So I found myself this morning imagining what it would be like to coach some of my favourite pantomime characters.
Part of the success of pantomime is the rigidness and familiarity of the characters and their stories. But what would it be like if they were freed from the prescribed story arch. If they embraced a new perspective. Join me on a new pantomime journey…
Cinderella has a very fixed perspective on her place in the world. And if she is ever uncertain of it then she always has her step-mother and the ugly sisters to remind her of it. But what if instead of providing a horse and carriage her Fairy Godmother gives Cinderella access to some new perspectives, introduces the idea that “it doesn’t have to be this way”? What then for Cinderella? From this liberated position what perspective would Cinderella choose? Perhaps, I can choose my own life? What if Cinderella taps into her own resources, throws off her pinny and does just that. Perhaps she would choose to rescue herself rather than relying on the shoe-fitting skills of Prince Charming?
How about Jack and his mother? I have always been slightly uncomfortable with a tale where the hero is cheered for embracing a life of crime to solve his family’s financial woes. Imagine doing some creative brainstorming with Jack and his mother – what ideas would they generate? Maybe they could turn the giant beanstalk into a theme park? What else?
And finally, the hard-working Widow Twanky burdened with Aladdin – a dreamer for a son. When asked what they really want from life perhaps the tables would turn. Widow Twanky might start dreaming about romance and fun in her life and Aladdin might turn out to be very pragmatic about his dreams, driven by a desire for security from which to travel the world seeking adventures.
And who are the baddies in our pantomime? As ever, the saboteurs, or gremlins, the off stage voices who shout out, “you can’t do that”, “you’re just a lowly washer woman”, “you’re too stupid to ever make anything of your life”. Whilst the audience are giving them a good dose of boos and hisses wouldn’t it be great if our heroes and heroines stand up and shout, “Oh yes, I can!”