A Steep Learning Curve
Earlier this year, I was cast in pantomime. This came from nowhere and was completely new to me.
And we opened on Friday!
Here are a few of the lessons I have learned through rehearsals, and from the first live shows…
I'm Not Me - I was hired, mainly due to my skill as a ventriloquist, but what I hadn't realised until well into rehearsals, is that I can't just step on stage as me, or even as Ned and I. We are Sgt Tik and PC Tok! And as such, we need to be characters! Larger than life! Arrogant, silly and cartoon-like!
And It's Not About Me - I did know this, don't worry. I did not expect to waltz on and become the main attraction. But I've never been part of an ensemble cast like this. It's absolutely brilliant!
There's Time To Kill - There is more down time than I might normally be used to, but I, like the rest of the cast and crew, use it productively. Going over the next scene, keeping the body warm and active, as well as the voice (there's plenty of movement and dialogue in this show).
Trust The Process - I had this notion in my head that I might need to provide a few lines of my own, or advise on a few ‘ventriloquist things’. But it's all taken care of for me. And it's all very good!
It's A Big Deal - I didn't know much about the world of panto, so when I got the part, I was happy but had no idea the scale of the production, the size of the crowds we'd be playing to, or the professionalism involved! I perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival annually, as well as at holiday parks and countless private parties, but this is BIG, and it's not even the biggest panto in Scotland!
