The Suggestibles get into festive spirit with Christmas ‘Impro Pantso’
Image: © Photosbybish
The panto has become a British institution, like bangers and mash and London cabs.
It’s an iconic tradition for thousands of families around the UK and is unique to us; ask an American what pantomime is and they’ll probably guess at some kind of game of charades where no one wears pants.
But its roots are far from English. In fact it can be linked back to the traditional Italian mask theatre known as ‘commedia dell’Arte’. It was a risqué and decidedly adult entertainment, often completely improvised.
And, to get in the festive spirit, North East comedy group The Suggestibles are following that tradition and reviving their Christmas ‘Impro Pantso’ over three nights in Newcastle.
The first two shows at the Northern Stage see the group raid the costume department and wreak hilarious havoc on the theatre’s Grimm’s Fairy Tale, with special guests from Who’s Line Is It Anyway, London’s Comedy Store Players and Paul Merton’s Impro Chums.
Then their big end (matron) to 2013 is at their cozy “spiritual home”, The Cumberland Arms, which comes with mulled wine, mince pies and sing-a-long-a-Suggestible, ‘til the wee small hours.
With no script or score, the troupe takes suggestions from the audience to inspire the show. You call out ideas for cookie characters and plot-twists, and they will create on-the-spot, a never seen before or to be seen again Yuletide fairytale.
“We’ve been doing the show for seven years now and try to keep it clean, but the audience pushes us in a naughty direction every time” says Suggestibles member, Ian McLaughlin (pictured as the Dame).
“The audience makes up lyrics to The 12 Days of Xmas, which we all sing together at the end… That would make Miley Cyrus blush!”
Established as the North East’s go-to impro group, The Suggestibles have a loyal and devoted fan base that has helped them grow into a much-loved comedic force in the ten years since they formed.
Rated third most popular Newcastle attraction on TripAdvisor (pipped only by The Tyneside Cinema and Victoria Tunnel – both also fabulous but quite frankly not as funny), The Suggestibles have a wide following.
It’s not uncommon to have students rubbing shoulders with grandparents at their shows, because not only is their style wildly irreverent and zany, it’s also incredibly welcoming.
Packing out two Newcastle residences at The Stand Comedy Club and Cumberland Arms, the group are great fun.
So if you’re a big kid, not easily embarrassed and fancy a saucy surprise in your Xmas stocking, this show could be for you.
The Suggestibles Impro Pantso is at Northern Stage, Newcastle, on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December (9pm / £17), and The Cumberland Arms on Friday 20 December (9pm / £16).
