THEATRE producers in Bolton have hit back at suggestions that pantomimes should be dragged into the 21st Century.

A national amateur dramatics society believes the world of pantos needs new plots and new jokes.

But the town's actors, actresses, directors and producers disagree, saying the politically incorrect heroes and villains and cross-dressing dames still have a place in today's society.

Mark Pemberton, chief executive of The National Operatic and Dramatic Association, had said that he believed theatre producers should be looking at fresh concepts such as a Big Brother panto. He claimed a lack of originality in new scripts for amateur shows was threatening the future of the festive tradition.

He said: "The vast majority of amateur theatre groups want to perform traditional titles, such as Cinderella and Mother Goose.

"There is nothing wrong with this, of course - the titles are tried and tested, and some audiences are attracted to the traditional. But there are some groups who hunger for something different.

"It is also the content of pantomimes that needs reviewing.

"Are some of the traditional titles and gags over-used and exhausted?

"Most date back to the 19th century and the days of music hall.

"Perhaps it is time for pantomime writers to think of new titles and new gags.

"Why not Big Brother the Panto? We should be more innovative and ambitious."

But Stu Francis, who plays Wishee Washee in Aladdin at the Albert Halls, said: "We are just coming to the end of another record-breaking run with a traditional panto in Bolton, and we are hearing the same from across the country, so it is obvious that traditional shows are what the public wants.

"You can put in modern references, but you have to know what you are doing and you have to create something. To just take ideas from the television and base a panto around them is cheating the audience."

Paul Cohen, chairman of Bolton Amateur Theatre Socities and director of Farnworth Performing Arts Company's Jack and the Beanstalk, said: "The idea is misguided and out of touch.

"I have been producing pantomimes for more than 25 years, and what is certain is that when it comes to this formula, the traditional works.

"Most shows do have modern references in them so everyone can have a laugh, but they are firmly planted within a traditional structure."

Terry Bowden, director of Trinity Players' Cinderella, said: "Classic pantos work across the generations, from children through to grown-ups, and give great pleasure and enjoyment.

"There is something magical about them because there is a special formula that everyone warms to.

"We always put some modern references in, but the classic bits stay the same."

Mr Cohen added: "Amateur panto season in Bolton is always very successful.

"If we were doing something wrong, people would not come."

  • Cinderella opens on January 13, and Jack and the Beanstalk opens on January 17.

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