unforgettable family show. Spread across five-rotas, all 800 members will get a chance to perform, with each show including 180 people.
Director Michael Bossisse says: “One of the greatest joys of directing at Chickenshed is watching our entire cast – from seven-year-olds to our students and staff rehearse and perform side by side. When people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds work together, the room fills with a kind of energy and creativity that you simply can’t manufacture.
“With more than 180 performers on stage in every performance, RED has grown into a rich, vibrant world full of music, movement and imagination. It’s ensemble theatre at its most alive – every person bringing something unique, every moment shaped by collaboration.”
Chickenshed works with over 15,000 children, young people and adults through performance training, education programmes, outreach projects and mentoring.
RED will be running until January 10 at Chickenshed’s Theatre in Southgate, north London. For more information or to buy tickets visit Chickenshed.
Meanwhile in East London, Stratford East theatre is known for tearing up the rulebook when it comes to Christmas pantos. This year’s production – Mama Goose – will be performed by a diverse cast, including many Black actors.
Duane Goode, who plays Mama Goose, has appeared in a run of highly successful West End shows. He says: “For a cast to be diverse is vital, because panto is a celebration for all families. “At a legendary theatre like Stratford East, the audience expects, and deserves, to see a reflection of the rich and vibrant community we see walking through the Stratford Centre on stage.
“This powerful sense of belonging and representation is important for everyone to see, but especially for any of the young people who are underrepresented in theatre. What makes Mama Goose unique is that it takes many of the traditional elements of panto like the slapstick, the songs, and the essential fight between good and greed, and roots it in a modern, relatable East London story about community and family. This is the very essence of the festive spirit.”
The play has incorporated many modern characters including an AI character; a bougie fierce fairy, Katy Perry; WTF (The Wholesome Thoughtful Fairy) and a tax man.
Mama Goose will run until 3 January 2026, at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in London. For more information or to buy tickets visit Stratford East theatre.
