Oh yes, it is! A novel inspired by amateur panto

St Stephen Pantomime Company performs its 76th production, and inspires a new novel

The village panto is the colourful setting for author Angela Britnell’s latest novel. A Little Christmas Panto is set in the fictional village of Polcarne, and draws heavily upon Angela’s own experience with the historic St Stephen Pantomime Company, which presents its 76th production - Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood - from January 29.

In the novel, troubled Hollywood heartthrob Zach Broussard has abandoned Tinseltown for a more private existence in rural Cornwall. The last thing he wants is to be railroaded into joining the community pantomime production - but upon meeting ex-concert pianist Rosey, he starts to wonder whether he could change his mind, and not just about acting....

Angela admits her own panto memories are “lost in the mists of time”, but produces photographic evidence including the ensemble image shown below. "I was in the Junior chorus rather than having an acting part,” she says, “but it was great fun to be involved with lots of the friends I was growing up with."

The company was created by Harold Lander in the 1940s to raise wartime funds for the village, touring the clay villages to entertain the wider community. The group has seen highs and lows in its eight decades, among the latter a devastating case of fraud that threatened its very existence. Fortunately, vigorous support from St Stephen and its neighbours – including fellow amateur groups – enabled 2020’s Sleeping Beauty, its 75th production, to go ahead as planned.

A two-year break for the pandemic did little to dim the enthusiasm - the company returns with a team of more than 80 volunteers, including a cast of 16 speaking parts, a 28-strong chorus line and a backstage crew managing scenery and props, lighting and sound, costumes, music and front-of-house. While most professional pantomimes take place during December, amateur productions are popular throughout Cornwall in January and February. “It gives us all something to look forward to after Christmas,” says musical director Steve Polmounter.

Preparation begins straight after the previous panto: calling in perusal scripts for consideration - for many years, the company has paid royalties to use professional scripts by Alan Frayn - an initial readthrough in June, auditions in July and twice-weekly rehearsals from September.

The recipe: something for everyone. “Panto is probably a child’s first experience of a live show, so we’re looking for that magic,” Steve explains, “as well as a bit of innuendo that will go straight over their heads but entertain the parents.”

Steve chooses the music, often writing topical and amusing lyrics to chart tunes that younger chorus members can learn easily. "There aren’t many groups where you can have eight-year-olds working alongside 80-year-olds, and where we all get along, learn from each other and have fun,” he grins.

“We have children in the chorus whose parents and grandparents were in the panto too. It’s lovely to see, and for the tradition of panto to be kept alive. Oh yes, it is!” l

A Little Christmas Panto is published by Choc-Lit and available via Amazon.

Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood runs from January 29 to February 4 at St Stephen Community Centre. For tickets, call 01726 824248. -------------------------------------------------------Dick Whittington, Redruth Regal Theatre, January 11 to 15. redruth.merlincinemas.co.uk/home -------------------------------------------------------St Blazey Amateur Operatic Society: Cinderella. January 21 to 28, The Keay Theatre, St Austell. Tel 01726 879500 -------------------------------------------------------Jack and the Beanstalk, Epworth Centre, Helston, January 24 to 29, www.helstontheatrecompany.co.uk