October 10, 2024

Youngsters complete panto line-up and staff stage variety show

Youth and staff talent prepare for the spotlight!

The last piece of Sheringham Little Theatre’s panto cast jigsaw is in place. Well 21 pieces to be precise.

Three teams of seven youngsters, aged six to 19, have been chosen to be the dancers and “chorus” in this winter’s Robin Hood romp.

From now until curtain up on December 13 they will be rehearsing weekly to learn dance routines, songs and acting roles including villages, the Sheriff’s henchmen and Robin’s Merry Crew.

It means working every weekend with choreographer Tom Withington at the high school, vocal sessions with coach Charlotte Joyce and acting with director Nick Earnshaw when he arrives in November.

Director Debbie Thompson said: “It’s a big commitment for our talented young people, but it is vital to have them involved with the panto, as it often sparks an interest in theatre that continues for life, and for some even sees them pursue careers in the arts – so it’s a key role for a community venue like ours.”

The recent panto auditions saw more than 36 youngsters turn up for 21 places – but the theatre is keen to harness their skills and enthusiasm so has asked them to come back in January when it casts the annual Easter youth musical, which will be Frozen.

The venue is currently staging and scheduling more shows than ever using local talent of all ages, which will also be useful fundraisers for the theatre.

The next one on Saturday October 26 is something a bit special – a home-grown variety show featuring staff and supporters of the Little Theatre.

They include Meg Artherton and Lewes Roberts, professional actors who starred in the summer season and are returning to showcase their singing skills. Ollie Westlake, who is panto dame this year, will also perform as will Megan Brice who has appeared in Les Miserables and Little Women the Musical at Sheringham.

But watch out for some performances from theatre staff and volunteers including commercial manager Hannah Smith, front of house man Robert Briggs – plus Debbie, husband Simon, and daughter Katie. What are they going to do? Well you’ll have to turn up to find out.

Debbie has also found herself in the spotlight after winning a lifetime achievement accolade in the Norfolk Arts Awards, voted on by the public, and she is passing on a big thank you to everyone who voted for her.

Her arts career goes back nearly 40 years, the last 22 of which have been at Sheringham. But she sees it very much as a show of support for the theatre, rather than just her personally, and also wants to thank the staff and volunteers whose unstinting efforts make her job possible.

And Debbie is keen to stress that a lifetime award does mean her lifespan at Sheringham is over, adding “it doesn’t mean I’m finished, and I am reassuring people there’s life in this old dog yet” – as she will prove on October 26. To book the variety show, panto and other performances, click here or call 01263 822347.

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