Each Christmas entire families in the UK troop off to see; what one could almost say is the obligatory. annual entertainment; known as Pantomime. It is a traditional; seasonal way of life for the British envied the world over; and one which only the British seem to understand! Pantomime serves both to entertain and to introduce each new generation to the joys of theatre in the most unique of ways; for this is not a type of theatre one merely watches; but one in which the audience participate ndash; often in the most seemingly boisterous and bizarre of ways. The whole experience is steeped in tradition; traditions which only the British seem to understand; which is probably why we are proud to call it a British Experience.

In A History of Pantomime Maureen Hughes takes a brief look at the history of Pantomime as well as taking a humorous look at some of the above mentioned traditions; she also gives a synopsis of each of the well-known Pantomimes whilst exploring the eccentric world of the characters who appear in them. There is also a short piece on just some of the most well-known and loved of the actors who each Christmas take on the part of Pantomime Dames across the UK; as well as a look at others who have contributed to this magical world of fun and eccentricity. It is thought by some to be frivolous and pointless piece of theatre; but a browse through this informative book and you will soon find that Pantomime is an art form all of its own; requiring the most dedicated and talented of actors/actresses who are prepared to honour and perpetuate this wonderful tradition as it is passed down from one generation to the next.

As seen in The Telegraph and the Sunday Post (Glasgow).
#523995 in eBooks 2014-09-25 2014-09-25File Name: B00MAD6TAU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "Killing Me Softly" -- An Inspiring Nostalgic readBy Marshall LevensteinRead "Killing Me Softly - my life in music" by legendary composer Charles Fox. Given to me because Im a musician and from the era when he had the majority of his hits-- not just "Killing Me Softly" (by Roberta Flack and later the Fugees); but Jim Croces "I Got A Name" and Barry Manilows "Ready To Take A Chance Again". The books second half takes us in and out of my entire childhood; and perhaps yours; a behind the scenes look into the making of the tv shows he wrote the music for-- from "The Wide World of Sports" - to "Happy Days"; "Laverne Shirley" and "Love Boat"-- to the films like "Foul Play" and "9-5"-- but its the inside stories; that I found very nostalgic and inspiring and heartwarming... and made me go to my own piano and realize maybe there were better melodies and harder work inside of me. The first half of the book chronicles Charless studies with the late and renowned music teacher Nadia Boulanger; whom he studied with for 3 years. During this period in France; he was too poor to call home; so he wrote a series of hand written and elegant letters about all he learned from Boulanger and these letters are reproduced here; making me wish I was on that piano bench next to her. So while; this is a must read for anyone who considers music part of their career dreams; its equally good for anyone who loves music; or pop culture; period. Ultimately its an American success story and a fun well written memoir which I enjoyed very much. M. Levenstein2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not what I expectedBy SWI thought I was buying a memoir by Charles Fox. Instead I received the sheet music to Killing Me Softly.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely lovely biography - A true talentBy A Very Merry ShakespeareCharles Fox is a musician who began his career in Paris. Almost immediately; the reader is brought onto the propeller-driven plane where he and other students would be attending the Conservatoire de Musique. What follows are some wonderful chapters that are the actual letters from Paris that Charles Fox sent home in the years 1959-1961. The letters offer a fantastically intricate and fun look at how Charles Fox became what he became.The love of music can be "seen" washing over this man like a security blanket that would keep him comforted for the rest of his life. The people and instructors that he met while training in that unbelievably gorgeous town completely draw the reader in; especially his tutor; Nadia Boulanger; who is; to this day; regarded as one of the most renowned and expert composition teachers of the twentieth century. She was certainly the main focus of Foxs life; and he carried her wisdom and talent throughout his career. After reading the pages devoted to Paris; I can tell you that all readers will want to live; eat; and breathe; this time period; and wish with all their hearts that they could follow in Mr. Foxs footsteps.From the very intricate and lovely beginning of this memoir; we are then brought back to the U.S. and are instantly amazed and; more than a little star struck; by the highlights of this mans career. I mean...really; guys and gals; Mr. Fox has worked with everyone from Barry Manilow to Lena Horne; and even Fred Astaire. He worked on movies; television scores - everything that a composer would kill to accomplish. He is the man behind some of the most recognizable works in history. I mean...who doesnt know the theme to the Love Boat? And; come on; Laverne and Shirley? Happy Days? God; I practically grew up on the compositions of this amazing musician. Not only that; but the Grammy Award-winning song - "Killing Me Softly with His Song" - was not only a big deal in the 1970s coming out of Roberta Flacks mouth; but also; twenty years later; the Fugees decided to resurrect the fabulous words that this man so effortlessly put on paper.I not only recommend this wonderful story (with great pictures; by the way) to musicians; composers; and people desperately trying to make their musical dreams come true; but I also recommend this bio to all readers in general. Not only does this man represent a piece of our history; but his life and his writing are truly entertaining.Amy Lignor; [...] Reviewer
