Catch up with the latest news and updates, and sneaky peaks at what it takes to put on our productions. If you'd like us to add anything else - get in touch!
This Saturday, 25 August, we will be holding open auditions for children aged 9-16* to take part in the Junior Chorus of Cinderella at FTH Theatre. *Please visit the venue page on our website for further information. - http://www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/pantomimes/2018-cinderella-falkirk
Despite the glorious weather The Grand Pavilion’s sights are firmly set on panto and they are delighted to be able to announce casting for the spectacular Sleeping Beauty.
Vern Griffiths will play Dame Dolly Dumpling with Kyle Tovey as the hilarious Happy Harri, comedian Cerys Nelmes as Fairy Marina, Laura Mansell as the wicked Carabosse, Aled Herbert as King Frogmore, Trixie Waggott as Princess Rose and Jack Malin as Prince.
Ebbw Vale’s Kyle Tovey is delighted to be appearing at the Grand Pavilion, having fond childhood memories of Porthcawl where his family had a holiday home. His last appearance at the venue was hosting the BBC Wales Made in Wales Ceremony in 2011 and he cannot wait to get back on the stage this Christmas.
“Panto is my favourite time of the year, it is often a family’s first introduction to theatre and an absolute scream to be part of. No show is the same and the joy of the audience during participation is incomparable to any other theatre experience. Being able to take the audience on a magical journey whilst having heaps of fun along the way is priceless.”
“My favourite part of playing the comic is that you get to form a bond with the audience from the outset. You end up feeling their constant support and feel that they are always on side. Being able to interact as the comic is the best part as you never know what’s going to happen. Panto is so unpredictable but yet continues to tell a timeless story - what’s not to love?”
Vern Griffiths last donned a frock as Dame at the Grand Pavilion back in 2012 and he is thrilled to be returning to the venue in which he watched pantomime as a child.
“The Grand Pavilion is a beautiful venue and has a special place in my heart as it is where I discovered my love of panto many years ago. Dame is a brilliant role as I get to have so much interaction with the audience, I particularly love embarrassing the dads in the audience.”
Cerys Nelmes is a familiar face on the comedy circuit and has also appeared in Trollied on Sky 1 as well as popping up on Casualty, Stella, Back, The Coroner, Thirteen, Ill Behavior, Galavant and The Rack Pack.
Steve Boden from Imagine Theatre who produce the pantomime says “We are delighted to have Cerys on board for pantomime. Having a performer whose speciality is stand up comedy is going to bring something different to the role of fairy this year which is very exciting. We have a fabulous cast lined up and script written by the brilliant Chris Jarvis so we are confident that we will put on another brilliant show this year.
Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday 14 December 2018 until Sunday 6 January 2018.
For more information or to book tickets contact the Grand Pavilion box office on 01656 815995 or visit www.grandpavilion.co.uk
On Friday 24 August we will be holding open auditions for children aged 9-16* for the Junior Chorus of Beauty and the Beast at The Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy. *Please visit the venue's page on our website for more information - http://www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/pantomimes/2018-beauty-and-the-beast-kirkcaldy
Don't forget that this Friday, 24th August, we are holding open auditions at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock for children aged 9-16* who would like to part of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas. *Please visit the website for more information. - http://www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/pantomimes/2018127-sleeping-beauty-greenock-2018
Rotherham Civic Theatre are delighted to announce that this year they will be working alongside Imagine Theatre, one of the country’s top pantomime producers, on the spectacular rags to riches panto adventure Dick Whittington.
The show will star former Heartbeat actor David Lonsdale as Alderman Fitzwarren with Ian Hallard as Dame, Nathan Guy as Dick Whittington, Ann Micklethwaite as Fairy Bow Bells and Ashley Andrew as Alice Fitzwarren.
For David Lonsdale it will be a welcome return to Yorkshire where he worked for many years on the hugely popular Heartbeat and he is looking forward to his first appearance at Rotherham Civic Theatre.
“I definitely need my yearly dose of silliness doing panto as in the last year I have worked on two TV projects for Netflix and the BBC, been the director of the Southport Festival, as well as selling my first radio play which I was delighted about.”
