Latest news with #pantomime
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Libraries postpone storytime events over protest concerns
Mama G, a pantomime dame and LGBTQ+ campaigner, has expressed devastation after her summer storytime events in Suffolk libraries were postponed. Suffolk Community Libraries cited concerns over potential protests and "extreme negative reactions" to similar events elsewhere as the reason for the postponement. Mama G, who has performed in Suffolk for seven years without prior issues, views the decision as an "attack" on her work. Officials said the decision was operational, not political, made as a precaution for staff and community safety, and that the events are postponed, not cancelled, pending a risk assessment. Mama G highlighted the financial impact of the postponement as a self-employed performer and emphasised the importance of her work in educating children about inclusivity.
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Pantomime dame hits out at council's ‘attack' after library storytime events cancelled
A pantomime dame has hit out at a council 's 'attack' on her library storytime events for families after they were cancelled over protest concerns. Mama G, who is an LGBTQ+ campaigner and a former Britain's Got Talent contestant, said she was devastated when she received the news her performances in Suffolk libraries this summer have been postponed after seven years of storytelling there. 'Personally, I find it really sad because it's an attack on what I love,' she told The Independent. 'All you're doing is cancelling a pantomime. The reason they're worried is the message is one of positivity and inclusivity.' Suffolk Community Libraries, which is run by Suffolk County Council, said the move had been made in light of 'extreme negative reactions' to similar events in other areas, including protests. They described the decision as 'operational', not political, and said the events have been postponed to allow for an additional risk assessment to be carried out. Mama G – who describes herself as a 'storytelling pantomime dame who goes all over the country telling children and families about being who you want and loving who you are' – said she organised the three days of events in Suffolk back in April. But last week, she said she was told her sessions had been postponed after council members had raised concerns in light of other previous protests elsewhere. 'They advised me I should assume they're cancelled and should look for further work,' she said, adding that she believed this was a decision made by the council, not the libraries. The council said the events have been postponed, not cancelled, and that the decision would have been made regardless of whether the library service was managed by the council. 'The council has every right to do this,' Mama G said. 'It's just really hard not to think about it as why has this particular council decided to take action against a performer who promotes positivity for everyone but has an affinity to the LGBTQ+ community. I wouldn't necessarily saying they were censoring [me]... but that is something that plays on your mind.' Mama G said she was especially 'upset' because she had worked for Suffolk libraries during periods of protest elsewhere, such as those that have broken out around Drag Queen Story Hour, and 'never had a problem'. She added that, as a self-employed worker, she had lost out on days' worth of income. 'My initial feeling, I was quite numb when they told me, [because] I love pantomime and sharing such a positive message,' said Mama G, who is now set to perform in Haverhill, Ipswich and Stowmarket instead. She described her work as focused on educating children about inclusivity and understanding others with a view to creating a more respectful and empathetic world. Speaking of the current inflammatory and divisive nature of society, she said: 'What we're seeing now is a reaction [from] people who didn't have an education about LGBTQ+ things and inclusivity.' Referencing the council's decision, she said: 'It just seems a shame that rather than saying 'these events must happen and we must do everything to mitigate any negativity', is they decided to postpone them... If they're concerned about sections of the library community being upset, it's doubly important for these events to go ahead.' Krystal Vittles, Head of Library Service for Suffolk Community Libraries, said: 'Due to extreme negative reactions to similar events in other areas, including protests and disruption, we have postponed these events and are currently carrying out an additional risk assessment. This is an operational decision as a precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and local communities.'
