Saturday, January 30, 2010

Oh yes they are!

Ben and the boys are at the Pantomime this afternoon.
Oh no they're not!
j
Oh yes they are!
j
Well, yes, even in France, they are! There have been a lot of British people living and working around Toulouse for the last 20 odd years, and the Secret Panto Society is 25 years old. Plenty of other English speaking ex-pats also join in, and even French actors, dancers and backstage people dare to let their hair down and join the hard-working madness. As an American friend said to us, "I always thought the British were very restrained and quiet until I went to the Pantomime". This is indeed where we let it all hang out.
j
If you are British, do you enjoy the pantomime? If you are not, have you any idea of what I'm talking about?

17 comments:

Jen Walshaw said...

I love the panto, reminds me of my youth. The boys were introduced to their first one this year.

VintageVicki said...

We all love panto here - little son in particular gets very vocal!!

Lorrie said...

I'm one of those who has no idea what you're talking about - but it sounds like fun!

Angela said...

I love panto - but I know it is a strangely British thing, with 'principal boy' being a girl, and 'The Dame' being a man [not to mention The Back Legs Of The Cow] It is really hard to explain to other people - esp all the catchphrases [Oh No It Isnt, Behind You, Boo!Hiss! etc] Hope the boys enjoyed Peter Pan - and that you are feeling stronger x

Marigold Jam said...

I am afraid I am not a fan of panto though I have been to a few amateur ones that have been fun. I wonder what other nationalities think of us when they see panto? Stiff upper lip and British reserve? Or not!!

Jane

Pink Feather Paradise said...

I like the panto so long as I am sat at the back... your not getting me up on stage... they aren't allowed to throw sweets anymore... but hey its all good fun... to be honest I marvel at hte stage props and the painted backdrops... now that would be a fantastic job...

x Alex

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

It sounds like a lovely pantomime to see. Are they keen to join up? And what will you be getting up to Floss? Not too sick still I hope to enjoy a couple of hours to yourself.

Anonymous said...

I do Love Panto :o) shame my children have grown out of it, but I expect they'll grow back into it again like. I haven't seen a Peter Pan Panto..it must be Wonderful!.. with all the flying and everything :o)
How are You feeling now? You have been in my prayers and I hope You are much better soon.

harmony and rosie said...

We went to the Panto just before Christmas - Snow White. It was very entertaining and our daughter loved it. Son, unfortunately, did not! Can't win 'em all I suppose.

Do hope you are making a speedy recovery, rest as much as you're able. x

Joanne said...

I'm with Alex on this one as long as I'm sat at the back and don't get pulled up on stage but they are fun but when you have three children and the tickets are £15 each it works out for an expensive night.

Hope your feeling better and have enjoyed a little bit of me time.

Joanne x

Shabby Chick said...

Do the Brits love panto? Oh no we don't!!! ;)

Yeah I do! Melxxx

magsmcc said...

I'm with Shabby Chic, I'm afraid! The Opera House here runs a very British panto with lots of double entendres and the rest. We took the suns to see the Tale of Beauty and the Tail of the Beast this year instead! Although Sun 1 did only today ask what pantomime was, so on verra bien! Gueris encore plus vite!

Simple Home said...

I have no idea what your talking about, although after reading the other comments, it sounds like fun. The only thing I know about pantomime is acting out something without any speaking, this doesn't sound like that. I'm sure they had a great time.
Blessings,
Marcia

sarah-jane down the lane said...

It's behind you!

I am big fan , not least because it is often the earliest memory we have of going to a theatre. Hope they all had a brilliant time?

Sarah x

Pondside said...

I've no idea what a pantomime is, but it must be fun, by the sound of it. I think you might need to do a post with a description!

April Cottage Ramblings said...

Love Panto,
It doesn't matter how hard things are in your life, how sad your day has been, an evening at the Panto is great. and guarantees to make you laugh. It goes back to the real roots of English theatre where audience participation is paramount. For this reason we always go to Rock Horror when it is in town (and further afield). While I find the story line a little risque the audience are so involved and for one night everyone is one huge group interacting and spending time together. Great

Rebecca S. said...

My girls and I went to our first panto in December. What a riot! It was based (oh, so loosely) on Alice in Wonderland. We all enjoyed it immensely, and at the break, the British shop here sold sweets and we bought a box containing a tiny chocolate version of the Liverpool soccer team!