“Pantomime is a very special part of my life. I find myself completely immersed in it for two months each year and it completely takes over! The constant laughter and music have a lovely effect on me and I honestly wouldn’t give it up for the world. Laughing is so good for us, audience and actors alike, and it’s that continual jollity that I love most about doing the shows.”
Dame, Ian Hallard, is also looking forward to a return to Yorkshire having been to university in Sheffield. He says “I have friends who have done panto at the Civic before and they've told me how lovely the team at the theatre is, and how warm and welcoming the audiences are and as some of my university friends are still in the area they will be coming to see the show which will be lovely.”
“My favourite thing about playing Dame is the fabulous costumes - and Imagine Theatre's wardrobe department have really pulled out the stops this year! Plus of course the interaction with the audience. As Dame, you probably get to be a bit cheekier than any other panto character, and the audience participation is really great!”
Nathan Guy will be taking on the role of the title character Dick Whittington who travels to London with his faithful sidekick Tommy the cat, to seek his fortune. Along the way in pure panto style he has to protect the city from an evil villain, King Rat, as well as falling in love with the beautiful Alice Fitzwarren.
“I am delighted to be playing Dick Whittington. Up until now I’ve only played the comedy side kick in pantos but now I am so excited because I finally get to play the hero. What’s more I’m really looking forward to putting my own little goofy shine on it!”
“The most wonderful thing about panto is it's at Christmas time, and everyone is in a fabulous mood so it's an all-round joyful experience. I love singing, dancing, comedy, acting, storytelling, working with children and interacting with an audience. The audience is the most important part of panto, and as long as I can make sure that they feel a part of our story and the crazy fun, then I’m sure we are all going to have the best time.”
Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, says “We are delighted to be bringing panto to Rotherham for the first time this year. We have a fabulous cast lined up, all of whom we have worked with in the past, so we are confident it is going to be a brilliant show.”
The show runs from Friday 30 November 2018 until Sunday 6 January 2019.
To book tickets call the box office on 01709 823621 or visit www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk
The fabulous Sleeping Beauty brings the family pantomime magic back to Beacon Arts Centre this year…and she’s bringing a few familiar faces along with her!
Jane McCarry will be wicked once more as the evil Carabosse with Mark Cox as Cludgie the Henchman. Jimmy Chisholm also returns with Lee Samuel as they revive their popular pairing as Dame and Comic.
Still Game favourites Jane and Mark, best known as Isa Drennan and Tam Mullen in the hugely popular sit-com (which has just celebrated its eighth series on UK screens) have become a key ingredient of the increasing success of the Beacon pantomime over the last few years.
While Greenock audiences love to see the pair perform, it turns out that the feeling is mutual as both Jane & Mark love performing panto in Greenock. Mark says “The audience at the Beacon is the warmest I have ever played in front of, they are just amazing.”
This year, Mark will once again be playing sidekick to Jane’s evil character Carabosse. “Jane and I go way back. From drama college to hit television show and we just love working together because we know each other so well as friends and as actors. Never a dull moment!”
Lee Samuel is also full of praise for his on-stage comedy partner Jimmy Chisholm. “We have such a laugh working together and over the years we have developed a great chemistry on and off the stage. Jimmy is a force of energy and fun. He is a very generous and professional actor and is happy to share the comedy with me and the other cast members.”
“I love panto but my favourite bit is always the song sheet. There is nothing better than seeing the whole audience up dancing and singing along at the top of their voices with age groups ranging from toddlers to great grandparents and before you know it even the most reluctant member of the family is joining in! It’s great to see the whole family having fun and getting into the Christmas spirit as that is what panto is all about!”
Joining the cast this year are Martine McMenemy as Queen Matilda and Nikki Horsburgh as Princess Beauty.
Steve Boden, managing director of Imagine Theatre who produce the show says “We are delighted with the increasing popularity of the Beacon Arts Centre panto over the last few years. The reviews last year were amazing and I am confident we will put on another fabulous show this year.”
Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday 7 until Monday 31 December 2018.
