Wokingham’s memorable pantomime
ONE OF the young cast members of Wokingham’s pantomime has praised organisers of the show for making it such a memorable experience.
Just before Christmas, Wokingham’s town hall was converted into a theatre for Bart Lee’s take on the age-old favourite, Jack and the Beanstalk.
A cast of professional actors joined local talent including youngsters from theatre and dance schools for the sell-out show.
And organisers have deemed it so successful that they are now planning to meet audience demand by holding this year’s show in The Whitty Theatre.
Twelve-year-old Emma Ross attends Reading’s Kendrick School and is also a member of the Lafour Theatre School and the Laura Henderson Dance Academy.
She said: “Performing in the Wokingham panto has been an amazing experience. It’s full of such fond memories that I will remember forever.
“I didn’t know anyone at the beginning of the panto but I soon made lots of friends as everyone was so lovely and welcoming.
“Everyone made the rehearsals even better than they would have been before. It was really sad to say goodbye to everyone but I think most people are going to audition next year so I will probably see them again.”
And the show, which sees titular Jack sell his cow for five magic beans, put a festive grin on people’s faces.
Emma said: “It’s always a bit nerve-wracking waiting to go on for the first time in a show but all the audiences had so much energy and Christmas spirit. Pantomimes are so much fun and it’s amazing 0to look out into the audience and just see everyone smiling and enjoying it.”
Bart Lee said that he had also received a host of praise from the adults who attended.
He said that one told him: “This show had it all: Energy, comedy, audience participation, inventive theatrical storytelling and even a ‘Super Moo’ – my favourite character.
“Four talented adult actors backed up by a wonderful chorus of young people made sure we were in safe hands for the night. There was singing, dancing, cheering for the heroes and booing for the baddies. The audience nearly took the roof off the town hall with the thunderous applause at the finale.
“We had an absolute blast and the standard of the show was exceptional on every level. What a feather in the cap of the thriving Wokingham arts scene. We will definitely be booking our tickets for this year as soon as possible.”
This year’s pantomime will be performed from December 27-29. The Wokingham Paper will bring you full details as soon as we can.