Get ready, be entertained and give back this Christmas with Linkage Community Trust

December kicks off with Linkage’s Pre-loved Christmas Extravaganza on Sunday 1st December. A free event at the Kenwick Park Hotel in Louth.

Christmas has officially begun at Linkage Community Trust, the registered charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autism across Greater Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. 

Linkage College performing arts students from across their four campuses have been getting involved in local events from opening the Flemingate Light Switch on in Beverly to opening the Great Grimsby’s Christmas Festival.

December kicks off with Linkage’s Pre-loved Christmas Extravaganza on Sunday 1st December. A free event at the Kenwick Park Hotel in Louth for all the family.

It's a fantastic opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon sustainably shopping from a large range of pre-love decorations and toys ready for the big day itself. 

Alongside festive snacks, refreshments, games and music from Linkage Performing Arts, every purchase made will help support the services Linkage provides.

It’s not too late to get your hands on pantomime tickets as Linkage is proud to present ‘It’s a Panto… Get Me Out of Here!’ Performed by an all-inclusive cast from the Linkage Choices performing arts group, at The Riverside Theatre in Louth on Tuesday 10th December. It’s a panto but not as you know it, are you ready for a wonderful big twist?

If you’d like to give back this holiday season, make twice the difference and spread some festive magic by supporting Linkage Community Trust in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

From midday on Tuesday 3rd December to midday on Tuesday 10th December 2024, every donation made to Linkage through the Big Give Christmas Challenge will be matched pound-for-pound. That means your generosity can go twice as far, helping to provide services that support people with learning disabilities and autism across Greater Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

Linkage Digital Fundraiser, Emily Middleton says, “Every gift matters and by participating, you’ll be helping us build a brighter, more inclusive future for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Together, we can empower more people to achieve their potential and experience the independence they deserve. This Christmas, we’re inviting everyone to join us to make an even bigger impact.”

The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest match-funding campaign, turning every pound donated into two. Thanks to the £6,300 pledge made by the City of Lincoln Bridge Club, raised during their Winter Bridge Tournament, and Big Give champion, The Reed Foundation, every donation made to Linkage during the campaign will have double the impact. This is a great opportunity to maximise the power of your contribution.

https://www.linkage.org.uk

The Great British Christmas Pantomime: A Seasonal Tradition

As the nights grow longer and the festive spirit begins to fill the air, there’s one quintessentially British tradition that lights up theatres and brings joy to families across the nation: the Christmas pantomime. 

A colourful blend of slapstick comedy, exaggerated characters, audience participation, and vibrant costumes, the panto is a beloved seasonal staple. 

But what exactly is a pantomime, and how can you discover performances by both professional companies and passionate amateur dramatic societies throughout the country?

What Is a Christmas Pantomime?

At its heart, the pantomime is a theatrical production that marries comedy, drama, music, and dance. Rooted in 16th-century Italian commedia dell'arte, the British panto evolved into the form we know today, becoming a festive tradition by the early 19th century. The shows typically take classic fairy tales or popular children's stories—think Cinderella, Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, or Sleeping Beauty—and inject them with humour, puns, topical jokes, and a dash of irreverence.

Despite the name, pantomimes are anything but silent. They thrive on audience interaction, encouraging viewers to boo the villain, cheer for the hero, and shout out lines like "He's behind you!" This unique interaction between cast and audience is what makes the panto so special and beloved, creating a communal experience that’s perfect for the Christmas season.

The Key Elements of a Pantomime

Several conventions define the pantomime genre:

Cross-dressing Characters: Expect to see the traditional 'pantomime dame'—a male actor dressed in flamboyant women’s clothing—and the 'principal boy', usually played by a woman in tights and boots.

Audience Participation: The audience is encouraged to shout, clap, and interact with the characters. Children especially love the call-and-response sections.

Slapstick Comedy and Puns: Silly jokes, double entendres (that often go over the heads of younger audiences), and physical comedy are the backbone of a great panto.

Topical References: Pantos frequently include jokes that reference current events, local culture, or even popular TV shows, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for the audience.

Songs and Dance Numbers: Musical interludes, often featuring familiar pop songs or holiday classics, keep the atmosphere upbeat and festive.

Finding Professional Pantomime Performances

Many of the UK’s most renowned theatres host lavish pantomime productions featuring famous faces from television, comedy, and the West End. Here are some ways to discover professional pantos:

Check Major Theatres: Iconic venues such as the London Palladium, the Birmingham Hippodrome, and Manchester’s Opera House are known for staging star-studded pantomimes each year. Check theatre websites or platforms like ATG Tickets or Ticketmaster for schedules and booking details.

Explore Regional Theatres: Regional theatres, like the Bristol Hippodrome, York Theatre Royal, and Glasgow’s King's Theatre, also host fantastic pantomimes. These productions often feature local celebrities and seasoned theatre performers.

Christmas Pantomime Tours: Some companies take their pantomimes on the road, performing in multiple locations across the UK. Keep an eye out for travelling shows that might be stopping by a theatre near you.

Discovering Performances by Amateur Dramatic Societies

While professional productions often grab the spotlight, there’s a rich tradition of pantomime being performed by amateur dramatic societies. These community-driven shows may not have the same production budgets, but they are brimming with enthusiasm, creativity, and local charm. Here’s how to find them:

Local Community Theatres and Halls: Amateur dramatic societies are scattered all over the UK, staging pantomimes in town halls, school theatres, and community centres. Look out for posters in local shops, libraries, and community boards.

Online Searches and Social Media: Websites like TicketSource and Little Box Office often list performances by amateur groups. Following local theatre groups on Facebook or Instagram is also a great way to stay updated on their upcoming shows.

Local Newspapers and Magazines: Many community groups advertise their productions in local newspapers or listings magazines. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and support your local arts scene.

Why You Should Experience a Pantomime This Christmas

Whether you’re attending a glitzy production in a grand theatre or supporting your local amateur troupe, a pantomime is guaranteed to brighten your festive season. It’s a tradition that brings together people of all ages, offering laughter, light-hearted fun, and a break from the winter chill. Plus, by attending a pantomime, you’re supporting the arts, whether it’s professional performers or the dedicated amateurs who pour their hearts into their productions.

So, this Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable experience by catching a panto performance near you. Dust off your best festive jumper, prepare to cheer, boo, and sing along, and immerse yourself in the magic of the British pantomime.

After all, as every panto fan knows, it’s simply not Christmas without it!