For more information or to book tickets to the show call the box office on 01475 723723 or visit www.beaconartscentre.co.uk
Eden Court are delighted to be able to announce their full cast for this year’s gigantic family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
Once again Steven Wren will be both directing and starring in the show as Dame Trot as well as being the lead scriptwriter. The hilarious Ross Allan returns to play Jack with Marj Hogarth as the Fairy and joining the team this year are Chris O’Mara as the villainous Foosty McScunner, Graham MacKay-Bruce as the King and Jennifer Neil as Jill.
Ross Allan is delighted to be returning to Eden Court, and in particular to be playing the title character. “It is great that I get to play Jack – hopefully it means I get the girl this year. My only reservation is that I'm slightly scared of heights so no idea how I'll cope with the beanstalk!”
“I love working with the multi-talented Steven Wren!! It never really feels like work when you get the chance to work with friends, and we get on really well together both on stage and off.”
New to the Inverness panto team this year, Chris O’Mara cannot wait for his first appearance at the venue. “This is the first time I’ve performed at Eden Court, but the theatre’s reputation precedes itself! I performed in many amateur pantomimes when I was younger but last year was my first professional panto, playing the Prince and the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. It was so much fun - there is no better feeling in live performance than having an audience shout at you, and you’re allowed to shout back!!”
“I am really looking forward to playing a baddie I think it’s every performer’s dream to have hundreds of children booing and hissing at you on stage!! I’m so looking forward to becoming the villain, that I’ve been scowling at children I pass in the street, evil laughing whenever I see someone trip up, and stealing sweets from babies! But seriously, I’m thrilled to have the chance to switch it up and become the bad guy for a change!”
Steve Boden, Managing Director of Producer’s Imagine Theatre, says “we are thrilled to have Steven Wren and Ross Allan back as they work so well together on stage and the Eden Court audience love them. Having played the baddie in her last few appearances I can’t wait to see Marj playing the goodie for once! We have a great cast with an hilarious script, not to mention a fantastic giant, so we promise another fabulous show this festive season.”
Jack and the Beanstalk runs from Tuesday 4 Dec until Sunday 6 January 2018.
For more information or to book tickets call the Eden Court box office on 01463 234234 or visit the website.
Imagine Theatre along with Southport Theatre, following its takeover by Bliss Hotels, are delighted to announce that panto will be back this year with the magical tale of Beauty and the Beast.
The show will star and also be directed by Sam Kane. Sam, who previously appeared in Brookside and Emmerdale, played Buttons in last year’s highly acclaimed Cinderella. This year he is taking on the role of Eugene in one of the most popular fairy tales of them all. He will be joined by Jason Marc-Williams as Dame and Alistair Barron as comic.
“Beauty and the Beast is a story that has got everything. It's the perfect family show. It's got an ingredient in it that I adore in a pantomime.... heart. The jeopardy of the rose petals falling and having to fall in love before the final petal falls creates a brilliant tension that keeps everyone gripping their seat. Mix all of that with fabulous comedy, traditional panto routines and great songs and you've got yourself a perfect trip to the theatre at Christmas time.”
Sam adds “The character of Eugene in the panto has a lot of similarities to Gaston in the Disney version. The weird thing is this has ticked a massive box for me. I was actually offered the role of Gaston, in the Disney musical version of Beauty and the Beast at the Dominion Theatre in the West End. I didn't take the role for a host of reasons and I've regretted those decisions ever since. Now 20 years later I'll finally get to play one of the best roles in theatre. I get to be vile and awful and get laughs for it and I can't wait! Southport Theatre is a great place to spend the festive season. The audiences were amazing also the staff and back stage crew at the venue were an absolute delight and I can't remember a single day from last panto season that wasn't a happy one.”
Jason is delighted to be returning to Southport. “I love being in Southport at Christmas and I really enjoyed working with Sam last year so I am excited to be working with him once more, as well teaming up with Alistair again as he is a really close friend and we always have a great time working together.”
Beauty and the Beast runs from Friday 14 - Sunday 30 December 2018.
It is not just the weather that is hotting up in Halifax – panto fever is also getting in to full swing at The Victoria Theatre and they are delighted to be able to reveal some of their casting for this year’s magical family pantomime Snow White.
