Berwick Kaler: Final curtain for UK's longest-serving panto dame

Berwick Kaler has been performing as a pantomime dame for 47 years

The UK's longest-serving pantomime dame has exited the stage for the final time after 47 years.

Berwick Kaler, 78, who has performed as a dame at York's theatres since 1977, will not star in this year's panto, the Grand Opera House York has confirmed.

Mr Kaler was last on the panto stage for the theatre's Christmas 2023 production of Robinson Crusoe.

In a statement, he said it was time to "bow out gracefully" and thanked all those who had seen his performances.

"I'd like to thank all the audiences over the years, particularly those who came to the Grand Opera House this year, for making it so memorable," he said.

"I'd also like to thank Producers UK Productions for their support and for bringing to life my frankly mad ideas so spectacularly.

"Last, and of course not least, my loyal gang - David, Suzy, Martin, and AJ - for putting up with me for so many years."

Berwick Kaler said it was time to "bow out gracefully" after decades on the panto stage

Mr Kaler's "gang", consisting of Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, AJ Powell and David Leonard, would also not return for the Christmas 2024 season, the Grand Opera House York confirmed.

A theatre spokesperson said they would all be "sadly missed" by many.

"It has been an honour and a pleasure to work with them over the last few years and we wish them all well for the future," the spokesperson added.

The new cast for this year's panto, Beauty and the Beast, would be announced in the coming weeks, according to the theatre.

The departure of Mr Kaler and his fellow performers has caused a stir among York's theatregoers.

Self-described panto fanatic Rita Wells told BBC Radio York she was now unlikely to go to the pantomime this year for the first time in 36 years after finding out Mr Kaler would not be starring.

"All I can say is, I just hope he enjoys his retirement," she said.

"We'll all miss him but, at the end of the day, we've all got to be realistic: money is the driving force.

"But, I will say that the last pantomime was absolutely fabulous."

Meanwhile, arts critic Charles Hutchinson said Mr Kaler's Christmas shows were "not like any other panto".

"I think there may be a sense of, not age catching up at 78, but the reality more is that it is a time where commercial decisions rule everything," he added.