They're Keeping Up a Unique Tradition ; Letter From Lydney with Alistair Graham

Summary

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ONE tradition indelibly associated with the new year season in this country is the pantomime. I'm not sure where it originated, but nowadays it's difficult to imagine January without a panto. At this stage, I can't resist adding: "Oh yes, it is!", while readers chorus back: "Oh no, it isn't!" The origins of the panto tradition go back a long, long way - yet despite that, I find it hard to think of anything quite like it in any other country. Indeed, invite someone who wasn't brought up in England and they'd probably be somewhat baffled by it all. It always involves a certain amount of cross- dressing, plot lines based loosely on nursery rhymes or traditional story themes, and interaction with the audience who are encouraged to join in with the general mayhem on stage. Generally, a good time is had by all.

And, of course, it's always aimed at those both young in years and young at heart. The youngsters, after a few years of willing exposure, slip easily into the riotous traditions on which the pantomime is based.

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They're Keeping Up a Unique Tradition ; Letter From Lydney with Alistair Graham

Patter No doubt many who aren't familiar with the format of th...

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