How to direct a Panto part 3 – Flying Geese
How to direct a Panto part 3 – Flying Geese
Having decided that I wanted to direct a Panto and chosen a script, my first job was to read through it and see if there were any showstoppers that would prevent us from being able to put on the show. Sometimes there are casting challenges, sometimes there are technical challenges, sometimes there are financial challenges but for this production the challenge was creative.
‘Oh’ I thought, as I got half way through the script ‘we need two ride-on Goose costumes’…… That could be a problem. So I cranked up the internet and went for a search. Ride on chickens, ride on dinosaurs and even ride on bears, but no geese, and to be honest – even if we were to buy one and try to adapt it that would take us into the financial challenge territory.
Having been brought up to be very careful with money and to make use of what I already have, I decided to have a go at making my own. First step was to ask my Mum for help and my luck was in – ‘I’ve always wanted to make one of those!’ she said. Next step was to take some measurements and come up with a plan, and then I had to tear apart the redundant beanbags in the house and find some old sheets.
I had a days annual leave owed to me so I took it off and spent a great day with my Mum, chatting and sewing and making great headway. A few hours in the evenings and half a day spent on a Saturday later and the geese were ready for their first outing. We had managed to make them entirely out of items sourced at home and our annual Jumble Sale, having only spent a few pounds on some orange leggings to finish the look. Proud as punch we were.
Oh – happy days – the costumes fit the cast! Phew! Just in time to spend a bit of time at the Christmas Lights festival in the village, meeting the public and spreading the news about the show. I haven’t quite finished them yet – some adjustments need to be made and the cast are working hard on polishing their performances, but we can’t wait to put them on show in January.
