Oh, Yes It Is!
Thursday, November 14, 2024
We’re celebrating 75 glorious years of pantomime in Pontefract.
On Saturday 30 November, Pontefract Museum is opening its doors for a very special event, full of pantomime-themed fun. And everyone is welcome.
“The St Giles with St Mary’s Pantomime/Theatre Society have been making amazing theatre for an incredible 75 years and counting. For lots of local families, the panto at Pontefract Town Hall is a fixture in their calendar.
“It’s fantastic that this part of what makes Pontefract so great is being honoured by the museum. I can’t wait to celebrate with the society and hope lots of people will join us for the exhibition’s grand opening. It will be the perfect way to kick start the festive season.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
‘Oh, Yes It Is! 75 years of the St Giles with St Mary’s Pantomime Society’ opens on 18 November 2024 and celebrates the proud tradition of panto in Ponte.
Founded in 1949, the society have enchanted generations with time-honoured stories, larger-than-life characters, and lavish costumes and scenery.
To celebrate this landmark anniversary, the museum and society have joined forces to put on a show for all the family. Visitors to the exhibition will find out what goes into creating a spectacular production, both on and off the stage, and meet the talented and passionate local people who make it happen.
The stars of 2025’s production of Hansel and Gretel will be guests of honour at the museum on 30 November. Families can enjoy special story times with Dame Peggy, the Wicked Witch and Bluebell the Fairy. Story time sessions will be accompanied by Makaton signs. Plus, see performances from the panto’s youngest stars, the Sunbeams. There will also be face painting and family crafts throughout the day.
Visitors will also be able to explore the exhibition throughout 2025. It features past posters and programmes, charming homemade props and glamorous costumes kindly lent from the society’s fabulous archive.
Young panto fans can follow a trail of sparkling star dust to find special pantomime icons and discover fun facts. They can watch star performers, from the Panto Dame to the Principal Boy. Budding actors can also delve into our treasure chest of dressing-up costumes ready to singalong to the Ponte Panto song.
The exhibition interpretation includes Makaton symbols and signs as well as an RNIB PenFriend audio commentary, specially recorded by the panto society stars.
More information
The ‘Oh, Yes It Is! Exhibition’ opens at Pontefract Museum on 18 November 2024 and runs to 15 November 2025.
The ‘Oh, Yes It Is! Celebration Event’ is on Saturday 30 November, 11am – 3pm.
For full details and programme, see Oh, Yes It Is! Celebration Event | Experience Wakefield
Opening hours and visitor information for Pontefract Museum can be found at Pontefract Museum - Wakefield Council