Belgrade date change for its panto auditions

AUDITIONS for youngsters who fancy treading the boards in the Belgrade Theatre’s annual pantomime have been brought forward.

The open children’s auditions for Sleeping Beauty were due to take place on Sunday, September 9, but they will now take place a week earlier on Sunday, September 2. The auditions offer talented youngsters the chance to become a part of the junior chorus for the festive season spectacular.

The Belgrade said the change was “due to unforeseen

All other details of the day will remain as previously circumstances”. advertised , with children aged 9-16 asked to arrive at the Belgrade with their parents at 9.30am for registration.

From 10am, young hopefuls will be taught a dance routine by the show’s choreographer, which they will then be asked to perform in front of writer, director and Dame, Iain Lauchlan.

Initial auditions will take place in the morning, with successful candidates recalled for a second round during the afternoon.

At the end of the afternoon, those chosen to perform will be asked to stay behind to be allocated to one of four teams, and to have wardrobe measurements taken ahead of costume fittings.

No prior experience of performing is necessary, but the producers said those who audition will need lots of energy and enthusiasm.

Children auditioning are reminded to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to move and dance in.

At least one parent or guardian will need wait on site with each child throughout the audition process.

Unaccompanied children will not be eligible to audition.

Boasting a career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry, local panto legend Iain Lauchlan is best known for his work on children’s TV series such as Playschool, Fingermouse, Playdays, Storytime, Fun Song Factory and The Tweenies. Sleeping Beauty will be his 24th Belgrade Theatre pantomime.

He said: “It’s that time of year again when my mind is turning to the question of who’ll be in this year’s Christmas panto.

“Every year, I’m hugely impressed by the talented young people I get to see at the auditions, and I hope that this year will be no exception.

“We’re looking for boys as well as girls from all of Coventry’s diverse communities, with all different levels of experience, so if you’re thinking of auditioning please do come along.

“It’s always a pleasure getting to meet so many brilliant youngsters, so put the date in your diaries, and I hope to see you there on September 2.”

All successful candidates will be committed to up to six rehearsals per week, taking place on weekends and weekday evenings from Tuesday October 30.

From November 12, children will also need to attend daytime performances on weekdays, with the show itself running daytimes and evenings from November 21 until January 5. There are a total of 57 performances in the run.

Pre-registration is not essential, but parents are encouraged to fill in a registration form in advance and bring it along with them to auditions. The form can be downloaded here .

Sleeping Beauty will feature all the lavish costumes, spectacular sets and memorable songs that make the show a huge success every year.

Featuring a dragon, a dame, a dozing princess and a dose of fairy magic, this new retelling follows the timeless tale of the beautiful Princess Belle, cursed at her christening by the wicked Fairy Carabosse.

Tickets to Sleeping Beauty are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055.