THE ‘alternative to the Christmas panto’ opens for its festive run at The Mill at Sonning next week, without an ‘oh no he isn’t!‘ in sight.
Stepping Out, the funny and heart-warming play by Richard Harris which enjoyed a deservedly long West End run, tells the trials and triumphs of a ladies’ tap-dancing class in a north London church hall.
Featuring seven women and one lone male, the group gradually reveal their stories which will leave the audience in both hysterics and tears throughout the evening.
“It’s a show for the whole family,” says director Sally Hughes, who is also Managing Director of the theatre. “Well, maybe not for younger children as the humour is a bit grown up in places, but teenagers will definitely appreciate it too.
“It’s been quite challenging as there is a lot of dancing involved, some of the cast are dancers but some of them are actors who can dance, so they are picking it up at different speeds. We’ve only had two-and-a-half weeks to rehearse, and there are a lot of big dance numbers so it has been quite challenging for everyone.”
Starring Richard Gibson, famed for his role as the archetypal Gestapo officer Herr Otto Flick in BBC sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo!, and former Eastenders actress Elizabeth Power, the comedy hots up as more is revealed about the characters and their personalities clash in the run-up to their climactic charity concert.
“The play is very funny but it is also quite moving in places. At the start of the rehearsals we all sat down to discuss why the characters were at the dance class, some were there for exercise, some to lose weight, some were there to meet new people, and the stories that came out were quite touching.
“Every character gets their change in the spotlight, it focuses on everyone in turn so the audience will get to know them all very well by the end of the show.
“This is our alternative to pantomime, so if panto is not your thing then come down to The Mill for a different kind of show!”
Stepping Out opens on Wednesday (26) and runs until January 16. Evening shows are Tuesday to Saturday, with Saturday matinees every week, Sunday matinees from December 6, and Sunday evenings from December 13 to January 3. Tickets start at £47.50 which include dinner, programme and show.
To book tickets visit www.millatsonning.com or call 0118 969 8000.
