Tradition, Change, and Embracing Imperfection: Lessons from a Pantomime Yesterday, at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre, I watched Beauty and the Beast with my kids—a timeless pantomime that beautifully blends tradition and evolution. As I sat there, enchanted by the mix of chaos, comedy, and community, I thought about the parallels between this age-old art form and the daily changes we navigate in life and business. Pantomimes are a perfect paradox: - They celebrate tradition—stories retold every year, like a reliable anchor. - Yet, they embrace evolution—progressive scripts, inclusive casting, and contemporary jokes make them relevant to new audiences each year. What struck me most was the welcoming of imperfection. Ad-libs, mistakes, and playful moments aren’t glitches—they’re part of the experience, navigated seamlessly by the seasoned performers and welcomed by an audience that comes together to laugh, engage, and share a collective moment. Since the Commedia dell’arte and reflecting technological advances in generative AI the consistency of framework remains but the output is unique. Isn’t that what makes real progress possible in any space? When we let go of rigid perfection and embrace creativity, we allow room for growth. Watching my kids experience this tradition—one I enjoyed as a child—reminded me of the value of exposing future generations to stories that bridge the past with the present. The pantomime isn’t just entertainment; it’s a reminder that change and constant can coexist. Repetition doesn’t mean stagnation—it creates a foundation for innovation. As leaders, whether in pharma, digital medicine, or any field, we can take a cue from the pantomime: - Honor what works but evolve with courage. - Foster collaboration and shared moments of progress. - And above all, allow space for imperfection and creativity. Sometimes, the beauty of transformation lies in being a little less polished but deeply authentic. What’s a tradition or experience that’s taught you unexpected lessons? I’d love to hear your thoughts. #Leadership #ChangeAndTradition #Innovation #FamilyMoments #CulturalConnections #ProgressiveThinking #pantocrewe
Shana Owen
6d
What a beautiful reflection on the intertwining of tradition and evolution! The parallels you've drawn are meaningful, especially in the context of business and technology. One tradition that has taught me an unexpected lesson is the practice of storytelling itself. As children, we often heard stories that went beyond entertainment; they instilled values, lessons, and cultural heritage. Stories, much like your pantomime experience, have a structural consistency but can be told differently each time, often leading to new perspectives. In business, storytelling serves as a powerful tool - connecting teams, driving innovation, and shaping company culture. It emphasises the importance of adaptability in our narratives, allowing us to engage diverse audiences effectively. Just like in pantomimes, where every performance may include unexpected moments, in business, I've learned that flexibility and embracing imperfections can lead to creative solutions and stronger connections.
Gaurav S.
6d
Sometimes the obvious options are just behind you 😉, have a great Xmas Emma!
Healthcare Communicator | Co-founder & Managing Director, The Salve Health Ltd
6dLove this Emma Vitalini - I’m fully in panto mode as both my children are performing in panto this year. Also, signposting to a lovely book I bought earlier this year. There’s a Scottish tale in it called “The Black Bull of Norroway” that echoes “Beauty and the Beast.” If anyone needs a kids Christmas present idea that connects kids to their traditions and heritage I would recommend it. Many of these are tales I haven’t heard or read about before but I love that they originally hail from what was Celtic Great Britain. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celtic-Tales-Enchantment-Scotland-Brittany/dp/145215175X?dplnkId=f6470f38-61ff-456c-b39c-e830652979da&nodl=1