About Us

The Pantoloons is a pantomime group based in Purley, Surrey.  We perform one pantomime a year, at the end of January, and often the script is written by members of the group.  We perform at the Purley United Reformed Church in Brighton Road, Purley, and part of the income from the shows goes to support local charities, who are nominated by members.

The Kenley Pantoloons were created in 1987 by parents of children at Kenley Primary School, to deliver a “one off” production of Little Red Riding Hood in the school hall to celebrate the retirement of popular headmaster, Maurice Jackman. The script was written by parent Ian Rae and such was the enthusiasm of the response from the audience, the group was virtually obliged to present a follow-up performance the following year

30 years later, the group continues to present annual panto productions which raise valuable donations for a number of charities. Performances transferred from the school hall to the Purley United Reformed Church in January 2000 and the Kenley Pantoloons became simply the Pantoloons. The new venue provided a purpose built stage and to cater for larger audiences, satisfying the demand of increased popularity. The Church continues to provide valuable support & Pantoloons are delighted to be seen as part of the Church family.

The group has retained four of the original, founder members – Tony and Barbara Dent plus Neil and Ros Tunbridge. Their involvement has been pivotal to the Pantoloons’ success. Barbara has been the leading light behind costumes, set design and make up; Tony regularly assumes responsibility for set construction and has delivered many sparkling performances, particularly as pantomime dame in the early years; Ros has directed a number of pantos and has, more recently, taken on the mantle of script writer; Neil can proudly claim to be the only Pantoloon who has appeared in every production!

The Pantoloons is a fun loving, self-funding amateur group – with each member giving freely of their own time.  Standards are very high with skills developed and enhanced over the years in all areas of stage show production.  The joy and enthusiasm of the cast & crew overflows into the performances and our audiences go away with ‘a song in their hearts’ and ‘a smile on their faces’!

Come and join us – we are always happy to welcome new members, acting or back stage and we provide cake!