Very British panto sure to be a hit!
Theatre group in Pyrénées-Atlantiques to stage an extra show to cope with demand for tickets this year
Pantomimes are a quintessential part of the British Christmas season that many expats miss – along with carols, mince pies, and cakes.
One solution is to put on a show of your own – which is what the 64 Players Association theatre group at Salies-de-Béarn in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, have done for the past four years.
Their performances are becoming more popular every year. The first show, Cinderella, was held in a small local hall.
They moved to a theatre the following year for their performance of Snow White - and last year they had to turn away disappointed panto fans at the door of their one-off performance of Aladdin.
So, if you want to see their take on Beauty and the Beast this year, it is probably best to get your ticket in advance – although the group has decided to put on a matinée performance as well.
It is not just Brits who love the show; locals are also curious to discover this cultural curiosity – as they already know the story and pantomime is very visual, language is no barrier to enjoyment.
The group has about 40 members. Publicity officer Bernadette Parker said what started out as a ‘very amateur group in a garden’ is going from strength to strength.
She said: “We all love it. I certainly hadn’t done anything like this before and started off in the chorus which I thought would be easier, but I ended up doing a solo. I’m not quite sure how that happened and I was very nervous. However, when I was on stage I lost my fear and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can’t explain it, but it was amazing.”
The group rehearses twice a week from September. They also put on a show in the summer but it is the pantomime which pulls in the crowds. Mrs Parker says the group would love to welcome new members: “It is a good way for new arrivals in the area to meet people.
“Last year, two women joined who are good at sewing and they are really enjoying creating costumes for the show.
“We need people both backstage and on-stage.”
Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Salle Jean Monnet, Salies-de-Béarn on December 10 at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets (adults €8) can be obtained by emailing bernadette.p2@gmail.com (also for membership enquiries). For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/64Players
