Last Saturday I went to Suffolk's oldest surviving, purpose built cinema. It's in Leiston, near the Suffolk coast and has been going since 1914.
The dance group, where 9 year old EGD has been learning ballet since she was 3, were doing a little bit of dancing in Leiston's pantomime. The guy who is Leiston's Mr Entertainment wrote the panto - a version of Mother Goose - and starred as The Dame. He's been managing the cinema since 1994 and also does magic shows and organises all sorts of other events. He also works on a small local radio station and YD said he's just started being the Crossing Control 'Lollipop' Man at the primary school road crossing. They've just reinstated someone there where the road is now crazy busy due to the building of Sizewell C Power Station.
Leiston would be lost without him!
It's been a long time since I'd been to a Panto - I'd rather go to a local one like this than the big city ones with some celebrity. Actually Wayne is a celebrity - for Leiston!
Back Tomorrow
These true Local Heroes should be celebrated for their commitment to the community. Like you I prefer the community panto with the dancing school contribution to the big glitzy show any day!
ReplyDeleteSomeone should suggest him for a CBE or something similar
DeleteOne is always hooked either by one's own offspring or grandchildren. He seems a busy man but happy in his different roles.
ReplyDeleteHim and his wife have no children - so that's why he has time!
DeleteThe local pantos are so much more fun than the big glitzy showbiz ones.
ReplyDeleteThey don't need huge money and famous faces to be good fun
DeleteI always enjoyed the panto with the grandchildren when they were small. My granddaughter used to dance competitively until she was 18 and I loved to watch all the shows she was in. I do miss those times.
ReplyDeleteAngie
Granddaughter is starting modern dance as well as ballet now - all good fun
DeleteI wasn't sure what a "panto" was but now I know. Sounds like a fun event to see the EGD perform!
ReplyDeleteLots of sillyness and fun with dressing up and a 10 foot goose in this one!
DeleteLove a day at a local theatre production and it was such a treat to see your EGD I’m sure. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThe older they get the more they get to do things on stage which is lovely
DeleteLocal panto is the best! Especially when they sneak in local in-jokes.
ReplyDeleteThere were several in jokes! Luckily because it's where we lived for 23 years and where I visit daughter I could guess what was going on!
DeleteNot been to a panto since the boys (now men) were little, saw Peter Pan at the Halifax Playhouse and the young lad who was Peter had been rigged up to 'flying wire' and 'flew' from the stage to the upper balcony - he landed on the edge a couple of metres from our youngest son who decided he wanted to fly back with him - we had to hang on to him just in case he fancied launching himself after Peter.
ReplyDeleteWhoops - nearly on stage by mistake!
DeleteI went to a panto last week, it was so uplifting!
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten how much fun they are
DeleteI've never been to a panto. I would love to see one!
ReplyDeleteYou'll need your next visit to UK to be in January!
DeleteYour EGD must love dance. Seeing her on stage performing is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe panto sounds like good fun too.
It's lovely to see her enjoying herself with all the other girls
DeleteOh how fun!!!!! Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt was
DeleteI love these people, the ones who move quietly around their communities doing what needs doing. The world is the better for them.
ReplyDeleteHe took on the running of the cinema when he wasn't very old and made a huge success of it
DeleteWaw…someone needs to get that man a cup of tea! X
ReplyDeleteDefinitely
DeleteWhat a wonderful person that he does so much in the community.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
How lovely! Used to love a good Panto
ReplyDelete