"It's right behind you!" This iconic phrase echoes through the aisles of theaters, signaling the arrival of one of the most crucial roles in Christmas pantomimes—the dame.
Characterized by their flamboyant personalities and extravagant appearances, these larger-than-life figures captivate audiences with their vibrant makeup, voluminous hair, and exaggerated gestures. During this festive season, these dynamic performers don their dazzling costumes to take center stage, ensuring the show is filled with laughter and unexpected twists.
We had the pleasure of speaking with four talented performers as they prepared for their roles, gathering insights on what it takes for a dame to truly shine and capture the audience's attention.
The general agreement among them is that a successful dame must embody warmth, humor, volume, and an outgoing personality. They should be engaging, sharing jokes that resonate with both children and adults, and certainly not someone who fades into the background.
Nick Downes, who plays Aunty Pru in the Snow Queen at the Birchmeadow Centre in Broseley, Shropshire, noted, "Interacting with the audience is key. You want them to feel welcomed without being overwhelmed, ensuring they have a memorable experience." He emphasized that a dame should be ready to make a fool of herself, which he believes is central to the character's charm.
At the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield, Sam Rabone and Matt Daines bring to life Cinderella's supermarket-inspired sisters, Aldianna and Lidleena. Daines shared, "We are the characters that the audience eagerly anticipates seeing again, and when we exit the stage, they are left wanting more of us." Rabone chimed in, stressing that a dame must be "loud, brash, and definitely not shy." Both performers agreed that the role demands a certain flamboyance—someone who is not only vibrant but also whimsically silly and delightfully daft.
In a humorous twist, Dion Davies, who plays Lucie Goose in Mother Goose at the Courtyard in Hereford, added that possessing star quality is essential for a dame. "You need to have a good physique, which I certainly do, along with an appealing face. The essence of a dame lies in connecting with the audience, sparking their excitement, and infusing joy into the performance, offering adults a different kind of entertainment amidst the colorful spectacle designed for children.
As the festive season approaches, all four dames are gearing up to entertain audiences throughout Christmas and New Year's. What could possibly go wrong in such a lively atmosphere?
We'd love to hear from you! What stories or performances would you like us to cover in Shropshire?
