CHRISTMAS THEATRE
EDITION HEARS FROM THE CAPTAINS HELMING THE ANNUAL FOOTLIGHTS PANTO BEFORE IT SETS SAIL AT THE ADC
True to the Footlights’ hallmark inventiveness – plus the fact that, steered by students in their free time, this is purely a passion project – this year’s panto is packed with all the wit and wonder the creative team could muster. Three writers are behind the Christmas extravaganza, which puts a modern spin on this unshakeable theatrical tradition. Hand in hand with Treasure Island ’s modern transformation have come updates to the story. “It’s really nice in this setting, which is very family-friendly and open to all, that we are introducing things you may not see in normal panto,” reflects Hayley. “For example, we have a lesbian relationship, comments on class and social commentary.” ‘A story of community at its heart’, Hayley insists, Treasure Island is guaranteed to see audiences of great numbers, both students and locals alike. Aoife notes that this panto has the largest percentage of sales for any show in Cambridge throughout the year. “It’s the show that best intersects new writing and wholly devised-for-the-ADC stage productions,” she explains. “It takes a truly interesting script with messages and meaning – and is not solely an amalgamation of the usual panto tropes.” On why the pantomime is such a deep- seated custom, Aoife says: “One of the things that’s so interesting about pantomimes is they’re rarely about Christmas – or even winter – which is pretty wonderful. The end of November running into December is a time we all collectively associate with past memories, repeating traditions and being with family. Those messages are at the heart of pantomimes: togetherness and belonging.” These themes are at the core of the Footlights’ Treasure Island . For an evening of merriment, head to the ADC Theatre from 23 November to 3 December.
Synonymous with Cambridge’s theatre scene, the Footlights is responsible for an important part of Cambridge’s Christmas merrymaking. The Footlights Pantomime, bringing big laughs, improbable plot lines and just a sprinkling of magic, returns year on year to enchant audiences of all ages. “I’ve been really itching to get involved in storytelling for families and children, things to which a whole family goes together,” says one of this year’s directors, Aoife Pallister Begadon. “Having done many shows for adults over the last few years, I was really interested in going back to my initial experience in theatre, particularly something like the panto, which is such a British cultural experience.” This year’s show is Treasure Island , the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale of pirates and their booty. Planting the story in the present day, this adaptation follows a group of schoolchildren on the geography trip of a lifetime. “I think panto, especially Cambridge panto, is a big responsibility,” adds fellow director
Hayley Canham. “It requires a lot more stamina. It’s a creative challenge. You have a huge production team and cast to grapple with – to lead, direct and helm.” Often bringing its own
brand of offbeat humour to bear on performances, the Footlights panto is wildly different to its monthly shows in terms of scale
and ambition. “This is not just a student
show,” says Hayley. “It should be accessible, welcoming and inclusive to anyone and everyone.”
ADC THEATRE 23 NOV - 3 DEC
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK DECEMBER 2022 21
Powered by FlippingBook