Queue for panto dream come true
CHRISTMAS has come early for a group of talented Coventry kids – with the news they will star in the Belgrade Theatre’s festive pantomime.
Almost 200 young hopefuls descended on the Coventry theatre earlier this month to audition for a part in the Junior Chorus of Sleeping Beauty, which opens on November 21.
Crowds began assembling from 8.10am and by the time the doors opened at 9.30am, the queue stretched right around the block, to the very end of the row of shops on Corporation Street.
Over the course of the morning, starry-eyed kids from the ages of nine to 16 were divided into groups to learn a routine from the show’s choreographer, which they were asked to perform in front of a panel including writer, director and Dame Iain Lauchlan.
In the afternoon, selected children were recalled for further auditions before successful performers were split into teams.
In between auditions, the theatre’s foyer was a hive of activity, with eager children warming up, stretching and practising the steps they’d been taught. But with only 32 spaces available in total – including three rotating groups of eight, plus an additional group of reserves – the show’s creatives had some tough decisions to make.
Iain Lauchlan said: “Junior Chorus audition day is always one of the hardest days of the year for us – exhausting, uplifting and awe-inspiring in equal measure.
“Many of the children and their parents spent the whole day at the theatre and we saw almost 200 children for Sleeping Beauty this year.
“We watched so many fantastic young people who really put their heart and soul into the auditions, and I’d like to thank everyone who came along for their dedication and loyalty to the Belgrade and the panto.”
Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of Princess Belle, who pricks her finger on an enchanted spinning wheel and is cursed to fall asleep for 100 years – unless she’s kissed by her one true love. Enter the dashing Prince Valiant, along with Nanny Fanny McWheeze and Muddles, who embark on a brave adventure to save the Princess from her terrible fate. But will the wicked Fairy Carabosse ruin their plans?
Sleeping Beauty runs at the Belgrade Theatre from Wednesday, November 21 until Saturday, January 5. Book now by calling 024 7655 3055 or visit belgrade.co.uk