Stage set as panto season on the way ALEX SCAPENS
THE stage is being set in readiness for New Mills’ annual pantomime.
Beauty and the Beast will be performed at the Art Theatre, Jodrell Street, at the end of next month.
Ahead of the shows members of the cast were at the New Mills Christmas lights switch on to promote the panto.
Belle and the Prince actually switched the lights on and then joined fellow cast members to sing a medley of songs from the crowds.
Emmerdale star Tony Audenshaw, who lives in New Mills, helped out on the Art Theatre’s tombola, which raised £267.
Another cast member - Darren Cooper, who plays the panto dame Madame Fifi - has also done his bit fundraising.
He swapped crossdressing for cross-training as he got fit enough to run the London Marathon this year in aid of the Art Theatre.
Darren, an accountant, completed the course in four hours 14 minutes and raised more than £6,000. show for
He said: “From the moment I hit the start line the atmosphere was simply incredible.
“There were crowds at the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, people hanging off balconies, outside pubs and houses – ordinary people kindly offering fruit and sweets to help me on my way.
“Children were all wanting to high-five as I passed. I found it tough around the 25 mile mark, but the crowd got me through.
“That and the thought that it was such an honour to run for the theatre I love so much, and for all the people who had donated. I loved every minute of it.”
Angela Hulme, from the theatre, said: “We are very grateful to Darren, it is a massive amount of money the theatre dearly needs.”
Tickets for Beauty and the Beast are now available for performances on January 27, February 3 and February 4 at 7.15pm, and for January 28, January 29 and February 4 at 2.15pm.
Adults are £10, under16s £8 and boxes for five £50.
Call 07983 344862 or email friendsofthearttheatre@gmail. com. Booking fees may apply.