
Radio Maria England JUST LIFE - Di Redmond & Bill Merrick - Panto Season
Jan 12, 2026
Join Bill Merrick, an amateur musician and former science teacher, and Judy Merrick, a talented composer, as they dive into the enchanting world of pantomime. They share how they adapt Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' into panto while exploring its rich history and lively traditions. Discover the creative process behind their unique musical compositions and the delightful stock characters that form the essence of panto. From community shows to professional productions, Bill and Judy reveal the magic behind this beloved theatrical form.
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From Brass Band To Pantomime Family
- Bill and Judy began pantomime by playing in a village brass band and joining local amdram productions together.
- Their family involvement naturally led their daughters into panto and then into writing and composing shows for community and US amateur groups.
Match Cast Size To Your Production Type
- For amateur pantos write as many parts as possible to include the community and chorus.
- For professional productions, keep the cast small (around seven) to control costs.
Taking British Panto To America
- A student group connection led Bill and Judy to stage pantos in the US and adapt only small cultural edges of their scripts.
- They found 90% of British panto works unchanged abroad, needing only minor localisation.








