A panto dame who performs LGBTQ+ stories to kids says « I’m a role model » despite facing « backlash and homophobic abuse by trolls ».
Mama G, 40, has been in pantomime for 19 years and a storyteller dame for six-and-a-half after « falling in love with the art » since childhood.
The storytelling dame’s shows have « developed and grown » after discovering that « both kids and adults enjoy flamboyant storytelling performances ».
She has toured around the UK, New York, and Canada performing in schools, nurseries, and libraries – and even on the stage of Britain’s Got Talent in 2022.
The dame’s performances frequently include « telling LGBTQ+ stories with a focus on inclusion and encouraging kids to be who they are – and to educate parents ».
But as a result, Mama G has « faced serious homophobic and harmful abuse » including being called a « groomer » and « accused of indoctrinating kids to be gay ».
A pantomime dame is a traditional role in British pantomime – and is part of the theatrical tradition of travesty portrayal of female characters by male actors in drag.
Mama, from Greenwich, London, said: « Being a dame has made me a stronger person and the comments I receive are even more reason why I should be doing what I’m doing.
« I’d rather get called these disgusting comments than my audience and I’m way more of a confident person than I was because of it.
« I’m proud that I can be a role model for kids, educate adults about LGBTQ+, and help make the world a better place. »
Mama G attended the Rose Bruford Drama School, aged 18.
It wouldn’t be until her third year of Drama School that the performer would start a 19-year-long career in panto after landing a role as an assistant stage manager with small roles, later securing her first dame role at 24.
Mama G said: « I wanted to do panto – I had to do panto.
« I wrote to every panto producer until one of them gave me an audition.
« Ever since I was a kid, I have loved the pantomime.
« It was what excited me the most.
« So when I landed my first role, performing in panto became a habit for me. »
Six-and-a-half years ago, Mama G produced her own panto, titled ‘Mother Goose’ that originated in the 19th century – and is about a goose named Priscilla who lays golden eggs.
The story was the first to include a dame as the lead character – and where Mama G « first experimented with storytelling ».
She said: « I used this as an opportunity to combine my passion for panto with my passion for inclusivity and encouraging others to be who they are.
« Many of my performances now focus on LGBTQ+ stories due to its suppressive history and the need to educate people.
« A lot of adults when they were younger weren’t exposed to LGBTQ+ characters and same-sex couples and families.
« Small acts like this I believe are what change the world. »
The performances feature Mama G – « a mother-like character » – dressed in extravagant blonde coiffure wigs, sported by her iconic blue eyeshadow and decked head-to-toe in technicolour clothing.
The dame sings songs, dances, performs comedy sketches and tells stories to various age groups – both children and adults.
Mama G added: « Despite the copious support I receive, there is still backlash.
« People have told me what I’m doing is wrong and that we shouldn’t exist.
« I’ve even been called a groomer and paedophile, mainly from online trolls – and I have even been accused of indoctrinating kids to be gay.
« I’ve been protested a few times outside the venue of my shows because people think I shouldn’t perform in front of children and that it’s inappropriate. »
On November 3, 2022, Mama G was hosting a children’s storytime event at Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli, Wales when a group of protesters gathered outside the venue.
The group held placards which read « parents against drag » whilst dozens of parents and children attended the free Gwynedd Council event.
She added: « I remember one time in particular when the protesters made it inside the venue and were giving out flyers with information on why they thought what I was doing was wrong.
« A lot of the flyers had bible quotes that loosely pertain to what they were upset about – and it was the LGBTQ+ aspect. »
Mama G described how these events often led to her « self-doubting » her practice and wondering if what she was doing was « a good thing ».
She said: « I think it’s weird that people protest these harmless events.
« Even though it’s not a ‘drag’ performance, it shouldn’t matter either way.
« Drag queens and dames are on different sides of the same coin and we should be in full support of both.
« Pantomimes are family-friendly with terrible jokes and fabulous dress and drag shows can be too.
« As long as the shows are advertised right and parents and children know what they are watching and are aware, a lot of them have the best time.
« Children are eager, singing aloud and joining in, and parents too.
« The comments I receive are even more reason why I should be doing what I’m doing – and I’m willing to be the one who takes the abuse on.
« It’s really important that children understand that everyone has the right to be who they are.
« If everyone grew up like that then the world would be a much nicer, less angry place. »
Since then, Mama G has « grown in confidence » and has « become a stronger person », saying that « if you’re reinforcing people about who they are, and to be the amazing person they are, then you start to believe it yourself ».
Alongside the LGBTQ+ stories she performs, the dame has written one of her own set to publish October 10, titled ‘Oh Yes I Am!’.
Mama G said: « The story relates to me and my journey of expression as a child.
« It touches on difficult subjects about a child who is discovering themselves and will help guide parents.
« I want my platform to keep growing for adults and kids and want people to understand that panto is for everyone and you can be whoever you want to be. »
