Too late for panto? You must be joking, say Watton-at-Stone team behind fundraising fun
Jack and the Beanstalk production by Hasbeane Players. - Credit: Archant
The daffodils are out, so surely panto dames shouldn’t still be strutting the stage?
Rosie Hinwood as Jack Trot, Antonia Wilde as Princess Jill in the Hasbeane Players production of Jack And The Beanstalk in Watton at Stone, February 2015 - Credit: Archant
Not according to village am dram groups who prefer to avoid peak panto season but still hanker for traditional fun productions.
That’s why Jack and the Beanstalk only opens tonight in Watton-at-Stone.
The Hasbeane Players have been putting on a pantomimes since 2006 with director Diane Burman writing and producing the shows for the past six years, with husband Mark and daughter Elysia supporting in technical and backstage roles.
Diane said: “I wrote and directed my first show in 2008, as I was going through treatment for breast cancer and needed something to do, and have been writing, producing and directing ever since.
“Jack and the Beanstalk is a traditional pantomime with the usual characters, gags and songs.
“Our society aims to entertain the community and raise money for local charities, schools, churches, villages and clubs that are directly linked to cast and members.
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“The cast and company members have been fantastic.
“We have members ranging from eight to 70 years, some long standing members, some familiar faces and others are new to the society this year.
“The lead role of Jack is being played by Rosie Hinwood, who performed for the first time last year as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz but has appeared in other shows and pantomimes across the whole of Hertfordshire.
“Our Princess Jill Antonia Wilde is performing in her first panto with us and Clive Bell is Dame Trot.
“The main thing about the panto is that everyone is having fun and at the end of the day we know we are raising money for many good causes.”
The curtain goes up at the village’s memorial hall tonight, Thursday, with shows tomorrow and on Saturday at 7.30pm, while a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2.30pm rounds of the run.
Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 for children, available from the local Londis shop or from 01920 830688.
