When Alyson Vance glides on to the Metro Theatre stage this December in Cinderella: a Traditional British Pantomime, she’ll be following in the footsteps of countless actors at the historic playhouse––and continuing a glittering panto custom that locals have embraced as their Christmastime must-do for nearly 40 seasons.

 

“It’s such an honour to be performing at one of the oldest and most iconic theatres in the city,” says Vance, who is playing the glass-slippered title role in the 2024 Metro holiday show. “So many amazing actors have appeared here over the years and it has such a devoted audience that comes back every Christmas.”

 

Not that she’ll have much time to reflect on that heritage once the curtain rises. The Studio 58 graduate will be in the spotlight for most of the show, as well as having two big solo songs to perform. “There’s also an amazing dress transformation taking place on stage. I won’t say anything more about it, but it’s a surprise big reveal!”

 

Vance, who has appeared in several pantos before, says holiday audiences are always in a festive mood––and that includes lots of wide-eyed children keen to participate in the action. “You have to be big and bold in panto, and be ready to enjoy the kids booing and cheering and having a great time. We’re also encouraging them to come dressed as princes and princesses––it’s going to be so much fun!”

 

Traditions and More

 

Fun is the name of the game, of course, when it comes to a perfectly pitched family-friendly show. But if you’re promising your audience a “Traditional British Pantomime,” there are also some absolutely essential elements that have to be incorporated, according to Cinderella’s co-writer and director, Shel Piercy.

 

“You need to have an outrageous dame—ours is called Imelda da Shoes––as well as a demon baddie and a sparkling good fairy that audiences can really respond to. We even have a panto horse that tap dances,” he says, referencing the two-person comic tradition with a centuries-old provenance. “My co-writer Jo Sears is the British expert so she has made sure we have all the right traditions covered.”

 

But there’s more to this show than tradition, adds Piercy. The writers have also cleverly and engagingly updated the classic fairytale for contemporary audiences. “This version is set in a village where women are not respected and can’t really control their own lives. Our Cinderella, though, gets to choose her own destiny­­––and we think audiences of all ages will really like that idea.”

 

A large cast of 18 performers is poised to bring this year’s panto to life, says Piercy, comprising local acting veterans and emerging talent from top Vancouver theatre programs. “We’ve assembled an incredible mixture of talent for this year’s show. They work together so well and they’ve been creating so much magic during rehearsals––we can't wait for them to hit the stage.”

 

Metro’s Renaissance

 

Fusing experience and new energy also echoes a behind-the-scenes transformation that’s currently underway at the theatre, according to Piercy, a Metro board member. Founded by British expats in 1964, the venue’s fortunes had faded over time, while surviving the pandemic required monumental effort. But a bold reinvigoration plan is attracting new audiences to bigger and better shows––including recent hit The Play That Goes Wrong and upcoming blockbuster Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

 

And not all those enhancements are taking place behind-the-scenes at the 300-seat theatre. This year’s Metro panto audiences will notice many improvements when they visit, including a completely renovated upstairs lounge and the cheer-worthy introduction of roaming ice-cream vendors in the auditorium during intermission.

 

Not everything is changing, though. And that includes the much-loved Metro panto tradition, started by Piercy’s father-in-law, Gordon Fairclough, in 1985. “We reinvigorated the panto last year and it was a huge success,” says Piercy. “This year, we’re going even bigger and bolder and you won’t want to miss it. The kids will love all the jokes, dancing and silly costumes––while the adults can relax and be fully entertained by the comedy.”

 

Vance agrees, adding that Metro’s panto is the kind of joyous holiday extravaganza you rarely get the chance to experience anywhere these days. “There aren’t many chances to see theatre like this in Vancouver,” she says. “It’s a really lovely and engaging experience for the whole family. And as a performer, it couldn't be more fun––I can't wait for opening night!”

 

If you go:

 

Cinderella: a Traditional British Pantomime is on stage at Metro Theatre from December 13 to January 5. The theatre is located at 1370 Marine Drive, Vancouver. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the show’s official event page.