Rotherham Civic Theatre have announced that this year they will be working alongside Imagine Theatre, one of the country’s top pantomime producers, on the panto Dick Whittington!
This years Panto will star former Heartbeat actor David Lonsdale as Alderman Fitzwarren with Ian Hallard as Dame, Nathan Guy as Dick Whittington, soul singer Hayley-Ria Christian as Fairy Bow Bells and Ashley Andrew as Alice Fitzwarren.
For David Lonsdale it will be a welcome return to Yorkshire where he worked for many years on the hugely popular Heartbeat and he is looking forward to his first appearance at Rotherham Civic Theatre.
“I definitely need my yearly dose of silliness doing panto as in the last year I have worked on two TV projects for Netflix and the BBC, been the director of the Southport Festival, as well as selling my first radio play which I was delighted about.”
“Pantomime is a very special part of my life. I find myself completely immersed in it for two months each year and it completely takes over! The constant laughter and music has a lovely effect on me and I honestly wouldn’t give it up for the world. Laughing is so good for us, audience and actors alike, and it’s that continual jollity that I love most about doing the shows.”
Dame, Ian Hallard, is also looking forward to a return to Yorkshire having been to university in Sheffield. He says “I have friends who have done panto at the Civic before and they’ve told me how lovely the team at the theatre is, and how warm and welcoming the audiences are and as some of my university friends are still in the area they will be coming to see the show which will be lovely.”
“My favourite thing about playing Dame is the fabulous costumes – and Imagine Theatre’s wardrobe department have really pulled out the stops this year! Plus of course the interaction with the audience. As Dame, you probably get to be a bit cheekier than any other panto character, and the audience participation is really great!”
Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, said “We are delighted to be bringing panto to Rotherham for the first time this year. We have a fabulous cast lined up most of whom we have worked with in the past but we are also delighted to welcome Hayley-Ria Christian to the Imagine team this year. She is an absolutely fabulous performer and is going to be a brilliant Fairy Bow Bells.”
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “This year’s pantomime promises to be the best one yet with the brilliant combination of David, Ian, Nathan, Hayley and Ashley, live music and lots of audience interaction throughout this spectacular production. The show will be a wonderful experience for Rotherham panto fans and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Civic Theatre.”
Prices start from :
Off-Peak – Adults £14, Children & Concessions £12 & Family ticket** £48
Peak performances – Adults £15, Children & Concessions £13 & Family ticket** £52
Xmas Eve, Boxing day and New Years Eve performances – Adults £16, Children & Concessions £14 & Family ticket** £56
The show will run from from Friday 30 November 2018 until Sunday 6 January 2019. to book your tickets call the box office on 01709 823621 or visit www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk
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