Pantomime at Richmond Theatre

December, 2022

Since opening in 1899, Richmond Theatre has presented a Christmas Pantomime every year with only a few exceptions. From Cinderella to Babes in the Wood, Bluebeard to Puss in Boots, Robinson Crusoe to Jack and the Beanstalk, Richmond has showcased a varied programme of Christmas entertainment with exciting star names and acts. Cinderella holds the title for most played with a total of 29 productions, closely followed by Dick Whittington at 25 and Aladdin at 19. This year sees Goldilocks and the Three Bears being presented for the very first time!   

The past 123 years have seen countless stars of stage and screen tread the boards for the Christmas season including Bonnie Langford, Simon Callow, Una Stubbs, Spike Milligan and Panto Legend Nigel Ellacott, who is returning this year after gracing the stage in 1986. Nigel Ellacott won The UK Pantomime Association’s prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021, acknowledging his pantomime career that began in 1974. An experienced, respected and knowledgeable authority on pantomime, Nigel is a talented script writer, costume designer, costume maker, performer and historian – and will be starring as Dame Betty Barnum in Goldilocks and the Three Bears this year. 
 
Alongside these individuals, there have been several unique ensemble acts including Kirby's Flying Ballet and a flock of trained sheep.  

In the early years many of the pantomimes were touring productions and played for one week only, some years more than one show would have been presented, for example there were four pantomimes in 1910. Most pantomimes run for 4-6 weeks but the production of Cinderella in 1982, staring Lionel Blair, Susanne York and costumes designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel (the designers of Princess Diana’s wedding dress), lasted 10 weeks!  

Another highlight in Richmond Panto history occurred in Cinderella in 1991 when Julian Clary was surprised by This Is Your Life during the curtain call, with the programme then being recorded on stage.  

Gabriella Bush, aided by the work of Norman Fenner.