Magic and Mayhem: Video Series Highlights 16 Years of a Gabriola Island Tradition

Gabriola Players wrapped up their Panto Sundays video series on Dec. 17th with a screening of their 2022 production of "Cinderella." To mark the occasion, various members of the Players sat down to reflect on the annual holiday tradition on Gabriola, which has brought the community together as cast, crew and audience, since 2007.

Gabriola Players co-artistic director Miranda Holmes along with members BJ Godson, Jenn Feenan, and TJ Radcliffe discuss how the tradition began, what it takes to mount a production that may involve up to 65 people, and how pantos have changed over the years. And then there's the time somebody's car caught fire in the community hall parking lot.

Plenty of production photos help tell the tale, and if you don't know what a panto is, that's explained too.

Tradition can be a double-edge sword; some traditions deserve to die. But pantos, despite a past which sometimes trafficked in ethnic stereotypes, which Holmes addresses, remain unique in their ability to create joy, silliness, and togetherness.

Key moments:
00:22: Miranda Holmes explains what a panto is.
02:07: BJ Godson, a founding member of the Gabriola Players, discusses how the pantos came to be and why they're a "fun, wonderful thing."
07:36: Miranda interviews fellow "Panto Queen" Jenn Feenan, who brought the British theatre tradition to Gabriola.
23:11: Joe DiCara on playing villains.
24:47: TJ Radcliffe interviews Miranda about the joys and challenges of producing pantos and how they've changed over the years.

Life on Gabriola TV is generously sponsored by:
The Gabriola Arts Council
The Haven, Gabriola Island

Thanks also to The Surf Lodge and Pub for help with space to record.