The Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society are bringing their token humour to a new platform this year with a radio play podcast.
Some of the cast of The Fairy-Tale Mysteries / FVGSS Facebook
The show must go on for FVGSS. In your ears.
For many, going to a pantomime is a holiday tradition. From Cinderella to Peter Pan, these funny musical remakes of fairytales and folklore are an entertaining spectacle for the whole family. With most stages closed due to COVID-19 and actors/technicians out of work, the folks at the Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society found a way to bring the magic of panto to the comfort of your own home.
The Fairytale Mysteries is a six-episode podcast series that features new twisting takes on classic fairy tales. A number of familiar faces from the company’s previous pantos are now behind the mic as characters such as the Big Bad Wolf, Fungus Fox, and Betsy Hardup (Rob Dunne, Mike Balser, and Frannie Warwick, respectively).
The first 29-minute episode was recorded at the start of October at the company’s Newton warehouse. With six writers, twelve actors, and five technicians working behind the scenes, FVGSS is trying to involve as many of their members as possible in this unique opportunity. The goal being to engage the community while supporting the society.
Many theatre companies have had to take similar measures over the past few months, converting to the digital world of the pandemic. Most have taken to live-stream readings over Zoom. An audio podcast presents a different experience.
Whether you remember listening to radio plays or the Vinyl Cafe, whether you like watching TV in the background or are already a fan of fiction podcasts, the audio medium is special. An audio play especially requires listeners to imagine the setting from mostly dialogue alone, all characterizations from the actor’s voices. It’s as much an experience for the actor performing as it is the listener listening. You picture the characters in your mind, know where they are, all through imagination and description. Pantomime’s usually involve audience participation, and in a way this almost feels like it is.
The Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society hopes to release the first episode of The Fairytale Mysteries soon on their website. You can also check for updates on their Facebook page.