Young hopefuls have a ball at the Cinderella auditions
MORE than 200 youngsters descended on Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre yesterday to audition for this year’s panto - Cinderella.
The chance to shine on stage was being offered to children aged between nine and 16 for a part in the junior chorus.
Young hopefuls were split into groups and taught a short dance routine by the show’s choreographer, which they later performed in front of writer, director and panto dame Iain Lauchlan.
Sisters Alannah and Kiera Kavanagh had an early start to the day, arriving at 7.45am.
Kiera said: “I did this two years ago for Beauty and the Beast. I did it for experience and it was fun. I played a citizen and fluffy creature.
“It was good on stage, I didn’t think it was real. I’d just turned 10 for the first show and realised I loved acting.
“I did Dick Whittington last year, I was a rat then. It was fun but was tiring and the costumes were thin and furry. I was just happy to be in it.”
Alannah, nine, followed in her sister’s footsteps and said: “I wanted to do it after seeing my sister act too, when she first did it I wasn’t old enough.
“When I first heard of this I thought wanted to do it with my sister. I’m really excited, I managed to sleep!
“We’ve been dancing together and my sister has been helping. I was at the Albany last year so have a bit of experience.”
Fourteen-year-old Elliot Barker was at his first audition for the Belgrade but he has done a few pantos before.
He said: “I love the energy about it and this is great for it.
“I sing and dance, most of the time I do singing and acting.
“I come from a theatrical family so I’ve been in panto when I was four.
“We meet so many nice people. I’m a bit nervous but I’m siding towards excited.
“I don’t know what to expect but ill give it everything I’ve got. I’ve got family in the West End, it’s great to have that support.”
The youngsters were put into teams and taken into the rehearsal room to learn the dance routine.
They were performing in the presence of panto legend - Iain Lauchlan.
Iain said: “I’m very excited to see some fresh new talent at this year’s auditions. Every year, we see hundreds of youngsters, with different levels of experience in performing, but ultimately we’re looking for plenty of enthusiasm and someone who will shine on the stage.
“As the writer, director and dame, I know how much hard work goes into rehearsing a pantomime, but it’s also a fun and rewarding experience for the whole cast and everyone involved.
“It’s always a joy bringing a touch of sparkle and magic for so many families over the festive season!”
Cinderella runs on the Belgrade’s Main Stage from Wednesday, November 22 to Saturday, January 13.
Earlybird tickets are available until August 31 priced from £11 for kids, £16 for adults and £43 for families.
To book, call the Belgrade Theatre box office on 024 7655 3055 or visit the website at www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.