British couple brings French village together with bilingual pantomime

British couple Hazel Breslin and David Adamson brought their love of theatre with them when they moved to a village in the Pyrénées-Orientales, turning it into a festive tradition for the local community.

This December, their bilingual pantomime will return for a third year in Saint-André, near Argelès-sur-Mer.

“We have both English and French amateurs and endeavour to put on a show that can be understood and enjoyed by everyone,” Ms Breslin told The Connexion.

Mr Adamson, who directs the show, said the idea came after he retired and moved south.

“When we were working, we lived in Strasbourg, and I'd been very much involved in an English-speaking theatre there for many years. It was something I missed and thought, well, what can I do down here?” he said.

“I thought the best thing to do is to do a pantomime, because everybody knows pantomimes, and they all love pantomimes.

“However, I didn't want it to be exclusively for British or English speakers, so I took a script and adapted it to be in both languages. And that's what we've been doing ever since.”

The first production was Cinderella, followed by Aladdin last year. This time, the group is preparing Snow White, with rehearsals already under way.

The show will take place at the village's Salle des Fêtes on December 11, 12 and 13.

Getting French audiences involved

Making a traditional British pantomime accessible to French audiences has been one of the main challenges.

“It’s promoted as a sort of comédie musicale, because French people don't really know what a pantomime is,” Mr Adamson said. “They think it's like a mime.”

Instead of translating every line, the cast uses characters who speak different languages to help everyone follow the story.

“In Snow White, we have two woodsmen. One speaks English, the other speaks French. We don't translate, but we try to make sure the audience has understood what is being said through the answers or questions.”

The approach has proved popular, with French audiences joining in with the familiar pantomime tradition of shouting warnings at the characters.

“They get into the spirit of the thing, booing and shouting out ‘look behind you’, the regular pantomime stuff,” Mr Adamson said.

Songs also help bring audiences together. Song sheets are provided so spectators can join in, with previous productions featuring familiar French songs and English songs with simple lyrics.

A village effort

The production has the full support of the local mairie, which provides the performance hall and rehearsal space free of charge. The mayor also attended the first show and gave a speech.

“We’re very fortunate in Saint-André that we get full support from the mairie,” Mr Adamson said.

“We get the hall and a rehearsal room for free. We couldn't have more support.”

Around 25 amateur performers take to the stage, supported by volunteers handling the music, lighting and other backstage tasks.

The production is run by volunteers, with ticket sales helping to cover costs. This year's tickets cost €12 for adults and €6 for children.

For Mr Adamson, the motivation is seeing the show bring people together.

“I'm retired, and I've been doing theatre for many years, even when I was working, so I just enjoy it. It's really satisfying.

“You see so many happy faces. They are all amateurs, so they are not being paid, but we're not in it for the money. It just about pays for itself.”