Prepare to embark on an adventure beneath the waves as Probus Parish Players proudly unveil their 27th pantomime, "The Little Mermaid," directed by the fin-tastically talented Sophie Baker.
Sophie's enthusiasm overflowed when questioned about her adoration for pantomime. "Panto is a place where I can truly be myself, let my hair down, and have an absolute blast. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or attending workshops, it's a joyous and friendly community to be a part of. I've formed lifelong friendships through panto, and now even my incredible mum and son, Jamel, have joined the fun, allowing me to create cherished memories with the people I adore. Having been a part of the Probus Parish Players family for 22 years, panto has truly become my second home."
When asked about her favourite panto stories, Sophie chuckles, "Oh, where do I begin? Most involve me doing something daft or silly. I once had to perform an entire scene with an army net stuck to my head because it got tangled in my microphone. On another occasion, I fell through the scenery during a show, and there was the time I entered the stage on a bike only to topple off. But rest assured, I was unharmed, and the audience thought it was all part of the act, resulting in a good laugh!"
Sophie's decision to put herself forward for the role of director stemmed from her desire to explore new avenues within the theatrical realm. "Having been involved in various capacities, from behind the scenes to committee roles and even front of house, many of you know me as a familiar face on stage. I thought it was time to give Probus a break from my same old antics. I wanted to challenge myself and try something different. Directing has been a dream of mine, and I'm fortunate to have an incredible team supporting me along this exciting journey."
As for the choice of this year's production, Sophie explains, "I dove into a sea of scripts, and 'The Little Mermaid' immediately reeled me in. From the very beginning, it had me hooked… This lively and laugh-out-loud pantomime is a perfect fit for our talented cast and crew. With a large ensemble, we're set to create an ocean of magic on stage. Plus, it’s a beloved tale that holds a special place in everyone's hearts, young and old alike. It's the ultimate family-friendly show!"
Want to be involved? Join us on Saturday, July 22nd, from 6 to 8 PM at the Probus Village Hall for The Little Mermaid launch night. Whether you're eager to make a splash on stage, bring the magic to life behind the scenes, or just simply curious, this event is tailor-made for you! We'll be spilling the gills on all the juicy details and characters, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions and quench your thirst for information.
Don’t flounder! Mark your calendars for auditions on September 3rd - Stay tuned for further updates and additional information.
Excited for launch night? Well, guess what? You can catch the Probus Parish Players family in action before that! Join us on July 15th at 7:30 pm at the Burrell Theatre for a night filled with our all-time favorite musical numbers.
Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out - book your tickets here!
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