‘Making a fool of yourself’: A look inside the ‘Forever Young Theatre’ in Deux-Montagnes

“Forever Young Theatre” is an English theatre group for seniors based in Deux-Montagnes, Que.

Retirees who sing and dance are presenting a British pantomime version of “Cinderella.”

Often featured near the holidays, British pantomime takes a classic fairy tale and exaggerates the heck out of it.

“Having fun and making a fool of yourself. Yes, that’s what we do. Yeah, just letting loose,” said cast member Sylvia McDonald.

This version of Cinderella has risqué punchlines, theatrical slapstick, and some dance routines.

“Working with everybody here is, well, this is a fabulous group of people. We’re all mature. Well, chronologically mature,” said retired teacher and newly minted thespian Gordon Wetmore.

Rising star of the stage and screen, Richard Clarke, is 95 years old and travels from Dorval three times a week to be a part of this troop, “becauseI love the people here,” he said.

Remembering your cues, your lines and your wig — it keeps them all busy. Sandra Tremblay plays The Fairy Godmother role.

“There was a lot of dancing and singing and also memorization, which is really good for our minds at our age. We do need to practice,” Tremblay said.

In sparkly stage “glass slippers” Eva Gagnon plays the title role of Cinderella.

“I practice my lines all summer because I don’t have a good memory, but I’m pretty good now. I’m happy I did it.”

Pantomime also means audience participation, too. The players prompt the people in the crowd, even holding up signs that say “Cheer” or “Boo, hiss.”

“The audience joins in to always call out to it,” Patricia Baldwin said.

Cinderella, a Forever Young Theatre Pantomime is presented Nov. 28 and 29 at The Heritage Social Club on Cedar Street in Deux-Montages.