European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 19, 1985, Darmstadt, Hesse Did whining on will be performed at a e palladium theafers in Lon Hon Over tic Christmas reason. A not so silent British tradition Paulto cinder new at the Ashcroft theater. Ill till Middle Ages till Mulh Lulfs of i 1.1111 celebrated the "12 Days of Christmas Wii i masked lulls and Sci rally will in pageants. After .1 pious Observance of Christ s mass life was Iven Over to ind the More pleasant Heathen c customs attached in now year s eve. Between the years dances were held songs were Sunn ind ghostly idles Ucic told. Uni Lei the in Lunce Olllie straight laced Queen Victoria in the list Century the court abandoned the sometimes Bawdy festivities. The Public music Halls however continued the tradition of offering a special exlravagan7a of popular music and showmanship to brighten up the end of the year. Its modern descendant the Christmas pantomime traditionally starting on boxing Day dec. 26is usually based on a children s fairy Story or popular legend. Panto is a glorious mixture of theater traditions that has very Little to do with the Continental silent pantomime in act most of the cast is very vocal indeed. The heroine be she Snow White Cinderella or maid Marion will sing Many a popular song while waiting Lor her hero to come along. The hero or principal boy who or some mysterious reason is usually played by a Leggy lady of the Soprano persuasion by Isle into song at the drop of a plumed hat i aids Solhei heavies while the i ugly Sisters. I led Stepmom the i Ray p a Eil in drag by big hair men add .1 touch of i my mis slaps i k to the Uptown i intuitions often Star pop singers 01 Well known to personalities and have Tupes of dam Eis Lor the prom Tion scenes. In the provinces smaller theater sometimes ret run the pupils of local la dance schools to Piad out the show with maybe less skill Hul great enthusiasm. The shows Are great family entertainment though unaccompanied adults Are also Welcome 10 join in the sin army a and sometimes Ribald Humont. Slapstick music magic and special effects All play their part As the hero tries to find his heroine and foil the dastardly plans of the had Guys the last night of j pantomime season can lie even More confusing for an unprepared theater goer. Olten the cast will play tricks on one another sue h As Cinderella leaving an army Hoot for Prince charming to find As the clock strikes Midnight. It s All a King Way irom the Days when he likes of Francis Bacon and Christopher Marlowe would write Short plays to entertain the a filing court of Queen Fli Heth i. But Panto still performs its main unc Tion adding a Little fun and glitter to combat the midwinter de Cemke 19, 1985 stripes Mig Izine 7
