In the summer of 2014, when I was asked to direct that year’s Gabriola Players panto, I wanted to find something a bit different. I visited a number of websites that offer pantomime scripts. It was the usual fare (Cinderella, Puss’n’Boots, etc.) until, at the end of one alphabetical list, I spotted Will Shakespeare the Panto by Robin Bailes. I immediately ordered a copy of the script, which I read and loved. This was something completely different.
I didn’t realise at the time that the script had only just been published and that we would be staging its world premiere. Will Shakespeare the Panto was a huge hit with audiences and received a rave review in the Sounder. It was also the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Robin and myself, as I went on to direct three of his other pantos.
I’m thrilled to say Robin, who by now feels like an honorary Gabriolan, has given Gabriola Players permission to make the show available to watch online this month. (He’s also quite pleased that he will now get to see the world premiere.)
For those who weren’t around in 2014, here’s a chance to see one of the most popular pantos we’ve ever staged and for those who were around, now you can enjoy it again.
As I said last year in an early pandemic Throwback Thursday post, there were a lot of firsts involved in this show. As a reminder of the fun, we put together this slide show. (Thanks to Bill Pope for the wonderful photos and Ray Appel for creating the slide show.)
We are asking for a donation to view, which will be split with Robin. Click here to enjoy the show.
And all the best to you and yours for the holiday season.
Miranda Holmes