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Election manifestos to be turned into panto dame's dress
While politics has long been branded a farce by some, the makers of the island's adult Christmas pantomime are taking that one step further this year. Members of Music Theatre Guernsey (MTG) are planning to make unusual use of all the manifesto booklets still in people's home after the recent said they were hoping to gather about 200 copies before they end up in the recycling in order to fashion a dress for the dame in the upcoming 2025 production."We're going to be turning them into something fabulous," said MTG's creative director Darren Alderton. Elections 'nods' He added that the troupe was putting on its own idiosyncratic take on the classic story of said: "It's pretty much already written and we'll be holding auditions next weekend."Then, once we've picked our players, I'll give the script a bit of a rewrite - but you can guarantee it'll have lots of nods towards the recent elections."For example, when the dame is introduced she'll come on stage wearing a dress made from copies of the manifesto."He added that the team had already managed to gather 100 of the said: "We're halfway there, so if anyone has any spare, please could they drop them down to St Saviour's Community Centre, where our door is always open."Failing that, let me know where you are and I'll come and pick them up from you personally." Mr Alderton said that he found it funny how local attitudes had changed towards MTG's racy seasonal productions over time."A few years ago it felt like they were the most taboo thing on the island," he said."But, nowadays, they've become part of the tradition here. I think that's lovely."
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kim Woodburn's co-star Aggie Mackenzie admits pair 'barely spoke' after they sparked a bitter feud on How Clean Is Your House? - as she reflects on Queen Of Clean's passing
Aggie Mackenzie has revealed that she would 'barely speak' to Kim Woodburn away from the camera amid a feud which arose while they hosted How Clean Is Your House? Kim died on Tuesday at the age of 83 following after a short illness, with tributes pouring in for the much-loved star throughout this week. The Brit had featured on screens for decades including appearances on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, Celebrity Big Brother and most famously How Clean is Your House? - which she hosted with Aggie, 69. But the pair 'never got on' during their six years hosting the Channel 4 show, with Aggie now admitting that they 'barely spoke'. Writing in The Sun following her former co-host's passing this week, the 69-year-old said: 'There were days filming together that felt like walking a tightrope. Kim died on Tuesday at the age of 83 following after a short illness, with tributes pouring in for the much-loved star throughout this week 'And by the later series, I'll be honest - our relationship had almost completely broken down. We barely spoke off camera.' In an interview with The Mirror earlier this week, Aggie - who now works as a yoga teacher - pinpointed the exact moment her and Kim's friendship deteriorated. The incident reportedly occurred while they were performing as the Ugly Sisters in a 2008 pantomime. She said: 'Kim missed her cue so I tapped her on the shoulder. We went on and did our scene, but when we came out at the other side, Kim was furious. She pushed me. She actually pushed me so hard that I fell over.' 'I lost it then. I really really lost it with her. I was so furious because I wasn't expecting to be pushed over like that.' Aggie went onto reveal the row threw the whole pantomime into chaos, as Kim ran off to her dressing room 'crying her eyes out,' and she refused to go back on stage. While bosses scrambled to save the show, Kim then suddenly decided to return to the stage, with Aggie admitting she felt 'crushed and disrespected' by her co-star's behaviour. The former presenter added that she never received an apology from Kim for her behaviour, adding: 'Essentially, she probably had no confidence, she probably deep down hated herself, and so in order to survive she had to put on a big front to keep herself protected and to keep people away.' Despite believing that How Clean is Your House? was made better by the friction between the pair, Aggie admitted this week that their feud was ultimately the reason the show was discontinued. Disagreements between Aggie and Kim had become so severe that they could no longer continue filming for Channel 4. Following her old 'sparring partner's' death this week however, the 69-year-old paid tribute to Kim in her piece for The Sun, writing: 'You were fierce, complicated, maddening - and unforgettable. 'I hope wherever you are now, it's spotless. And peaceful.' Aggie also shared a statement with The Daily Mail which read: 'Kim was a tormented soul, but now she's finally at peace. 'We clashed often. Behind the fierce person was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she's resting now. She was an unforgettable woman.' Kim's passing was announced on Tuesday. Her representative confirmed to MailOnline: 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness. 'Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband Peter is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate.' The statement continued: 'We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career. 