10 Dec 2024
by Hollie Wimpenny

5 people in red pantomime costumes on stage with a pantomime elephant.

Pantomime at Crewe Lyceum Theatre (Wes Webster Photography)


Ah, pantomime! The cherished seasonal tradition that fills the air with laughter, slapstick humour, dazzling costumes, breathtaking sets, and plenty of audience interaction. Its ability to adapt and evolve with the times is a testament to its enduring appeal and continued popularity in Britain today. Crewe Lyceum Theatre has been delivering unforgettable panto magic to audiences for decades. So, join me as we take a journey through the history of the Lyceum’s legendary pantomimes!

Prelude – origins

Often celebrated as a cornerstone of British culture, Pantomime has roots that stretch back to ancient Greece, where it emerged as a narrative art form blending gesture, dance, music, and exaggerated expressions. Its popularity grew during the Roman Empire, with performers using movement and expression to depict mythological and historical tales without dialogue (speaking).

The 16th and 17th centuries saw a revival of pantomime through Italy's commedia dell'arte, renowned for its stock characters, improvisation, and slapstick humour. By the 18th century, pantomime had taken hold in England, merging Italian influences with English theatrical traditions – incorporating fairy tales, music, and audience participation. By the late 19th century, London’s grandest theatres staged lavish productions lasting up to five hours. Opening traditionally on Boxing Day, pantomime became a beloved part of Christmas celebrations and festive family entertainment.

Monochrome illustration of two bearded, prancing figures in baggy trousers and hats with long feathers.

A 17th century etching of two Commedia dell'arte street musicians performing together. (J. Callot, 1592-1635 / CC - Wellcome Collection Images, 15846i)

Act 1 – the stage

The Early Years…

On December 26th, 1881, the original Lyceum Theatre came into existence. A disused Roman Catholic chapel was converted into a theatre, the balcony used by the Catholic choir had transformed into a circle and a stage was built in the eastern end. In 1882 the theatre staged its first Pantomime, Aladdin.

The Forgotten Actor

As the Lyceum stands on the site of a chapel and graveyard it will come as no surprise to find out that it is haunted. There are five resident ghosts, one being the Forgotten Actor, his mark is the smell of smoke backstage and in the lighting box at the back of the auditorium. He has been said by staff to hold a cigarette and wears a long cape. Many believe that this forgotten actor was the one who burnt down the theatre after a performance of Dick Whittington and his Cat in 1910.

Old photo of the metal frame of the balcony in a burnt out theatre auditorium.
Unfortunately, in 1910, a fire destroyed the theatre soon after the audience had left. The origin was never discovered but a cigarette dropped by the ‘Forgotten Actor’ in one of the dressing rooms was suspected.

Act 2 – the players

Famous names

In 1906, before the fire, future silent movie star Stan Laurel appeared in Sleeping Beauty alongside Wee Georgie Wood, the world’s smallest comedian. Over the years since its restoration, the Lyceum’s attracted many more celebrities to grace its stage during pantomime season, including names like Gareth Gates, Cannon & Ball, June Brown, Adam Woodyatt, Bobby Davro, and Chico. Two unforgettable panto appearances were made by Peggy Mount, best known for her role in the film Oliver! – once in 1993 and again in 1995.

Peggy’s magic moment

During her time at Crewe Lyceum, Peggy Mount became the star of a memorable episode of This Is Your Life. After the evening performance, TV host Michael Aspel appeared on stage during the grand finale, holding the famous big red book and announcing, "Tonight, Peggy Mount – this is your life!" The stage was quickly transformed to film the show, as a parade of well-known personalities and personal friends of Peggy’s joined her to celebrate her incredible life story. It was a magical moment that truly added an extra layer of festive sparkle to the season!

Headshot of a woman with short curly hair, alongside the theatre programme for Cinderella.
Peggy Mount played the Fairy Godmother in a production of Cinderella, but ended up having her own magic moment on the stage!

Encore - the mishaps!

Over the years, countless memorable moments have unfolded, and some of the most entertaining have been the unexpected ones! One particular incident stands out vividly. A short video had been filmed in the local Market Centre, featuring the pantomime Dame enjoying her morning coffee. This clip was designed to play on stage, with another character appearing to have a live conversation with her. The scene was supposed to end with the Dame dramatically zooming across the stage on a child’s scooter, crashing into the wings, and making her grand entrance into the show.

However, at one performance, as the screen lowered with its usual rattling chains, disaster struck, the bulb in the projector, hanging high above the proscenium arch, had blown. The character on stage was left waiting to begin the dialogue, and the show seemed momentarily stuck. Luckily, the Dame realized what had happened, and stepped in to improvise. The sequence continued smoothly, and the audience was none the wiser that they’d missed seven minutes of the show. It’s a testament to the quick thinking and resilience of the cast and crew – the show truly must go on!

Ornate theatre auditorium with 2 tiers of gilded galleries and a red velvet curtain across the stage.

Magic (and mayhem) have graced this stunning stage (Crewe Lyceum Theatre)

Footlight

With extra thanks to our local Lyceum Historian, David Owen, for helping me gather some of these stories.


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