Bangkok thespians say ‘open sesame’

The rise in the number of expat residents in and around Bangkok in recent years has seen a significant rise in English-speaking theatre companies and |even a few Thai companies are now targeting this audience group with English-language productions. Bangkok Community Theatre (BCT) is the granddaddy of them all and remains the most prolific.
Last weekend, families enjoyed plenty of laughs with BCT’s new British pantomime production of “Aladdin” at M Theatre and there are five more chances to catch it this weekend.
But first a clarification about what pantomime really means, courtesy of director Ian Robinson. 
“The first point to make is that it has nothing to do with ‘mime,” he says. “Pantomimes are packed with fun – songs, jokes, dancing, hammy acting and audience participation. You can even cheer your heroes and boo the villains.” 
“Pantomime has been performed for generations in the UK. In fact the first performance of ‘Aladdin’ can be traced back to the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden in London in 1788. Generations of British children will remember with great delight their first trip to a pantomime – the start of a lifelong love of the theatre – and when those children grow up to become parents themselves, it’s regarded as an act of parental neglect not to take your own children to the ‘panto’. That’s how the tradition continues.
“Most famous British actors will tell you that they were drawn to the theatre and acting as a child after watching a pantomime performance.”
As for the history of British pantomime In Bangkok, Robinson says, “The BCT has performed them on many occasions over the years. It’s not an annual event because of the difficulties sometimes in finding directors and venues, but Bangkok always seems to enjoy this very strange and eccentric British fun, a Christmas box of delights. Pantomime has something for everyone, you don't have to be British to enjoy it. Many Thais and expats of many nationalities have been introduced to the wonderful world of pantomime here in Bangkok and have gone on to become great fans.” 
BCT’s pantomime production of “Cinderella” last year was a big hit. 
“The most popular pantomime story [of all time] is ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Aladdin’ runs a close second so it’s a natural choice. Our production is set in China so this gives lots of opportunities for wonderful, colourful and glittering costumes and backdrops.”
And in comparison to the Disney version of “Aladdin” with most of us are familiar, Robinson says, “The original story in “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights” itself is ambiguous about its setting. There are some references to a Chinese setting but there are also references consistent with an Arabian setting. In the British pantomime version, which we’re using, the setting has usually been Chinese. You’ll meet all the usual pantomime characters, including ‘The Dame’, known as Widow Twankey.”
Robinson notes that a traditional British pantomime will always "localise" its script and his production is no exception. However, he’s not revealing any secrets here, saying, “Just come and find out which famous local landmarks are visited by our heroes and villains.”
Cast members come from the UK, USA, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines,
“Aladdin is performed by Ricardo Hizon and the Princess by Leela Saeng, both popular local singers. Ricardo trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Australia and Leela at Tring Park School for Performing Arts in the UK.
“No British style pantomime would be complete without a traditional panto ‘Dame’, who is always played by a man. This year Michael Allman is stepping into the ‘frock’ part. Michael is an experienced performer and has been immersed in theatre at all levels over the years. However, this is Michael’s first time playing the Dame. In this traditional role, Michael is walking in the footsteps of some of the giants of the British stage. He was heard saying, ‘If it’s good enough for Sir Ian McKellen, it’s good enough for me!’” 
Finally, the director guarantees, “British pantomime is fun for all the family. It is, primarily, a show for children, but there’s much that mums and dads will enjoy too. ‘Panto’ works best when the whole family come along and it’s a great pre-Christmas activity for everyone. Mums and dads, we guarantee that your children will talk about the panto for months, if not years, and you’ll be glad you were there to share this delightful experience.” 

PLENTY OF LUGHS
- BCT’s “Aladdin” continues at M Theatre, New Phetchaburi road between Ekamai and Thonglor, Friday 7.30pm; Saturday 2.30pm and 7.30pm; and Sunday at 1.30pm and 6pm. 
- Tickets are Bt 950 and Bt750 for children, Saturday and Sunday matinees only), available at www.BangkokCommunityTheatre.com/tickets, and (081) 741 0703.