What happens when you cross a classic story, a perfectionist Director, a dinosaur and a whole lot of denim? You get Probus Parish Players’ 2023 production of Aladdin!
Andrew Kennedy conceived the idea for our 2023 production as he wanted to bring his fond memories of his ’90s youth to the pantomime stage! Would be fair to say people were sceptical, but the outcome was better than we ever could have imagined.
With a script and a playlist of 90s songs, all we needed was a cast. We were overwhelmed by the number of people who showed up to audition and that made the casting process extremely difficult but decisions were made and the cast was finalised. A huge chorus joined the main cast and we knew this was going to become a mammoth of a pantomime. Good thing everyone felt up to the challenge!
Months of rehearsals ensued and excitement built as we got to see a show start to come together. It wasn’t always easy and Andrew had a tendency to change his mind (I did say he was a perfectionist) but every cast member worked their socks off to be the best that they could possibly be. We always say we are blessed to work with so many talented humans and this year was no different. It is a delight every year to welcome new faces to our family and watch the future generations of PPP grow in confidence with every week that passes and every new song or dance move that they master.
In addition to the cast, Probus Parish Players would not be what it is without the army of people who keep the cogs turning behind the scenes. The committee, led by our fabulous Chairman, Nicky, do not always have an easy job but they do always act in the best interests of the pantomime and we wouldn’t be able to come back year after year without them. We fundraise until the pantomime cows come home to make sure that PPP can continue to be a source of stability and joy for the people of Probus so if you attended even one bingo or disco this year, THANK YOU! We couldn’t keep going without you!
The highlight of the year though, as it is every year, was SHOW WEEK! Audience members showed up in their hundreds to watch the culmination of several months of hard work and we were delighted by the feedback. Trigger Happy Buckland captained a tight ship of stage crew who made sure that every show went without a hitch and it really does seem they have the most fun of everybody during the week. Definitely something to consider if you fancy being involved but don’t quite feel jazz-hand-ready. All 58 of our cast dressed up and sang and danced until they could sing and dance no more and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them. I won’t speak for Andrew but I am more than certain he would say the same!
Emotions run high at the end of every panto season, simply because we all know we will miss it and each other as we really are a big family. But we know there will always be next year!
Make sure to join us to boo, hiss, cheer and sing some more when we return for 2024, who knows what it might bring… Maybe a monkey?
If you would like to be the first to know about our 2024 production, make sure you have joined our exclusive Facebook group!
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