With two hit pantomimes under his belt and a third on the way, we sit down with the mastermind behind the family festivities to talk all things comedy, chaos and chutzpah
For the last two years, JW3 has been home to the wonderfully familiar yet unexpected tomfoolery of pantomime courtesy of Nick Cassenbaum. First came Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig in 2023, followed by Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah and, this year, he presents Cinderella and the Matzah Ball. Ahead of its opening on Sunday 7 December, we caught up with the playwright and performer to discuss artistic inspiration, how tradition fuels the chaos of panto and why bringing people together through laughter matters most of all.
Pantomime is well associated with Christmas in the Western world. What made you think the Jewish community needed its own version?
British Jews have always been closely linked to British popular theatre and comedy. It’s the same in New York with vaudeville. I think the broadness of humour has always been there, I was just given the opportunity to bring it to the surface and lean into this part of our culture. Before the first year’s show [Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig], I’d had 10 years of jokes that were ready to go. I literally wrote the first draft in a day, because everything was already there.
The cast of Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Pig © Jane Hobson
What are some of the most unforgettable moments you’ve had since the first show?
The past few years have been really special. Hearing Debbie Chazen at the table read for the first show made me realise I’d made something that would move people. There’s been a few bits from over the years that are unforgettable, like writing 'Smelly Bum' [to the tune of the William Tell Overture] in Red Riding Hood and hearing the audience all join in. And I can’t forget Debbie making a grand entrance as the dame with a menorah on her head. The shows are chaotic, they’re a mess and they’re something special.
Speaking of costumes, Debbie's salt beef sandwich dress now lives in my head rent free. What costume stands out most for you?
I actually thought that costume was disgusting. The idea of wearing salt beef made my stomach turn, but it was pretty iconic. In the first year, she dressed up as a big pickle. This year, we’ve got Cinderella’s stepsisters and they’ve got some good outfits. Our costume designer Laura Hopkins has gone for an eighties vibe, so its big jumpers and big make up.
Debbie Chazen in Goldie Frocks and the Bear Mitzvah © Eamonn B Shanahan
What joke are you most proud of?
I’m so proud of lots of them, and there’s some great ones this year. We always have a recurring gag about the Beth Din, but one that sticks out to me is when the Dame did the Tommy Cooper bottle magic trick in the first year. With every bottle that magically appears, she counts them and, at the end, she says “See! Jews do count.” That got a big laugh.
Have any jokes not landed?
Sometimes the cast tell their own jokes and they can be a little filthy. I’ve had to nip some in the bud during rehearsals, but you have to let the actors bring their own individuality to the stage. The line needs to fit the performer. I’ve also cut down on the amount of Yiddish-isms to make it more accessible to the younger audience.
Cinderella and the Matzo Ball
You tend to insert subtle nods to political topics into the glitter and the gags, has that been difficult to write in?
I approach all of my writing with a sense of affection and joy and I really want to create something that people can enjoy together across all different divisions. Everyone has had ups and downs in their year, it can sometimes feel like a pressure valve. My aim is for people to sit down and release something, and everything negative or polarising that happens makes pantomime even more vital.
Which fairytale do you think needs a good dose of chutzpah next?
I would love to reintroduce Mother Goose or Dick Whittington, and Josh Middleton [musical director] and I have an ever-growing list of songs made famous by Jewish artists or composers ready.
For those who haven't been before, how would you sum up your Jewish pantos in three words?
Raucus, stupid and… heimish [Yiddish for familiar/homely].
By Dani Silver
Cinderella and the Matzo Ball runs Sunday 7 December – Sunday 4 January. Times vary. From £27 (adult), from £17 (child). JW3, London, NW3 6ET. jw3.org.uk/panto