01 Sep 2024
What does it take to make St Albans’ pantomime an annual hit? Laura Bill speaks to Paul Hendy, of Evolution Productions, about the behind-the-scenes process which takes place every year…
Anybody who knows me knows I’m a massive lovey at heart and should have surely been on the stage myself. I did drama GCSE and everything and you can’t get much more showbiz than that, can you…? Shimmying off to the National to see Romeo and Juliet instead of going to double science was the highlight of my year one Tuesday afternoon circa 1995 at Beaumont.
Anyway… the point is, I’ve always loved a bit of theatre and living in St Albans for such a long time made it practically compulsory to go to the annual panto. And I still do. Not because I want to see the joy on my non-existent children’s faces or because I have to review it for work but because I just bloody love pantomime.
But I’ve also always had an interest in how it is produced. How do they make everything happen in the spectacular way that it does? Loads of folk all in tune with what they’re doing and a clever script, fantastic set, intricate, fabulous costumes, a brilliant band and expert lighting in just a few months at the end of the year?
Part of the answer to that is of course a tonne of caffeine, long days, hard work, enthusiasm and the camaraderie between the regulars of St Albans panto BUT there is no doubt that it is what happens between the shows that also makes the magic happen.
I met up with actor, producer and director Paul Hendy – who also hosted Wheel of Fortune back in 2001 after John Leslie – of multi-award-winning Evolution Productions. His company has put together the panto at the Alban Arena for the last 14 years.
I asked him how he gets his ideas and how he keeps things new and fresh, having produced so many shows.
“We’re called Evolution, and that says it all… Keeping our finger on the pulse of news, entertainment, and trends is key.
By staying aware of what’s happening in the world, our shows always feel relevant.”
Evolution produces shows all around the country and many other great pantomimes so how does he choose the actors and dancers for each show?
Paul described it as “like a giant jigsaw puzzle!” adding: “We start by looking at our season lineup and brainstorming who would shine in each role. We cast the top-billed stars first, then look at the actors that have played our principal roles previously. If there are any remaining roles we’ll start advertising these.”
Paul has lots of well-known successful actors work on his shows each year such as EastEnders stars Rita Simons, Samantha Womack and Shaun Williamson and Coronation Street names Beverly Callard, Faye Brookes, Catherine Tyldsley, John Thompson and Wendi Peters, as well as other TV doctor Ranj Singh, CBeebies’ Andy Day and of course the legendary Bob Golding. Many of them have been involved for years and performed at a range of shows across different venues.
Paul added: “Evolution is such a tight-knit family company, and when we find someone who really echoes that sentiment, we love to invite them back year-after-year where we can!”
What about the costumes?
Most are made in-house in their Kent warehouse. Led by the brilliant Amy Chamberlain, the wardrobe team designs, makes, and adjusts costumes all year round to fit each performer perfectly. You’d probably not consider when you’re watching this year’s Cinderella that each costume has taken months of creating, stitching, amending only to then be thrown on and off at the speed of lightning – if you’re Ian Kirby or Bob Golding – and then covered in custard pies,
water or whatever. They then have to be ready to do it all again sometimes the same day, on a matinee day. They must be durable as well as exaggerated for those in the back seats. (That’s the costumes but the actors must be durable and exaggerated too!)
Paul said when he writes each show, the inspiration can come from anywhere,:songs he hears on the radio, TikTok trends, blockbuster films and chats with friends.
When the ideas are flowing, he writes them down and constantly seeks ways to add more magic and spectacle to the shows, he said.
“Sometimes I will have a ridiculous idea and ask the team how we can make it work technically. They love me!”
The scripts go out to actors around mid-to-late October, but they evolve in rehearsals. Some jokes land better than others,
Paul explained, and new ideas often pop up: “We might even add a last-minute trend if it’s a big hit!”
I am always struck by how cleverly the music is worked into the show. It must be quite tricky to ensure a mix of songs for the children, funny ones to keep the adults happy and some well-known numbers alongside the odd love song and all of it needs to work with the dancers and actors and timings and band. I am exhausted just thinking about it.
So, who comes up with the songs, I ask him.
“The basic plots of pantomimes are set, so we choose songs that fit the story, mood, or characters. I will then rewrite lyrics to tie everything together. I will often ‘mashup’ multiple songs to make a music-extravaganza, and I’ll then work closely with musical directors to perfect the sound and make sure it all works.”
He said that they love working with theatres like the Alban Arena and they often have a pool of brilliant in-house technicians.
“So we work with their teams, often with many friendly familiar faces, supporting our technical show staff.”
This year Evolution is delivering pantomimes at 10 theatres – nine returning and one new.
Paul said what he loves about his job is that no day is the same!
“It’s hard to describe what my job is, because it’s so different.
“Some days is script-writing or going through notes. Sometimes I’m in creative conversations, or technical discussions, talking about the fun stuff that make the shows happen. Other days are back-to-back budget meetings… It’s less fun, but just as important!
“As we get closer to the pantomime season, rehearsals start and they’re the most fun moments of the year. But of course, the best part is watching the shows back. That feeling on opening night when it’s in front of a loud audience – there is nothing better!”
Of all the people he’s worked with, who is his favourite?
He said that though we might expect him to say a celebrity, his favourite person to work with is his wife, Emily. (Awwwww. There are still romantics out there and chivalry does exist!)
“We run Evolution together, and she’s my second * biggest inspiration and champion – she makes every day, and every, show a joy. (*His biggest inspiration is still Eric Morecambe.)
Paul works collaboratively and tests his jokes on his family and team: “Everyone’s a critic!” he laughed.
So what has been the biggest challenge in keeping everything going? “Maintaining the balance between creativity and logistics. It’s a juggling act to ensure the shows are magical and run smoothly, but the joy and laughter from the audience make it all worthwhile.”
To book your tickets for this year’s production of Cinderella at the Alban Arena visit https://alban-arena.co.uk/events/cinderella-4/
