For over 50 years Slimbridge Variety Show Group have been performing panto.
Plays and variety shows to packed audiences, and 2023 is the 50th Year of Panto ‘Oh no it’s not! Oh yes it is!’.
The group organised a free exhibition and afternoon tea, with images, past programmes, music, scripts, quotes, slideshow, props and costumes. There was also a Panto themed quiz for children, selfie station and an opportunity for new members to join. Present members joined in the spirit of the event by coming in costume.
Past active members shared their stories and anecdotes and enjoyed reminiscing about productions past, as well as chuckling over some of the amusing committee meeting minutes collated over the years… In January 1978 “There has been too much rude ad-libbing in this year’s show, other years have been free of this fault.” The Committee agrees this should not happen again! And, in 1981 an objection was made to “smoking backstage and behind the curtains”. The meeting passed a resolution that all smokers should go outside to indulge themselves.
“A brilliant afternoon – thanks so much to all the organisers – so much effort put into it. Lovely way to mark the Showgroup 50th Anniversary.”… “Thank you Show-group for a perfect 50th anniversary tea party. It was wonderful.”
Over the coming months a memorabilia archive of all productions to-date will be uploaded to the group’s website, which will be accessible to all.
Founded in 1971 SVSG are proud to have survived so long, even through the COVID-19 pandemic and have regular meetings and weekly rehearsals in the run-up to a show. There are a ‘variety’ of ways people can get involved from helping with backstage/scenery, props, costumes, front-of-house, make-up, catering, publicity etc. New members (aged 10 and over) are always welcome.
To celebrate their anniversary, Robinson Crusoe will once again be performed, having been the first full Pantomime in 1974 (1973’s performance was Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, as part of a Variety Show).
If you would like to take part in auditions for this production or would like more information about the group, please email Steve Winchester at slimbridgevarietyshowgroup@gmail.com, call 07788 876 189, or message via the website slimbridgevarietyshowgroup.com or Facebook Page.
