They say that all the world's a stage, but this year - it feels more like a pantomime! So in true British fashion, I felt this year I would celebrate a 'Pantomime Christmas' with a series of alternative Christmas cards for laughs.
Growing up in a musical family, my father Kenneth Finch often used to be the musical director for local pantomime amateur dramatics societies and my sisters and I would often act on the stage. So we grew up with a massive love of pantomime and slap stick fun.
I designed some Christmas stamps about 25 years ago and since this time, I have been desperate to design some alternative Christmas cards on this theme. However, I have always held back because I wasn't really sure where to start... Strange how one can get these creative blocks sometimes! However, with a little help from an amazing photographer friend - Beth Pritchard at Piccy-Pic Photography, I was able to access a huge reservoir of pantomime photographic inspiration.
Cinderella's ugly sisters has to be my all-time favourite pantomime dame duo. Full grown hairy men wearing grotesque dresses, wigs and scarily applied make-up. Walking somewhat awkwardly in their high heeled shoes with distorted figures and exagerated expressions - holding up their sock breasts to stop them falling down with loads of slap stick fun.. Quite a sight to behold!
This year, Cinderella does get to go to the ball with this Fairy Godmother card. Heaven knows we could all do with one!
I hope these paintings brings back the nostalgia of childhood pantomimes! The sounds of cheering and shouting 'Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is!' in unison and raucous comedy sketches. Earthy British humour at it's very best - or very worst in a dry kind of way. Either way - I love it!
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