Pantomime favourite Berwick Kaler to feature in major new BBC documentary this Christmas



Issued by York Theatre Royal

York’s legendary pantomime dame Berwick Kaler is set not to just be onstage this Christmas in York Theatre Royal’s latest pantomime blockbuster Robin Hood and his Merry Mam!, he will also be featuring in a major new documentary on BBC 4 about the history of pantomime and the role of the pantomime dame.

The one-off documentary, Michael Grade’s History of the Pantomime Dame, will be aired on Thursday 20th December on BBC 4 at 9pm.

The documentary explores the history of the traditional theatrical character in Britain. From the 19th-century productions in Drury Lane to the performances by Terry Scott and Arthur Askey, Michael Grade learns about the reasons behind its enduring appeal and the demands of dame hood with actors Berwick Kaler, Gyles Brandreth, Matthew Kelly and Richard Briers, who offer an affectionate insight into the much-loved figure

Last year former BBC and ITV chairman Michael Grade and Finestripe Productions visited York Theatre Royal to talk to pantomime favourite Berwick Kaler, and to film part of York’s favourite panto. Whilst at the theatre he was put through his paces on stage with some dame training by Kaler before donning full panto costume in front of the cameras to become – Baron Grade.

Michael Grade’s History of the Pantomime Dame, will be on BBC 4 on Thursday 20 December at 9pm.

Berwick Kaler will be appearing in Robin Hood and his Merry Mam! at York Theatre Royal from 13 Dec-2 Feb. For tickets contact the box office on 01904 623568 or visit the York Theatre Royal website.



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