Award-winning family pantomime comes to Hyde Little Theatre for World Book Week

An award-winning family pantomime packed with magic, music and important messages is heading to Hyde Little Theatre this March as part of World Book Week celebrations.

The Magic Bookmark, created by storyteller and pantomime dame Robert, also known as Mama G, will be performed at Hyde Little Theatre on Sunday 8 March, with two shows at 1pm and 3pm.

Produced by Petite Pantos Ltd, The Magic Bookmark is a joyful, hour-long storytelling pantomime designed for audiences of all ages. At its heart is Mama G, a storytelling pantomime dame who travels the country sharing tales about being yourself, loving who you are and celebrating inclusion.

The story follows Namji, who must go on a magical adventure to stop an evil bookworm who wants every book in the world to be about worms. With the help of a magical bookmark, Namji searches for three special books to prove why it’s so important that everyone is represented in stories.

Speaking about the production, Mama G explained: “Mama G is a storytelling pantomime dame. She tells children and families stories about being who you want and loving who you are, and The Magic Bookmark is one of the ways she does that. It’s full of comedy, original songs and lots of audience participation, just like a proper pantomime.”

True to the pantomime tradition, audiences can expect plenty of silliness, singing, dancing, call-and-response moments and a touch of magic throughout the show. With a running time of around an hour, it’s designed to be accessible for younger children while still entertaining adults.

The performances at Hyde Little Theatre will also feature a special added extra. Local favourite GET Free Books Shop Hyde – run by the well-known “Book Man” – will be hosting a pop-up stall before and after each performance, giving every child attending the ticketed show the chance to take home a free book.

Mama G said: “It’s a family show where everyone is welcome, and it’s really important to us that it feels safe and inclusive. We have an access guide available online so families with young children, neurodivergent audience members or people with disabilities can check ahead and feel confident coming along.”

Although not originally from the area, Mama G has strong links to the Northwest, having performed pantomime across Manchester, Stockport, Liverpool and Warrington over the past 20 years.

“The Northwest really understands pantomime,” she said. “The audiences are enthusiastic, they love a bit of silly comedy, and it’s such a strong community tradition here. Bringing the show to Hyde just felt like a no-brainer.”

Hyde Little Theatre, based at Studio 9 at the top of Market Street, is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to producing high-quality, affordable and accessible theatre for the local community. Alongside its performances, the theatre also hosts a wide range of community classes and activities, including youth theatre, choir sessions and fitness classes.

The theatre’s bar will be open for the performances, inviting audiences to make a day of it and enjoy pre-show drinks before settling in for the pantomime.

The Magic Bookmark will be performed at Hyde Little Theatre on Sunday 8 March at 1pm and 3pm. Tickets are available at: Hyde Little Theatre event tickets from TicketSource.