Step behind the glitter and glamour of the Leeds panto, and you'll find a heartwarming story of dedication and family! For almost three decades, a remarkable mother-daughter duo has been the unsung heroes, ensuring the backstage magic unfolds seamlessly.
Kath Harrison, at 76 years young, and her daughter Helen Shippin, 43, are the real-life fairy godmothers of the Leeds panto scene. Their journey began nearly 29 years ago when Helen landed her first dance role. Since then, they've become an indispensable part of the festive tradition, barely missing a single panto season.
As the curtains rise on this year's show at the Carriageway Theatre, the dynamic duo is hard at work, navigating the controlled chaos behind the scenes. Their primary responsibility? Managing the quick-change artistry of the panto dame, which can involve up to 10 costume changes per performance!
Helen recalls a particularly frantic moment: "Last year, we had to transform the dame from a pots-and-pans-covered leotard into a giant cupcake." Talk about a costume change under pressure! They managed the entire transformation in a lightning-fast 16 seconds. Fortunately, the dame, Aaron Steadman, is a good sport and lets them work their magic.
During the Carriageworks panto season, which runs from November 21st to January 4th, Kath and Helen are present for all 74 shows. Their secret to success? "Military planning and organization."
Kath, with her trusty sewing kit, is always ready to make costume adjustments. They meticulously organize costumes and props during the 10-day rehearsals, working out the logistics for those rapid changes. After each show, they ensure the many costumes are washed, dried, and ironed, ready for the next performance. This is no easy feat, considering they only have one standard-sized washing machine and tumble dryer backstage.
Kath's dedication to high standards is admirable. She insists, "Never, ever, ever in all the years I've been doing this, have I sent someone on stage in something that hasn't been ironed."
But here's where it gets controversial... In between acts, they're ready to tackle unexpected repairs. Kath notes, "The boys' trousers when they kick their legs up high, they've always got a hole in their trousers at the crotch." She's always prepared with pins, needles, and a glue gun for those quick fixes.
Their duties extend far beyond costume management, from washing gunge out of performers' hair to sorting confetti and ensuring Aladdin has his lamp.
And this is the part most people miss... The duo's adaptability is key. Helen often steps in to fill unexpected roles. She's operated puppets, played the cow, and even managed stage lights at a moment's notice.
This year's production of Sleeping Beauty is especially significant, marking the theatre's 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, the venue has welcomed over a million audience members to more than 2,000 productions.
For Kath and Helen, the theatre is a second home, where they've formed close bonds with performers and the wider panto team. Helen, who also works as a children's dietician, emphasizes the familial atmosphere: "It's like a family, we all look after each other and support each other."
When asked if they'd prefer a calmer Christmas, the pair are resolute in their commitment. Kath declares, "Once I stop enjoying it I might think about packing it in, but at the moment I just love it, it's brilliant."
What do you think? Are these backstage heroes the true stars of the panto? Do you have any similar stories of unsung heroes in your own life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
