Issue 102 – December 2015
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Inside this month INSIDE THIS MONTH
FUN AND GAMES By Stephen Guy THE festive season may be dominated by modern distractions from TV shows to social media but traditional entertainments still hold sway in many homes and communities. Pantomimes fill theatres, often giving audiences the chance to see favourite soap stars in garish costumes. Old favourites like Postman’s Knock and Musical Chairs are rarely played these days but at one time people were not averse to making fools of themselves. Travelling fairs and circuses more frequent and today they still occasionally visit parks and open spaces. Billy Smart’s Circus was a big attraction and many people have vivid memories of the big top with its distinctive smell of canvas and damp earth. Many different types of animals entertained large crowds. Fierce lions and tigers roared in cages and performing elephants were surprisingly agile. Punch and Judy shows held children spellbound, at one time featuring Mr Punch clashing with the
hangman. To modern eyes, our ancestors’ sense of fun is now deeply upsetting. In a world where many people slaughtered animals for food, sights we now consider cruel were thought entertaining.
Huge bears were made to dance before mocking crowds. Bulls were attacked by dogs and feathers flew in cockpits as birds fought to the death. Often these so-called sports were the subject of gambling with fortunes being made and lost. Most people prefer innocent fun, especially when families get together and look for distractions. A postcard features an event at Woolton’s Reynolds Park in June 1939. Five pals pose for the camera on a big hobbyhorse (pictured). These were used for a number of games from pillow fights to gymnastics. A large padded mat is spread underneath. In medieval times, aristocrats took part in jousts. They were hauled in full armour on to their horses
and charged at each other with lances. Shields were used to deflect blows. Many were injured or even killed in these popular displays of horsemanship. Members of the royal family and nobility employed fools or jesters whose job was to cheer them up or provide distractions. They are commemorated as the Joker on packs of cards. Others had to make their own fun. May Day was a good opportunity to dress up and May Queens symbolised winter’s end while children danced around the May Pole. Learn more about the history of Liverpool at the Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, open 10 am to 5 pm every day, admission free.
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WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO CINDERELLA PANTOMIME FOR 14TH DECEMBER (TWO FAMILY TICKETS UP FOR GRABS BUT BE QUICK – ENTRIES NEED TO BE IN BY 7TH DECEMBER) CELEBRITIES, media moguls and movers and shakers in the city had a ball recently when LHK Productions whisked them to the launch of its dazzling, star-studded pantomime at The Epstein Theatre. Producer Lee Kelly waved his magic wand and revealed his all-star cast who will perform in Cinderella this Christmas before treating them to a sneak preview of his spellbinding panto. Returning to the Epstein Theatre for his fourth festive season, this year Lee’s line-up includes heartthrob Calum Best who makes his panto debut alongside much-loved Merseybeat legend, Beryl Marsden. This Charming Man, Calum is the son of football legend George Best and is guaranteed to get hearts racing across the region in his role as the dashing Prince Charming. Meanwhile, Beryl, the godmother of 60s soul, who was one of the greatest female vocalists of the Merseybeat era and toured with The Beatles, will also be starring in panto for first time as The Fairy Godmother! The cast also includes Grease
Is the Word’s Alison Crawford, Lesley Butler as the Wicked Stepmother and Michael Chapman and Tom Burroughs as the hilarious Ugly Sisters. Lewis Pryor stars as Buttons and Chris Barton plays Prince Charming’s right hand man, Dandini. Based on the classic fairytale, Cinderella tells the muchloved story of a pretty young girl kept captive by her wicked ugly step-sisters. When Cinders is invited to a magnificent ball at the palace, her two fiendish siblings forbid her to attend. With a wave of a magic wand, her very own fairy godmother appears to save the day and she is transformed into a beautiful princess. After a magical evening dancing endlessly with Prince Charming, midnight approaches and poor Cinders has to depart before the spell is broken. With a single glass slipper left behind, will Prince Charming be able to find his princess? Will Cinders escape the clutches of her ugly step-sisters and live happily ever after? With a live orchestra, real Shetland ponies, lavish sets and exquisite costumes, the audience is in for a real treat this
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Christmas! Producer Lee Kelly said: “I am so excited about our Panto this year, we have a really strong cast and sales already beating last year’s figures, I firmly believe this will be one of our ‘Best’, especially with Calum on board.” Speaking at the launch, the very handsome Calum revealed that it will be the first time he has ever starred in panto: “This is a totally new experience for me as I grew up in Los Angeles where we don’t have pantos,” admitted Calum. “But it seemed a really fun thing to do. I am so excited. I love Liverpool and the people of Liverpool so I thank Lee for having me in his panto.” Despite the fact that Calum has never sang in public before, he isn’t daunted by the prospect. He said: “It’s the first time I’ve sang before an audience but I am adventurous. I’ll give it a go - I’ll just try not to sing too loud! “Alison has been lovely to work with
as she is so cool, calm and collected. In fact the whole cast are seasoned pros so I am sure they will give me some tips!” Cinderella runs at The Epstein Theatre from 10th December 2015 to 3rd January 2016. Book your tickets now for the most enchanting panto in the land. We do hope to see you there (oh yes we do)! PERFORMANCE DETAILS Cinderella Epstein Theatre, Hanover House,
Liverpool, L1 3DZ Thurs, 10 Dec 2015 – Sun, 3rd Jan 2016 Performance times vary (check with Box Office) Tickets: £19 adults/£17 concession/£66 family Special opening night offer: All seats £12.50 HOW TO BOOK Call 0844 888 4411, visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk or book in person at the theatre box
office (open 2-6pm Mon-Thu & 12-6pm Fri-Sat) Or via Ticket Quarter: Call 0844 8000 410, visit www.ticketquarter.co.uk or book in person at TicketQuarter, Queen Square, Liverpool. To enter send your name, address and telephone number (to reach us no later than 7th December) to CINDERELLA TICKETS COMP, Liverpool LINK, P.O. Box 170, Liverpool, L25 7WX