A BOROUGH performance group is busy rehearsing their Christmas show, ready to entertain audiences at the end of the year.
Wokingham Pantomime’s production of Aladdin has a cast of around 20 performers, aged from 8yrs to young adults, all of whom have been working hard since September.
The show will star Ben Dearden as Abanazer, Aimee Gunter as Slave Of The Ring, Emma Ross as Princess Jasmin, and Toni Di Gangi as Aladdin.
Husband and wife team Stan and Jo Hetherington produce the pantomimes and create all the costumes.
“Preparations are going really well,” said Mr Hetherington.
“Our flying carpet needs a couple of alterations at this stage, but it is flying.
“Actually, we grown ups are having great fun working on this and all the props and effects.”
Stan and his team enjoy experimenting with smoke and star screens, but are even more delighted by the progress of the young cast.
“The kids are absolutely amazing,” he said.
“Watching them in rehearsals, smiling, full of joy, and having a great time, is marvellous to see.
“Some of them are so quiet when they first join us, and tend to huddle in little groups.
“But in just a few weeks they have become a company of confident performers, who really support each other.
“One of the mums came into a rehearsal the other day, and said, ‘I had no idea my daughter could do something like this’.
“These youngsters really are on a journey, there’s no other word for it, and everyone is getting very excited now as the performances approach.”
Wokingham in Need, a charity that supports vulnerable people in the borough, and Newbury Building Society, provided funding for an extra Friday afternoon community performance.
This has been reserved exclusively for foster families in the area.
“We’re absolutely delighted that this show has sold out, and grateful for our sponsors for helping us to make this possible,” said Mr Hetherington.
“Most of our other performances are now 60% full, but seats are still available for the Saturday night final show.”
People wanting to see Aladdin are advised to buy their tickets soon.
In the meantime, Mr Hetherington and his team will continue to have fun working out how to keep Aladdin and Jasmin flying on their magic carpet.
The event can be seen at the Whitty Theatre, Luckley Road, on Friday, December 29, and Saturday, December 30.
Doors open at 6pm on both days with an additional Saturday matineé at 2pm.
Tickets cost £19 for adults, and £16 for under 18s.
For information and to book, visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk or visit the group’s Facebook page.
