Characterisation workshop

Workshop for grown up kids – The Two Minute Panto

Naomi had us in groups, pretending to be household appliances as a warm up. Some folk really moved it as a washing machine and the interpretation of a fridge was most inventive. Then it was on to the main event.

We all know what makes a panto don't we? Oh no we don't. Oh yes we do!
A beautiful heroine and laddish hero, a dame, comedy, slapstick, a celebrity, triumph over adversity, good over evil, a reversal of fortunes, songs, a chorus, colour, jokes ott characters and most important, a happy ending.
With that in mind, a well known tune to work with, minimal props and a piece of paper, we split in to 2 groups and prepared a story board with 6 scenes. Fortunately, one member in each group actually knew the stories and bossed everyone into order – very necessary as we only had 10 minutes to prepare ourselves.
First away was Snow White with newcomer Graeme making the most of the role of wicked stepmother, the lovely Liz H talking back as the mirror and John S with the help of a hand puppet and his trusty baton/axe as the woodman. The choice of the youthful Snow White was not in question and Ruth took to the role like a duck to water. One of the dwarfs should have ducked as she took a hit from a cupboard door on the bonce. They earned a well deserved round of applause.
Next up was Sleeping Beauty starring Patricia, with wonderfully naggy parents, Dave and Linda. The fairies, Richard, Chris C and Dorothy aka Julian and Sandy and Marylin, serenaded the baby a la Monroe to the tune of “Happy Birthday”, but it was not enough to deter the bad fairy, Sally, from her evil intent. Mark, as Nanny, tried to protect her, but with GCSE revision threatening, Beauty headed up the tower to hide and tried her hand at spinning as an alternative life style. Prince Sloane Ranger rescued his princess, after a typical teenager lie in of approx 100 years, and it all ended happily in a family rave.

So, in the space of less than 1 ½ hours, we all learned a bit about characterisation and throwing ourselves into the role. Above all we had a good laugh. Many thanks for motivating us all, Naomi, and helping us get so much out of what was a short time.