Sleeping Beauty

Went to the townhall last night to see a pantomime of Sleeping Beauty by a local theatre company. I didn't even know what a Christmas pantomime was until I moved to the UK and had children. They're one of the best things about Christmas now. It's a great community event where everyone gets to scream their head off ("He's BEHIND YOU", "Oh NO HE DIDN'T", etc). One of the great things about the UK is how strong the theatre culture is. Every small town or large village seems to have a theatre company. Anyone can join them. The production quality can also be really very good. Some years back, I saw a play performed by students at a local senior school and was quite surprised at how high the quality was - acting, singing, dancing, set design, lighting - everything. Nothing like my old high school in Canada. Close to our house we even have a theatre school. Kate Winslet being their most famous student. Some of the students have been in the Harry Potter movies. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get R* to consider going to the school. Can't get her interested in acting or dancing. Yet.