Opening night of Panto Come Home brought everything one hopes for from East Van Panto to our screens. Even though live in-person theatre has been restricted for public health, The Cultch and Theatre Replacement have created a live-streamed best-of panto for their audiences.
Pulling characters, costumes, songs, and of course, chickens, from the past 7 years of East Van Panto, Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Directors James Long and Maiko Yamamoto along with Veda Hille and playwright Mark Chavez have plenty of fun to work with. As James and Maiko wander the stage at the York Theatre, they’re met by characters and reminisce with music from Jack and The Beanstalk (2013), Cinderella (2014), Hansel and Gretel (2015), Little Red Riding Hood (2016), Snow White and The Seven Dwarves (2017), Wizard of Oz (2018), and Pinocchio (2019).
Trying to throw a spanner in the works, and mess with the fun is the dastardly Phanto of the Panto, who has been watching from the wings all these long years. On a year like 2020, he finally feels it’s his year to break out and steal the show.
Even though the audience isn’t in the theatre, the videographers and audio created an intimate feeling for the 300+ (like a sold out York Theatre). Crisp sound and smooth transitions, without being too produced, still give the feel of being a fly on the wall of live theatre.
Panto Come Home continues December 22 at 2pm, December 23 at 7pm, December 26 at 2pm & 7pm, and December 27 at 12pm. Individual tickets to view are available online at thecultch.com, family packs and group party tickets packages are also available so you and your friends and family, not in your household, can all watch together and enjoy the Panto fun.