The Stage

Chit chat: Cinders takes a spin

Published Monday 23 November 2009 at 11:15 by Tabard

It is, of course, nearing that time of year again when the smutty jokes start coming in waves - so to speak. By which I mean panto-time approaches. And if there’s one thing that can be guaranteed more than the smut in a panto, it is the sheer unashamed venal commercialism of it all.

No, Tabard isn’t referring to the high-profile sponsorship deals secured this year by the leading lights of the panto world - Qdos and FFE - but rather an utterly bizarre bit of fluff promotion that crossed our desk recently.

Chevrolet, the American car manufacturer, is staging what it claims - and frankly we have no reason to dispute - is the world’s first ever in-car pantomime.

The company carried out some research which found that Cinderella - surprise, surprise - was the UK’s favourite panto and is taking one of its cars and performing Cinders to little kids across the UK, opening their youthful eyes to the joys of live performance and leather upholstery.

Apparently, it’s all an effort to help out in the face of the economic downturn. When Tabard heard this, we thought it referred to the plight of the automotive industry, but no - according to the same piece of research, families are having to cut down on their panto-going because they are feeling the pinch.

Chevrolet spokesman Les Turton explained: “There’s nothing better than a pantomime to bring all the family together and get both kids and adults in the festive mood. It’s a shame to think that families are missing out due to extra tightening of purse strings, so it’s great to offer value at this already expensive time of year. We hope that our free in-car pantomime will bring the fun of the theatre to the streets, reminding adults of their childhood visits and introducing a younger generation to this great British institution.”

Ooh, it’s enough to make you come over all festive.