'We kindly ask that Kim's husband and close friends are given the time and privacy they need to grieve. We will not be releasing any further details.' Kim was survived by her husband Peter - who she married in 1979. In a heartbreaking post on Instagram following her passing, he shared a slideshow of images of Kim since birth. He penned in a caption: 'My wonderful, beautiful, Kim passed away last night. God bless, my love, xxxx.' In the months before her death, Kim had paused her work commitments due to ill health and she also underwent surgery on her eye earlier this year. Known as the 'Queen of Clean', Kim rose to fame as the co-host of Channel 4's popular series How Clean is Your House? at the age of 60. Kim went on to become a household name on ITV chat shows This Morning and Loose Women. She also starred in a number of reality TV shows including a stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2009 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Aggie MacKenzie says Kim Woodburn 'haunted her dreams' after their two-decade feud began when she 'pushed her to the ground' as she reflects on fraught relationship after her death
Aggie MacKenzie has revealed the moment her friendship with Kim Woodburn came to an abrupt end, as she reflected on their fraught relationship following the star's death at 83. The pair had once starred in the Channel 4 series How Clean Is Your House? but after a shock fall-out, would barely exchange a word in the final two series of the show. In the past, Kim had insisted that she and Aggie 'never got on,' and the latter previously claimed she was left needing therapy after working with her co-star. Following Kim's death Aggie has now told The Mirror about the cause behind their fallout, admitting it was her co-star's anger that brought their working relationship to an end. The star, who now works as a yoga teacher, said that the incident occurred while they were performing as the Ugly Sisters a pantomime show in 2008, She said: 'Kim missed her cue so I tapped her on the shoulder. We went on and did our scene, but when we came out at the other side, Kim was furious. She pushed me. She actually pushed me so hard that I fell over.' 'I lost it then. I really really lost it with her. I was so furious because I wasn't expecting to be pushed over like that.' Aggie went onto reveal the row threw the whole pantomime inot chaos, as Kim ran off to her dressing room 'crying her eyes out,' and she refused to go back on stage. While bosses scrambled to save the show, drafting in a lead dancer to take her place, Kim then suddenly decided to continue with the show, with Aggie admitted she felt 'crushed and disrespected' by her co-star's behaviour. The former presenter added that she never received an apology from Kim for her behaviour, adding: 'Essentially, she probably had no confidence, she probably deep down hated herself, and so in order to survive she had to put on a big front to keep herself protected and to keep people away. 'If she apologised to me, that would be showing weakness in her eyes. So no, I never got an apology from her.' Aggie admitted she was 'surprised and shocked' when she learned of Kim's passing, but struggled to recall the last time she spoke to her. 'I have no memory of the last time I spoke to Kim. It was years and years ago. But I did used to dream about Kim a lot, but I never actually saw her in real life again. The dreams were mostly about us making up and being friendly again,' she said. Following Kim's death, Aggie shared a statement with the Mail where she branded the star a 'tormented soul.' She said: 'Kim was a tormented soul, but now she's finally at peace. 'We clashed often. Behind the fierce persona was deep pain and incredible strength. She survived because she had to. I hope she's resting now. She was an unforgettable woman.' Speaking to The Sun , Aggie said her time with Kim was 'one of the strangest, most intense working relationships' and it felt like 'walking a tightr tpe'. Detailing Kim's childhood trauma, she added: 'Kim was always battling something. She could be bright and brilliant one minute, then stormy and defensive the next. That wasn't entirely diva behaviour. That was also trauma. 'There were moments - even on set - when I'd catch a glimpse of that frightened, furious young toddler whose needs had never been met.' While the pair didn't get on, Aggie claimed that the 'friction' between them but that it helped make the show work better. She also admitted that their show finished because their relationship had become too fractured and it was too hard for them to continue filming together. Kim's passing was announced on Tuesday. Her representative confirmed to MailOnline: 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness. 'Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband Peter is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate.' The statement continued: 'We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career. 'We kindly ask that Kim's husband and close friends are given the time and privacy they need to grieve. We will not be releasing any further details.' Known as the 'Queen of Clean', Kim rose to fame as the co-host of Channel 4 's popular series How Clean is Your House? at the age of 60. Kim went on to become a household name on ITV chat shows This Morning and Loose Women. She also starred in a number of reality TV shows including a stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2009 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2017.
