Sat 17 Oct
|Bankfield Museum
A Magical Couple of Hours: A Celebration of Pantomime
Saturday 17 October 2026 – Saturday 6 February 2027 Curated by the Friends of the Victoria Theatre, in collaboration with Calderdale Museums Service, this exhibition celebrates the spectacular history of Pantomime in Halifax.
Time & Location
17 Oct 2026, 10:00 – 16:00
Bankfield Museum, Akroyd Park, Boothtown Rd, Halifax HX3 6HG, UK
About the event
Saturday 17 October 2026 – Saturday 6 February 2027, free entry
Uncover the fascinating origins of this festive tradition, charting its journey from the Victorian and Edwardian stage through to the modern day. This exhibition shines a spotlight on the professional productions at the Victoria Theatre from 1984 onwards, including the iconic Jack and the Beanstalk starring Helen Shapiro and Frazer Hines, up to the spectacular Imagine Theatre productions of recent years.
With authentic costumes and props, historic posters, original programmes and plenty of dodgy dialogue, this nostalgic exhibition explores exactly why panto remains the beating heart of British theatrical life.
Please note, this exhibition is displayed in the Community Corridor, Bankfield Museum which is on the first floor. If you need further access information, please contact us via museum@calderdale.gov.uk or ring Bankfield Museum on 01422 352334.
The accompanying image shows a performance of Cinderella in Victoria Theatre 2023. By permission of Victoria Theatre.