GAOS has been keeping this glorious tradition alive for over 50 years, presenting a pantomime almost every year. And every bit of it — on stage and behind the scenes — is created by volunteers. Make plenty of noise, and remember: the louder you are, the better GAOS is doing! This year's panto is The Brothers Grimm’s "Hansel and Gretel", a dark, cautionary tale of survival rooted in the grim realities of famine and abandonment.
However, when adapted into the vibrant heritage of traditional pantomime, this bleak German folklore undergoes a spectacular, festive transformation. While the core narrative remains—two lost children outsmarting a cannibalistic threat—the pantomime replaces the story's inherent dread with boisterous theatrical conventions. The terrifying witch becomes a comic villain to be booed, the desperate parents make way for slapstick archetypes, and the eerie forest turns into a stage for song, dance, and audience participation.
Ultimately, where the original Grimm tale uses fear to teach resilience, the stage pantomime repurposes the same journey into a communal celebration of good triumphing over evil.
Lost in the woods, lured by sweets, and surrounded by magic! Famine has struck the village of Muncheon Luncheon, and young Hansel and Gretel find themselves abandoned in a treacherous forest. But they aren’t alone. While the wicked witch Nightshade weaves a sinister trap with a mysterious cottage made of treats, a colorful rescue party is forming! From the noble Prince Johann and his loyal equerry to the lively performers of a travelling circus and the benevolent fairy Bluebell, the whole forest is coming alive.
Will the villagers find them in time? Can magic outsmart the witch's ultimate plan?
Find out in this thrilling, music-filled adventure for the whole family!
WHAT MAKES A TRADITIONNAL PANTO?
In the sense intended here, it is not simply a fairy tale brought to the stage. Oh no, it isn’t! It follows centuries-old rules! Here are the essential ingredients:
- A Principal Boy — traditionally played by a woman. Yes, really!
- A Pantomime Dame — traditionally played by a man. The louder, brighter and more outrageous, the better!
- A villain — thoroughly wicked, highly boo-able and destined to get his or her comeuppance.
- Good versus Evil — magic, mayhem and… guess how it ends!
- Comedy — slapstick, wordplay, double entendres and jokes for children… and quite a few that go right over their heads.
- Songs, music & dance — with chorus members aged 6 to… Shush! 6 forever in their hearts!
- Slapstick is another traditional element : cream pies tossed through the air, frequent tumbles, extravagant costumes, and, of course, a performing animal.
- Audience participation — shouting, singing, warning the hero, booing the villain… and answering back when required!
- A generous helping of magic, spectacle, sheer silliness and imagination — with absolutely no fear of being ridiculous!
GAOS is a non-profit association, and its activities also help support charitable causes.
Enter our competition to win a double ticket!
Continuing its long-standing relationship with Know-it-all passport, GAOS have kindly offered one of our readers the chance to win a double ticket for Hansel and Gretel for the performance on Thursday, 3 December 2026 at 19h30 (value: CHF 72.-/pair of tickets). The winner must confirm their attendance no later than Saturday, 21 November 2026; otherwise, the tickets will be put back on sale.
To enter the competition, just fill in this form and answer this multiple choice question: How do Hansel and Gretel find their way through the forest in the famous fairy tale?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random on Friday, 13 November 2026. The winner must confirm their attendance no later than Saturday, 21 November 2026; otherwise, the tickets will be put back on sale. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email.
GAOS is delighted to present their Christmas pantomime: Hansel and Gretel, by Alan P. Frayn
Théâtre de Marens
Route du Stand 5
1260 Nyon
27 November 2026: 19h30
28 November 2026: 14h
28 November 2026: 19h30
29 November 2026: 14h
3 December 2026: 19h30
4 December 2026: 19h30
5 December 2026: 14h
5 December 2026: 19h30
6 December 2026: 14h
