“Oh Yes It WAS!”
Our light-hearted potted history talk all about pantomime, “Oh Yes It Is!” by the amazing Linda McCann, was a roaring success! We were let into secrets of panto land and past government laws restricting such events. We were shown an array of amazing costumes, how they were made, their approximate costs and accompanying stories of the type of artists who had worn such wonderful outfits. Linda has been involved in wardrobe and costuming for over four decades and has designed and made costumes for the Southeast entry of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association Centenary at the Royal Albert Hall. She has twice been the winner of The Bamford Cup for Services to the Living Theatre and an award-winning costumer of plays for the Kent Drama Association. Currently Wardrobe Mistress for Herne Bay Musical Theatre Society, Canterbury Operatic Society, Theatrecraft and various local drama groups and schools, Linda also works at the University of Kent, cataloguing and maintaining The Gulbenkian wardrobe collection. After her talk, Linda let us try on the selection of panto costumes and accessories from numerous shows she had brought along. There was even a visit from Widow Twankey! Refreshments were served and everyone had a thoroughly fun time!