Pantomimes

BRUCE JAMES PRODUCTIONS LTD - PANTOMIME PHILOSOPHY

Our philosophy on pantomime is simple.

It is our company's belief that Pantomime is the single most important event in the calendar of any theatre. This is because it is an entertainment medium that attracts families who comprise of people who perhaps do not go to the theatre at any other point in the year. They bring their children perhaps because their parents brought them or perhaps because a pantomime should be an essential part of the Christmas season. It is probably one of the first visits to the theatre made by children and therefore is very important that their visit is enjoyable and fun and that they want to return again and again. They are the lifeblood of all theatres as they are our audiences of the future. In an increasingly competitive area of entertainment we are competing, not only with Television, Cinemas, Computers, Games Consoles, but every other pastime that is set to lure children to them.

With this in mind it is of paramount importance that we work together with the theatres we produce pantomimes for, to ensure the pantomime is an unforgettable experience from the moment the family/child enters the building. This we would seek to do by encouraging decoration of the foyer area; playing of Christmas/party music in the auditorium; a top quality pantomime full of audience participation that will appeal, not only to the children but the parents too; colourful scenery and costumes; exciting dance routines; stories that can be followed by all ages; effects to make the audience gasp in wonderment at the spectacle and to make sure the whole audience goes out and talks about the pantomime and ultimately the theatre.

We are very aware that we have a duty to the theatres we play that we are providing a service that will hopefully kick start or continue the audience attendance figures to grow throughout the year and not just for three or four weeks over the Christmas period.

At the Thameside Theatre Grays we have been producing pantomimes for the past 15 years - indeed Bruce James has been involved in the Thameside panto for the past 30 years now!

These pantomimes consistently break Box Office records and have been voted 'Best Panto in Essex' for the last eight years.

At the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield we have produced the last five years' pantomimes and have raised the Box Office from 70% five years ago to 97% last year through the quality of our pantomimes and people coming back to see them year on year.

If you are looking to change your pantomime production company then look no further than us as we are positive we can make a difference to the pantomime in your venue.

Please contact Paul du Fer for further information.