Berwick Kaler’s pantomimes are for young and old alike (From York Press)

Berwick Kaler’s pantomimes are for young and old alike

10:13am Tuesday 18th January 2011 in Letters By Reader's letter

AS ONE of Berwick Kaler’s “babbies and bairns”, it occurs to me that Berwick has been putting on pantomimes at York Theatre Royal for more than half of my life, in which time I have not missed a show.

I find it amazing that a lot of adults have never been to a panto because they have no children.

This idea that pantos are for children is a myth: there are probably more adults than children at any one of Berwick's pantos, but his brand of humour appeals to young and old alike.

As his audience from all over the world are loyal to his performances, his hardcore of fellow actors are loyal to him. I could not imagine the baddie at the Theatre Royal being anyone other than David Leonard, who every year takes on a more prominent role.

Sidekick Martin Barrass bounces superbly back and forth from the dame, and the gorgeous Suzy Cooper, with her quirky manner as principle boy, is all things to all men.

Bob Waite, Holgate, York.