CROWTHORNE Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) is about to begin some beastly but beautiful rehearsals for its Christmas pantomime.
The group, first formed in 1978, has been bringing live theatre to Crowthorne ever since.
“We’re all volunteers, doing a hobby that we love – be that on stage, making costumes, operating tech, or working backstage or front-of-house,” said Josh Hayward from CATS.
This year the association will present Beauty and The Beast, written by Pumpkin Pantos, and directed by Lu Pike and Dan Winterton.
Local stars will be: Abi Pike as Belle, Harry Hardy as the Beast, Alex Peaple as Dame Polly Potts and Josh Hayward as Gaston.
“Our Christmas pantomimes are always so popular,” said Josh.
“There are about 40 members involved this year, onstage and off, with ages impressively ranging from 10-80.
“Our members repeatedly say that what they love about CATS is that we are like a family.
“People look out for each other, and have made lifelong friendships.”
Josh says that CATS pantomimes are just as enjoyable for adults as for children.
“There are so many jokes that go over the little one’s heads, but which land perfectly on the older folks,” he said.
CATS has recently welcomed seven new members to the society.
“They’re all really excited to be joining us, and to being involved in their first CATS show,” he added.
This year’s pantomime will be moving to a new and larger venue that can seat an audience of 240.
Four performances of Beauty and the Beast will be presented at Edgbarrow School Hall, Crowthorne.
Shows are on: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, on December 19, 20, and 21.
Doors open at 7.30pm on Friday, at 2pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.
Tickets cost £14, or £12 if bought before the end of September – a third have already been snapped up.
CATS would love to hear from anyone keen to help with front of house.
For tickets and information, visit: catscrowthorne.com
