The annual pantomime at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal is a much-loved regional family event but equally popular is the celebrated community knitting campaign that is an essential part of the action.
This year, the historic theatre is appealing for knitted or crocheted ice creams which will be used during the 57 performances of Treasure Island, taking place from Wednesday 4 December to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Mimicking the behaviour of audiences in Georgian times, the knitted ice creams will be thrown onto the stage at a given point in the show, as well as being used to decorate the Theatre during the festive season.
The Richmond knitting tradition started back in 2011, when bananas were knitted for The Adventures of Sinbad. Since then, there have been snowballs, apples, doughnuts, hearts, fish and vegetables to name but a few.
Initially, they were mostly knitted by members of the local community but, over the years, it has become a much wider phenomena with enthusiastic contributions received from across the UK and abroad with some coming from as far as Australia and New Zealand.
“There is always a big build up to the announcement of the knitted object,” said Theatre Manager, Jo Mawhinney. “As soon as the curtain went down on last year’s pantomime, we started receiving phone calls and emails asking what the next knitting project will be. It is always a very carefully considered decision and now that the script has been finalised we are delighted to be able to make the big reveal!
“It is fantastic the way that everyone gets involved with this project from experienced knitters to those who are picking up their needles for the first time. Each knitted item that we receive is very much appreciated as we know what huge effort goes into creating them,” she added.
“I have been knitting for the pantomime for years,” said Richmond resident Jen Capewell. “It’s great fun to be part of something that gives so much pleasure to so many people. Knitting itself is a wonderful hobby and the beauty is that you can take it anywhere. I have been known to knit on trains and planes and we also hold panto knitting socials in each other’s houses.”
The life of the knitted objects doesn’t end when the pantomime is over. The Theatre makes sure that new homes are found for each and every one and last year’s knitted vegetables were donated to local nurseries and playgroups to make displays and for use in counting and sorting activities.
All types of ice creams, lolly pops and ice cream wafer sandwiches are welcome, and knitters are encouraged to use their creativity and imagination. Knitted and crochet pattern examples can be picked up from the Box Office or downloaded from the panto page on the Theatre’s website: www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk/Whats-on/Pantomime
Alternatively, people can use their own designs and all colours and sizes are welcomed.
Knitted ice creams should be handed in at the Box Office or posted to arrive at the Theatre (The Georgian Theatre Royal, Victoria Road, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4DW) by Saturday 30 November.
Treasure Island runs at The Georgian Theatre Royal from Wednesday 4 December until Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets from £17 to £25 are available from the Box Office on 01748 825252 or via the online booking service at www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk
PHOTO CAPTION: Pantomime knitters take a break from their knitting to indulge in the real thing at Archer’s Ice Cream Parlour in Richmond.