Bringing the Magic of Panto to our Community
Curtain up, cross-dressing, popcorn stuck in your teeth – it can only mean one thing: tis the season for pantomime – oh yes it is!
And so, it begins . . . “hello boys and girls!” – a friendly, painted face welcomes us into the land of the musical rags to riches tale.
Panto fully immerses us. We root for the underdog, boo the baddie, help the hero, and hope upon hope for a happy ending. We experience a rollercoaster of joy and pain, tears and laughter, love and bravery – does all this sound familiar?
Yes, pantomime is an exaggerated playing out of being human. An elaboration of our most familiar emotions – even Daisy the cow mimes an excellent ‘sad’! It reminds us of our worst and our best. It brings down our barriers and opens our hearts. Both the audience and the pink cheeked, polka-dotted cast quickly become our new family; we laugh, sing, and clap along as we embark on a journey of highs and lows. And regardless of who we are, we all go together.
Once again, this year, the Southmead Development Trust will make it possible for 800 guests to experience this wonder. On the stage in the Old School Hall, our Greenway Centre presents the tale of Dick Whittington, the poor boy made good. For local families more memories will be made at what has now become, for many, a community Christmas tradition.
As an anchor for the community it’s our job to make opportunities available and accessible to those who might not usually get the option. We hire a professional theatre company, M&M Productions, to put on a high end, clean as a whistle (no smut!) show. We reach out to all ages, ethnicity and ability groups who might not be able to afford a city centre theatre seat, or who might just feel more comfortable in a community setting.
Our suppliers, customers and supporters join us with donations and sponsorship so we can keep the price very low. Each ticket includes a bag of popcorn and a soft drink to give parents and carers a break from ‘pester power’. We receive cash donations at the Greenway Centre and via our online Crowdfunder page ‘Panto for the people’. Our donors,
sponsors and supporters feature in our advertising, but it’s usually reward enough for them to see the smiling faces of family Christmases made.
We invite you to come and see, join in, bring your family and friends, offer sponsorship, donate funds, or give your time (we always need volunteer elves!). Our staff teams,
Trustees, friends and families go all out to help put the show on and to ensure that every visitor is welcomed, well cared for, and has a fantastic time. Panto is a great leveller and a great connector; we are delighted to play our part to make sure everyone in our community can experience the magic (oh yes we are!).
For more info please contact: Natalie Bailey, Business Development Manager, email: nataliebailey@southmead.org
Please visit the Greenway Centre to buy your ticket, or telephone: 0117 950 3335 to reserve and pay, or for more details.
Crowdfunder page: ‘Panto for the people’ 
Times & prices below:
