The Sherriff Talk - Oh No It Isn’t: A History of Pantomime

Oh No It Isn’t: A History of Pantomime
- A Special Evening Sherriff Talk

What is it about Pantomime that attracts us to this strange concoction of fairy tales, dance, jokes, songs and cross-dressing? As theatre’s across the land bring the curtain down on another Pantomime season, and writers dust off familiar fairy stories and folk tales to start preparing for Panto 2025, this special evening Sherriff Talk looks at the history of what has become a great British tradition.

Why Jim Davidson’s adult Pantomimes are perhaps the closest approximation to its origins, how a family of pantomime entertainers caused the manager of the great Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to decry ‘Shakespeare spelt ruin and Byron bankruptcy’ because of the popularity of Pantomime, whether that ‘something behind you’ is the ghost of the greatest Pantomime Dame and more importantly, what it’s really like to play the back end of a Pantomime Cow.

About the speaker

Pete Allen, Director of The R C Sherriff Trust, is a dedicated champion of the arts and a key figure in promoting cultural enrichment in Walton-on-Thames and across Surrey. Through his leadership, the Trust has supported countless initiatives that celebrate creativity and foster community engagement, ensuring the arts thrive at the heart of local life.

With a deep commitment to honouring the legacy of R C Sherriff, Pete has been instrumental in bringing theatre, music, literature, and visual arts to audiences of all ages, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Surrey.

Join us for an inspiring evening as Pete shares his experiences, stories, and vision for the arts in our community.

Date: Thursday 16 January - 7:00pm
Ticket: £4 (Standard) 
Booking required.