Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Debora Krizak takes us behind the scenes of the art of pantomime, as she prepares to take the stage as the wicked Queen Grismalda in Snow White.

Lately I’ve barely had the chance to look into the mirror, let alone cast a spell, as anyone in musical theatre land knows that Sydney has plenty of new shows coming up in 2025. I’ve been dividing my time between audition prep*, teaching, my care support work, gigs and the newest addition to my CV – officiating funerals!

* Editor's note: Debora obviously prepared extremely well for those auditions. Since this article's original publication in our recent print edition, it has been announced that she will play Miss Hannigan in Annie in 2025 - Click here to read more

Amongst all this, I was cast in my first pantomime. I was thrilled when I heard that OzPanto was coming back to Australia with their new production of Snow White. Under the direction of Bonnie Lythgoe, Snow White hits Riverside Theatre from September 7^th to 21^st, starring Eliza Sunderland, Barry Pearl, Tim Maddren and yours truly.

Whilst I have been a fan of OzPanto’s productions, I’ve never performed in a pantomime before, so I was keen to delve into this ancient art form and learn as much about it as I could.

Pantomime and musical theatre are both forms of theatrical performance but differ significantly in style and tradition. Pantomime is a form of theatre that is particularly popular in the UK and other English-speaking countries. It features a blend of comedy, music, and dance, and is usually performed around the Christmas season.

Pantomime has a tradition of involving audience participation, with the audience often encouraged to interact with the performers. The plots are typically based on fairy tales or folk stories, and there's a strong emphasis on slapstick humour, cross-dressing, and topical references.

Musical theatre, on the other hand, is a broader genre that includes any theatrical performance where dialogue, music, and dance are integrated. Musicals can vary widely in style and content, ranging from light-hearted comedies to serious dramas. The music in musical theatre is central to the storytelling, and the performances often involve complex choreography and elaborate staging.

Musicals are performed year-round and can address a wide range of themes, from romance to social issues.

In summary, while both involve music and performance, pantomime is a specific, often seasonal form of theatre with a unique tradition of audience interaction and comedic elements. In musical theatre, we often refer to this style of performance as “breaking the fourth wall”.

The origins of pantomime can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was an integral part of theatrical performances. The Greek "Pantomimus" was a performer who used gestures and movements to narrate stories from mythology and daily life, often accompanied by music and dance.

This early form of pantomime laid the groundwork for later theatrical traditions by emphasizing the importance of physical expression. The modern incarnation of pantomime, especially in the context of British theatre, began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Later, pantomimes became characterized by their use of familiar stories and characters, such as Cinderella, Aladdin, and Jack and the Beanstalk, alongside contemporary references and interactive segments that engage the audience.

It was in the year 2010 in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, when Bonnie, and her son Kristopher Lythgoe first began producing pantomimes. At the El Portal Theatre, Snow White also was also the theme. Along with Cinderella, Snow White is the most popular pantomime show of all.

Since then, Bonnie has produced annual pantomimes throughout many cities, including one season where Ariana Grande played the title role of Snow White.

Four years later, Bonnie ventured to Australia, launching OzPanto in 2014 at the majestic State Theatre in Sydney with the wonderful Magda Szubanski and Jimmy Rees starring. This year marks the 10th anniversary year of producing pantomimes in Australia.

While the British make it a Christmas winter tradition, in Australia this time of the year is usually dominated by outdoor activities, so her seasons are held mid-year in our colder times.

“We adore the Australian audiences as they really get the concept of panto just the same as the British audiences. The parents, as well as the children, have a glorious two hours and join in just as much,” Bonnie told me.

“Pantomimes are often geared towards families and children, with performances designed to entertain and engage audiences, both young and old; an experience that any member of the family, from ages 4 to 104 can come together and enjoy. It’s the most entertaining two hours of spectacle, comedy, music and story, featuring recognizable characters, such as the hero, villain, and the comic relief that comes with the interactive performances and comedy”.

Bonnie’s love of Australia doesn’t stop with producing. She’s also been a judge on So You Think You Can Dance and continues to adjudicate national competitions here, nurturing both younger and older dancers alike.

Her own career started as a dancer on UKTV, performing with many iconic artists, including Gene Kelly, and she also featured in the film To Sir with Love with Sidney Poitier. Her partner and fellow producer, Christopher Wood, devises and writes the scripts for OzPanto, having previously worked on over 400 shows throughout his career.

“Christopher loves to make sure that the fairy tale story is told. He has been so enraptured with the Australian audiences - children in particular - as they love to hear and follow the story. Christopher makes sure that this is the case with the scripts he writes. He also likes to make sure there are current and popular local references in the script, for both kids and the adults. Having the right blend of current popular songs as well as presenting new, original songs is also paramount,” said Bonnie.

Pantomime's significance extends beyond its entertainment value. It serves as a bridge between cultures and generations, offering a universal language of movement and emotion that can be appreciated by diverse audiences.

The art form's reliance on physical expression and improvisation allows it to adapt and resonate with contemporary themes and issues, ensuring its relevance in modern theatre.

Moreover, pantomime has influenced various aspects of performing arts, including dance, film, and television.

Its emphasis on physical storytelling and visual humour has inspired choreographers, filmmakers, and comedians, who have incorporated some of these pantomime techniques into their own work.

Pantomime is a unique and powerful art form that demonstrates the timeless ability of physical expression to connect with audiences and continues to adapt and inspire. It remains a vibrant testament to the universality and enduring appeal of performance art.

Personally, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into that red apple and bring some of that indulgent fun back to our Sydney stages.

Joining the cast of Snow White at Riverside will be Sir Cliff Richard and Kyle Sandilands as the pre-recorded Magic Mirrors. Shows   and run until September the 21^st. Tickets available at www.riversideparramatta.com.au