British Comedy Guide
Michael Grade's History Of The Pantomime Dame. Michael Grade. Copyright: Finestripe Productions
Michael Grade's History Of The Pantomime Dame

Michael Grade's History Of The Pantomime Dame

  • TV documentary
  • BBC Four
  • 2012
  • 1 episode

Michael Grade explores the rich history of the very British Pantomime Dame. Features Michael Grade, Berwick Kaler, Damian Cruden, Matthew Kelly, Kate Newey and more.

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Key details

Genre
Documentary
Broadcast
2012
Channel
BBC Four
Episodes
1
Features
Michael Grade, Berwick Kaler, Damian Cruden, Matthew Kelly, Kate Newey, Marcus Risdell, Gyles Brandreth, Mark Fox and more
Directors
Michael Burke
Producers
Michael Burke, Debbie Christie and Sam Anthony
Company

From the extravagant productions in Drury Lane in the 19th Century to the vintage performances by Terry Scott and Arthur Askey, the Pantomime Dame has always been anarchic, witty, vulgar affectionate and good box office.

Berwick Kaler, who has played the Panto Dame for 30 years at York's Theatre Royal and Richard Briers, star of The Good Life, offer their insights into why the role has remained such a favourite.

And presenter and TV mogul Michael Grade bravely tries on the full makeup and frock to explore what it is that has made the Pantomime Dame such an enduring feature of British life.

Additional details

Production
Studio
Picture
Colour

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Thursday 20th December 2012 at 9pm on BBC Four
Episode length
1 hour
All previous repeats
  • Friday 29th March 2013 at 12:40am on BBC4
  • Friday 21st December 2012 at 3:00am on BBC4
  • Thursday 20th December 2012 at 9:00pm on BBC HD

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