Geoff and Eileen Beck.
Picture,courtesy of Paul Beck
Thanks to Ken Bean & Joan Lowe for this contribution
Since 1950, The Halifax YMCA Pantomime Society has been weaving magic, mischief, and marvellous mayhem into the very fabric of Halifax life. Our debut production in 1951—an enchanting rendition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs—set the stage (quite literally) for decades of sparkling performances, thigh-slapping comedy, and heartwarming community spirit.
In our early days, the YMCA proudly supported two theatrical powerhouses: the Amateur Operatic Society and the Pantomime Society. But as the years rolled by, songs, scripts, and spotlights began to blur, and by 1974, the curtain rose on a dazzling new era of unity with a joint performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. The drama was grander, the chorus lines tighter, and the magic—undeniable.
At the heart of it all was the legendary Geoff Beck—our founding father of fun. Geoff wrote and produced many of our early shows with boundless creativity and flair. His passing in 1979 left a huge hole in our stage and our hearts. A special memorial show in 1980 honoured his legacy, and in 1981, we returned with a triumphant Dick Whittington, reigniting a tradition that has continued unbroken ever since.
Over the past 30 years, our vibrant panto family has grown and evolved, spawning unforgettable performance troupes like The Statesiders, Reflections, and Optical Illusion—each not only dazzling audiences but also raising thousands for local charities and spreading joy across the district.
With every curtain call, we celebrate the spirit of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned panto fun. So whether you're a returning fan, a first-time visitor, or a future star waiting in the wings—welcome to the magic of Halifax YMCA Pantomime Society. There’s always room in our story for you.