What’s the point of panto?

At Christmas time, not everyone worries about whether their online purchases will arrive on time or whether they’ll find that perfect gift. Instead, there’s an ever-growing crowd of people whose worries revolve around tickets. Pantomime tickets, that is.

Because it’s the recession you’re going to see a lot more of the dame than one requires... or desires

We’re lucky enough to have three mainstream pantomimes, two in English and one in Maltese; so I spoke to Nanette Brimmer, director of MADC’s The Princess and the Pea, Augusto Cardinali, director of Tarżan mal-Erbat Irjiħ by Kum­panija Teatru Rjal and Larry Ponzing, director of FM’s Ali Baba, respectively, about what it’s like to be a pantomime director and what makes panto a much-loved show.

Why do Maltese flock to panto?

Nanette Brimmer – Panto started off as a Christmas tradition for children. It’s a way of entertaining children while being able to laugh at salacious humour intended for adults, and audiences are guaranteed a spectacle and laughter in the form of Alan Montanaro.

MADC has been providing panto for 33 years so people know the formula works; however, we can also afford to experiment and we’re able to do this by tackling new titles.

Augusto Cardinali – It’s a different form of entertainment for adults and children. It’s a family outing and a Christmas outing all in one.

Larry Ponzing – Once the Maltese know Larry Ponzing is back in Malta directing this panto then they know they’re in for a show. From the SLADC (St Lucia Amateur Dramatic Club) following my brilliant career in Hollywood as butler to Laurence Olivier, it was only natural I’d want to come back and allow them to enjoy my talent one more time – and that of my Maltese counterpart.

Apart from me, it’s a perfect occasion to let your hair down, and your neighbour’s hair down, not to mention anything else down. But we do it for the children. And everybody likes a dame, or rather the clothes the dame wears. Or doesn’t in our case. It’s the recession you see, you’re going to see a lot more of the dame than one requires... or desires.

What makes your panto special?

NB – We’ve got many bonuses in terms of venue as the MFCC allows for a spectacular show. It also opens doors for people who may have never been to the theatre beforehand. We offer a carefree environment with convenient parking and a traditional panto feel.

AC – It’s produced by the company that made me the director I am today because they believed in me.

LP – The audience, darling. There’s something about a panto audience, my panto audience, that makes it very special. There’s also a minor note of playing at the Manoel Theatre. But those multi-coloured people coming in with their multi-coloured partners and their multi-coloured kids... it just makes my heart skip a beat, darling. Two years ago it skipped two beats and they had to take me to hospital, but that’s a different story.

What would you say to someone who has never been to a pantomime?

NB – Spend €10. It’s worth it. You have three hours of sheer entertainment for both young and old. We’ve got live music, a great storyline, numerous jokes and laughs and a wonderful environment. It’s definitely money well spent.

AC – It’s an experience; it’s theatre with a difference. You’ve got comedy with current topics, political jokes and in-nuendos, a live band, a well-known cast and a spectacular set . This year there are no painted scenes, everything on stage is 3D, which is a brand new concept for Malta.

LP – Run! You have two choices – you can either run to the panto or run far, far away.

What’s your favourite part of panto?

NB – The walk-down, the final bow. Walking on stage and hearing the children cheering is a great experience. They make it all worthwhile especially when you see that look of awe on their faces as they believe in the characters.

AC – The entire show! But the applause at the end is probably one of the best parts because it shows the audience enjoyed it. The cast do their utmost for the whole show, not for just one part of it.

LP – The audience is the best part, darling. It always feels a bit empty and lacking during rehearsals, until the first show. Then the main actor comes in unrehearsed and steals the show! It’s not fair, but it’s true!

What’s the best, and worst, thing about being part of panto?

NB – The worst thing is that I don’t get to participate. It’s also difficult when I have to be the bad cop with my cast and maintain discipline, but that’s what’s needed to produce good results. My job is to do a good job. The best part is when the cast starts to gel together and the script starts to resemble a show. It’s also good when the cast forget I was a bad cop. Actually, the worst part would be if they don’t forget that.

I attend every rehearsal from day one up until the very end, so everyone likes to have their work acknowledged.

AC – There’s no worst for me. Every experience is a step in a better direction and can have a positive side to it. There’s a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. You’ve given 100 per cent and you’re happy with that. Actually, the worst would probably be if I didn’t give my utmost.

LP – The best is definitely the people who put it all together, starting from the stage designers and scene makers of the Manoel Theatre, and of course, all the backstage crew.

And last, and possibly least, because they’re such a headache to work with, darling... the cast.

Tarżan mal-Erbat Irjiħ opens next Sunday, The Princess and the Pea starts on December 22, and Ali Baba on December 26.