Behind the glittering facade of pantomime lies a world of chaos and creativity, where the real magic happens behind the scenes. Meet the unsung heroes of Leeds panto—a mother-and-daughter duo who’ve been transforming backstage mayhem into seamless spectacle for nearly three decades. Kath Harrison, 76, and Helen Shippin, 43, are the fairy godmothers of the theater, ensuring every show runs like clockwork despite the madness that unfolds offstage.
Their journey began 29 years ago when Helen landed her first dancing role in a festive production at the old Leeds Civic Theatre. Since then, they’ve become inseparable fixtures of the panto season, tackling everything from lightning-fast costume changes to runaway wigs and prop disasters. But here’s where it gets fascinating: their role isn’t just about fixing what goes wrong—it’s about anticipating what could go wrong and having a plan for it.
Take, for instance, the panto dame’s costume changes. With up to 10 outfits per show, there’s no room for error. Helen recalls a particularly hectic moment: “Last year, we had to transform the dame from a leotard covered in pots and pans into a giant cupcake in seconds. It was chaos, but we managed it in 16 seconds—our fastest change ever!” And this is the part most people miss: the trust between the cast and crew. Aaron Steadman, who plays the dame, relies on Kath and Helen to literally ‘pull him to pieces’ backstage, knowing they’ll have him ready in time.
During the Carriageworks panto season, running from November 21 to January 4, the duo is on deck for all 74 shows. Their secret? Military-level planning and organization. Kath, armed with her trusty sewing kit, handles alterations, while Helen coordinates logistics. Between acts, they’re washing, drying, and ironing dozens of costumes—no small feat with just one washing machine and dryer. “Anything that touches the skin, I wash,” Kath insists. “And no performer goes on stage with creased clothes—ever.”
But here’s the controversial part: while their work is indispensable, it’s often overlooked. Should backstage crews like Kath and Helen receive more recognition? Or is the magic of panto meant to stay behind the curtain? Let us know in the comments.
Their roles extend far beyond costumes. Helen is the go-to problem-solver, stepping in when things go awry. “I’ve operated puppets, played the cow in Jack and the Beanstalk, and even controlled stage lights when the technician’s wife went into labor,” she laughs. Meanwhile, Kath keeps a row of pins, needles, and a glue gun handy for emergency repairs, like mending torn trousers mid-show.
This year’s production of Sleeping Beauty is particularly special, marking the theater’s 20th anniversary. Over two decades, the venue has hosted over a million audience members across 2,000 productions. For Kath and Helen, it’s more than a job—it’s family. Helen, who balances her theater role with a full-time job as a children’s dietician, cherishes the bonds formed backstage. “We look after each other,” she says. “Even Jai McDowall, who won Britain’s Got Talent, is now one of my best friends after we met here.”
As the holiday season approaches, don’t expect these two to slow down. “I’ll stop when I stop enjoying it,” Kath says, “but right now, I love every minute of it.” So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a world that celebrates the spotlight, who are the unsung heroes in your life? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!
