Runway Theatre To Continue The Panto Tradition In North Texas

Runway Theatre will revive an English tradition as it adopts the Panto once presented by the now-dark Theatre Britain. An all-volunteer, award-winning theater, Runway is currently known for presenting everything from big musicals to slap-your-thigh southern comedies, so the theatre will work closely with The British Emporium and past members of Theatre Britain to ensure the unique Panto production style is perfectly presented.

Theatre Britain has generously donated costumes and access to original adaptations of classic Panto shows from "Cinderella" to "Red Riding Hood". The British Emporium, located just blocks from Runway's stage, will be on hand to ensure each show has the proper British concessions and treats to complete the audience's English experience.

Runway Theatre's President of the Board, Linda Fullhart, says of the new venture, "This is an exciting addition to Runway's season and we look forward to introducing our audiences to a new tradition while welcoming the many attendees of past Panto performances through Theater Britain." Runway will mount a Panto Primer this holiday season before presenting its first traditional Panto as part of their 2019 season.

For over 200 years, Great Britain has delighted audiences of all ages with the unique theatrical performance known as "Pantomime": a play based on classic fairy tales, filled with heroes and villains, jokes, music, and dancing - all in a family-friendly, interactive environment. Though hundreds of Pantos are staged across England each winter, Americans are challenged to locate such entertainment. DFW audiences were first introduced to Pantos through Theatre Britain, which performed original Panto for over 21 years before the company's founders returned to England this past year, leaving a void for area families. Runway Theater is proud to revive the spirit of the Christmas Panto, right here in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas!

Photo: Standing L-R: Ian Birch (Theatre Britain), Sue Birch (Theatre Britain), Patsy Daussat (Runway), Lynn Chapman (Runway), Misty Baptiste (Runway), Laurie Grissom (Runway), Sheela Kadam (manages The British Emporium), Sheela's husband Seated L-R: Larry Groebe (Theatre Britain), Amber Sebastian (Runway), Emily Moriarty (Runway), Linda Fullhart (Runway)