Neil Hurst is returning for his tenth panto season to play Jingles the Jester and he is being joined by Jolyon Dixon as Dame Dolly Mixture, Tom Milner as Prince Michael and Felicity Skiera as the Wicked Queen.
Neil says: “There are many things that make playing the comic role so much fun, the sketches, the daft costumes, the song sheet; but probably the best part for me is the interaction I get to have with the audience. The audience is the extra character in every panto and every audience reacts in a different way so for me the not knowing what we are going to get, reaction wise, is exciting and the best part of being the comic.”
Neil has just finished a UK tour of the Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends the Musical and he is about to start filming Agatha Christies' The ABC Murders alongside John Malkovich and Rupert Grint before starting work on a radio drama for the USA called The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Neil will not be the only local performer with Halifax’s Tom Milner joining the cast as Prince Michael. Tom has appeared on The Voice as well as in Waterloo Road and has recently recorded his first album as well as touring America, Jamaica and Europe.
Dame, Jolyon Dixon, is very excited to be spending his first panto season at The Victoria Theatre. “I have heard great things about the venue and I am really looking forward to playing such a big and beautiful looking space and working with the legend Neil Hurst. I adore panto and in playing the dame I get to wear all these amazing frocks, but it’s the interaction with the audience and making them laugh that is the biggest reward.”
Felicity Skiera has appeared as principal boy in both Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin and is delighted to play such a different role this year.
“I have always wanted to play the Wicked Queen in Snow White so I am really excited. I have enjoyed playing Jack and Aladdin but cannot wait to be wicked this year and get the audience booing me!”
After a smash hit success with Aladdin last year The Victoria Theatre recommend buying your tickets early for the fairest panto of them all.
Snow White runs from Thursday 13 December 2018 until Saturday 5 January 2019.
For more information or to book tickets please contact the Victoria Theatre box office on 01422 351158 or visit www.victoriatheatre.co.uk
The most mystical panto of all, ALADDIN, flies into the Palace Theatre, Newark this Christmas with magic carpets, genies and all!
Starring soap star Hayley Tamaddon as the Princess as well as an amazing supporting cast. Hayley is best known for playing Del Dingle in Emmerdale and Andrea Beckett in Coronation Street as well as winning Series 5 of ITV’s Dancing On Ice. Hayley has also had an extensive musical theatre career, having played lead roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Chicago, Grease, A Chorus Line, Boogie Nights, Mamma Mia, Fame, The Rocky Horror Show and Spamalot. Hayley is delighted to be returning to the stage for pantomime:-
“I absolutely love appearing in pantomime, it is such a special time of year. It’s one of the few chances for the whole family to come along to the theatre and enjoy themselves together. I can’t wait to appear in this production of Aladdin, it’s one of my favourites and I also hear Newark is great for Christmas shopping!”
Joining Hayley is Newark panto favourite Tim Freeman who Palace Theatre audiences will remember from last year’s Beauty & The Beast as Dame Dorothy Do-it, this time he will be donning fabulous frocks as Aladdin’s mother Widow Twankey.
Producer of the pantomime, Imagine Theatre’s Managing Director Steve Boden says: “We are delighted to be returning to the Palace Theatre with another fantastic family pantomime. Aladdin is one of the best as it’s full of adventure and fun. We are also thrilled to be working with Hayley Tamaddon who is not just a TV personality but an amazing stage performer, and also to be welcoming Tim Freeman back. It’s going to be a great show and we hope to build on the success of last year’s Beauty & The Beast”.
This year’s pantomime will feature all of the magic ingredients you’ve come to expect with big song and dance numbers, lots of slapstick comedy, romance and bags of audience participation, oh yes it will! Aladdin is one of the most popular panto titles of all and tells the rags to riches story of a poor son of a laundress who has big dreams. When he falls in love with the Princess he wants to do everything he can to win her heart. Will Abanazar thwart the course of true love or will Aladdin succeed with a little help from the Genie of the Lamp? Bring the whole family along to the Palace Theatre, Newark this Christmas to find out.
Aladdin runs from Friday 7th December to Monday 31st December 2018.
Imagine Theatre, 2 Brandon House, Woodhams Road, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV3 4FX. T: +44 2476 307001
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