REHEARSALS are well under way at Helmsley Arts Centre for the forthcoming 1812 Pantomime Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood which features local performers from across the generations.
With the Arts Centre’s Youth Theatre director Natasha Jones in the role of Robin Hood, this traditional family panto has a full cast of over 40, with a young team of backstage crew who are taking part in a work experience project supported by Ryedale District Council.
“We want to involve as many people in the panto as we can,” said HAC Artistic Director Em Whitfield Brooks, who is directing the show.
“It’s such fun to be a part of, and all ages are involved. The youngest performers, from our youngest Youth Theatre group, the 1812 Tykes, are just five years old."
Em added: "We have two teams of junior Chorus and four Babes, played by Youth Theatre members, while the Principals and Senior Chorus parts are played by Senior Youth Theatre and adult company members.
"Our oldest performer is Steve Lonsdale, who, at 81 years young, opens the show very dynamically as one of the baddest baddies ever to tread the boards in a Helmsley panto.
Em said: "We’ve had the pleasure of working with Gemma McDonald who has choreographed the big musical numbers too, and we’re all having a lot of fun in rehearsals – this promises to be a fantastic show.”
"The 1812 pantomime has built in ambition, and popularity, over the last few years and is enjoyed by audiences of all ages."
Em added that the first performances coincide with Small Business Saturday, when the whole town would be buzzing with the Panto-Themed Festive Fun Day, organised by Helmsley in Business (HiB).
"The Arts Centre is an active member of HiB, a successful network of independent businesses in the town, all of whom will welcome visitors to Helmsley for a day which includes discount offers and in-store promotions across the town, activities, competitions, entertainment, free food and drink tastings and appearances by well-loved pantomime characters," she added.
The show opens with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, December 5, with ten performances concluding on Sunday, December 13.
To book tickets call the Arts Centre Box Office on 01439 771700 or book online at www.helmsleyarts.co.uk
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