Christmas Pantomime Returns to Nyon with GAOS' Hansel and Gretel. Plus Win Two Tickets

Oh yes it is! Pantomime season is almost here, and GAOS is getting ready to bring another helping of British Christmas tradition to Nyon.

This December, it's Hansel and Gretel getting the pantomime treatment, complete with a wicked witch, a good fairy, a handsome prince, plenty of singing and dancing, and, of course, an audience that's expected to make some noise.

If you've never been to a traditional English pantomime, you're in for something a little different. Sitting quietly and watching the performance? Not necessarily encouraged. Shouting warnings to the characters, booing the villain and joining in with the fun? Absolutely!

And for those who grew up with pantomime as part of their Christmas traditions, GAOS is bringing a familiar slice of festive entertainment to the Nyon stage.

Why Hansel and Gretel?

We caught up with director Liz Williams to find out what audiences can expect from this year's production and what goes into bringing a GAOS pantomime to life. Despite staging plenty of pantomimes over the years, GAOS has never performed Hansel and Gretel before.

Liz and assistant director Wenona looked through several scripts before settling on this one.

There was also a personal reason behind the choice.

"I have very fond memories of when I was in a version of Hansel and Gretel when I was in infants school," Liz explains.

The story itself will be familiar to many. Two children find themselves lost in the forest, where a seemingly inviting gingerbread house hides a rather unpleasant surprise. But this is pantomime, so the original fairy tale comes with a few extra characters and plenty of theatrical licence.

Based on a script by Alan P Frayn, the GAOS production introduces the traditional pantomime Dame, her rather daft son and pretty daughter, a Prince of the Realm, a wicked witch and the inevitable good fairy. And while the story has its darker moments, Liz reassures us that, as with all good pantomimes, good eventually triumphs over evil.

Thomas Mathieson as Wally, the silly, dim-witted son of Dame Peggy Pumpernickel.

Oh no you didn't! Oh yes we did!

One of the things that makes pantomime so different from other theatre productions is that the audience becomes part of the show. If someone on stage asks you to keep watch over something, you're expected to take the responsibility seriously. If a character needs warning of approaching danger, don't be surprised if the entire theatre starts shouting. And when the wicked witch makes an appearance, a chorus of boos is practically guaranteed.

That's all part of the fun.

Liz explains that audience participation is one of the defining features of this type of production, and it's something both children and adults get involved in.

For families unfamiliar with the tradition, it's worth knowing that pantomime isn't simply a children's fairy tale performed on stage. There's humour for different ages, plenty of larger-than-life characters and jokes that might go straight over younger audience members' heads.

And yes, some of them are deliberately terrible.

Gisela Schmidt Martin as Hildegard, Hansel and Gretel's cruel and domineering stepmother.

45 performers, plenty of costumes and a whole lot of teamwork

Putting together a GAOS pantomime is no small undertaking. This year's production involves 45 people on stage, with even more working behind the scenes to bring everything together.

Audiences can expect a colourful show filled with music, dancing and large chorus numbers.

And then there are the traditions.

"The Dame is always played by a man, the Principal Boy is often played by a girl, there is always good and evil, and jokes abound (some groaners and some risqué), but entertainment is guaranteed. "

These are the familiar ingredients that have shaped English pantomime for generations, and GAOS continues to bring them to audiences here in Switzerland. For those who have followed GAOS productions over the years, it's a chance to enjoy another festive show. For anyone discovering pantomime for the first time, it's an introduction to a rather unusual form of theatre where the audience is very much part of the action.

Caroline Crow as Nightshade, the Wicked Witch of the Forest.

Is it suitable for younger children?

For many families, a Christmas pantomime is a great introduction to live theatre. GAOS generally recommends that children are at least five years old for their first show, although younger children may also enjoy the performance.

There are some potentially frightening moments, particularly when the wicked witch appears, so parents are best placed to judge how their children might react.

"Many younger children can sit enchanted with it all," says Liz. "Only the parents know how their child might react and should decide accordingly."

And if your child has never been to the theatre before, this is one occasion where being encouraged to shout at the stage might make the experience even more appealing.

With its mix of familiar fairy-tale characters, colourful costumes, music, dancing and audience participation, Hansel and Gretel promises a lively outing for families and anyone who enjoys a bit of festive humour.

Just remember: when someone shouts "He's behind you!", it's probably worth looking.

WIN TWO TICKETS TO SEE HANSEL AND GRETEL!

Thanks to GAOS, we're giving one lucky Living in Nyon reader the chance to win two tickets to the performance on Thursday 3 December at 19:30.

To enter, simply answer the following question:

How do Hansel and Gretel find their way through the forest in the famous fairy tale?

A) By following a trail of breadcrumbs

B) By following a trail of gold coins

C) By following a trail of flowers

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE

Competition closes: Thursday 12th November 2026 at Midday

The winner will be selected from the correct entries and contacted directly.

Hansel and Gretel – GAOS Christmas Pantomime

Performance dates: 27 November–6 December 2026

Venue: Théâtre de Marens, Nyon

Competition tickets: Thursday 3 December, 19:30

Tickets and further information: GAOS booking link

Good luck to everyone entering, and break a leg to the entire GAOS cast and crew!