YORK Theatre Royal’s legendary dame, Berwick Kaler, is to appear in a BBC4 documentary on the history of pantomime and the dame’s role.

Michael Grade’s History Of The Pantomime Dame will be aired next Thursday at 9pm and will explore the past and present of this much-loved cross-dressing character on the British stage.

From the 19th-century productions in Drury Lane, London, to the performances by Terry Scott and Arthur Askey, Grade will learn about the reasons behind the role’s enduring appeal and the demands of dame-hood from actors Berwick Kaler, Gyles Brandreth, Matthew Kelly and Richard Briers, who each offer their affectionate insights.

Last year, Grade and Finestripe Productions visited York Theatre Royal to talk to Kaler and film part of the 2011 show, The York Family Robinson. While at the theatre, the former BBC and ITV chairman was put through his paces on stage with some dame training by Kaler before donning full panto costume in front of the cameras to become Baron Grade.

“Of all the pantomimes he could have chosen from, and he lives in London so he had plenty to choose from, he chose ours,” says Berwick. “And what he said was that it’s a modern, accessible pantomime but it’s true to the traditions of pantomime.”

Dame Berwick’s 34th pantomime, Robin Hood And His Merry Mam!, opened last night and will run until February 2.