Staging a little festive pandemonium
With the role reversal went plenty of innuendo, which should go over the heads of young children but be appreciated by the adults in the audience.
For Hughson, the role of Cinders is a chance to get back on stage as an actor and strengthen her skills in that area.
‘‘I was really keen. I love comedy.’’
Her character is ‘‘fairly traditional’’ but with a little ‘‘cheeky’’ in it. She is a dreamer, a romantic and as soon as she hears the prince is in town ‘‘wants a piece of him’’.
Hughson comes from a musical theatre and dance background — she played Frenchie in Grease last year.
‘‘I’m really keen to try acting and this role has a bit of everything and I get to be involved in a different theatre community and the scale is different, it’s a lot more intimate.’’
She is also pleased it is a production her 4yearold could come to as well as her grandparents.
‘‘They’ll enjoy it for totally different reasons. It’s such a good mix.’’
Keene says they will be encouraging the important audience participation aspect of pantomimes.
‘‘The cast will be encouraging that — the boos, hisses, cheers and the sympathy.’’
Some of the jokes and references were very British so Keene has spoken to the author to get clearance to ‘‘Kiwify’’ it where needed.
‘‘Some of the cultural references just didn’t work in New Zealand. I had to explain some of the jokes so thought maybe it needed to be broken down to be more Kiwi.’’
Hughson says the cast is having heaps of fun bringing the story to life.
‘‘We’re working well as a team and Lynne is good at listening to our ideas and then giving us good direction. We’ve all felt included in the process.’’’
The costumes are being created by Sofie Welvaert who was pulling out some costumes from the past to recycle.
Hughson, who is a keen sewer and when not on stage is often found making costumes backstage, has offered to create her ballgown for the pantomime.
Keene has also picked up a special prop for the show — a supermarket trolley — but she is keen not to give away too many surprises.