LIKE Robin Hood's arrows, rehearsals are bang on target at Helmsley Arts Centre for the 1812 Theatre Company pantomime Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood.
Led by youth theatre director Natasha Jones in the role of Robin Hood, this traditional family panto has a cast of more than 30, drawn from across the generations, supported by a young backstage crew who are taking part in a work experience project backed by Ryedale District Council.
“We want to involve as many people in the panto as we can,” says Helmsley Arts Centre artistic director Em Whitfield Brooks, who is directing the show. “It’s such fun to be a part of, and all ages are involved.
"The youngest performers, who are five years old, are members of our most junior youth theatre group, the 1812 Tykes, while the Babes, principals and chorus parts are played by youth theatre and adult company members."
Em Whitfield Brooks, left, directing the pantimime cast in rehearsals
The oldest performer will be Steve Lonsdale. "At 81 years young, he opens the show very dynamically as one of the baddest baddies ever to tread the boards in a Helmsley panto," says Em. "We’re hoping for lots of audience participation to keep his character Beelzebub in his place. It’s always a pleasure working with Steve, who has tremendous energy and lots of performing experience.”
Steve Lonsdale first performed in Helmsley in Shadowlands in 2003 and has been an active member of the 1812 Theatre Company ever since. “My favourite parts for the 1812 have been Antonio in Much Ado About Nothing, and recently Firs [Madame Ranyevskaya's aged manservant] in The Cherry Orchard,” says Steve.
“My best panto memory was playing the Dame in Aladdin in a theatre in Malawi, Central Africa. I'm privileged to be allowed, at my age, to be part of a show involving so many young people. It's wonderful to see how enthusiastic they all are, how much they enjoy performing and what confidence it's giving them. They deserve good audiences to reward all their hard work.”
Tickets are selling fast for the pantomime run of ten performances from December 5 to 13. "The first performances coincide with Small Business Saturday, when the whole town will be buzzing with the Panto-Themed Festive Fun Day, organised by Helmsley in Business," says Em. "Helmsley Arts Centre is an active member of HiB, a successful network of independent businesses in the town.
"All of them will welcome visitors to Helmsley for a day that includes discount offers and in-store promotions across the town, activities, competitions, entertainment, free food and drink tastings and appearances by well-loved pantomime characters."
Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood can be seen at 2.30pm on December 5, 6, 12 and 13 and at 7.30pm on December 5 and 8 to 12. Tickets are on sale on 01439 771700 or at helmsleyarts.co.uk
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