pantomime noun a theatrical entertainment involving music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy, usually produced around Christmas.
Auditions are now complete, which means another Newsletter is due to bring you up to date with the ‘happenings’ in our Group. Once again we had an interesting and successful weekend of auditions with a surprising number of people attending, due mainly to it being a show with junior leads. After many hours of hard work and thought, the Production Team have made their choices (always a difficult job) and we can now look forward to starting rehearsals at the end of September.
Before continuing further, we would on behalf of the Group like to thank all those who waited so patiently for the outcome, particularly on Friday. With so many people attending for auditioning, it turned out to be a much longer and harder process than usual.
After taking health and safety advice, consulting with NODA and our insurers, and in common with many other societies, Frodsham Panto Group has decided to ban the consumption of alcohol in any area on and behind stage, and in the lighting gallery, at any time during a performance. Areas will be clearly signed, along with the smoking regulations, which we already have in force from previous productions.
Similarly, we have had to think about, and as a result have altered, the regulations regarding personnel involved in make-up, properties and stage crew. Anybody involved must now be 16 years and older. This will bring the society in line with the current practice across the UK and aims to ensure a safe working environment for all of us who are connected with the production of the pantomime.
It is with regret that we have to report the death of two members of the Group. The first, Edna Fielding, who died at the beginning of April. Edna had been a member of the Group since it was first formed in the 1970’s, and helped at all the productions. She was to be seen Front of House, mostly on the sweet stall. We will certainly miss her.
David Griffith, who died in June, was also a long standing member. Along with his wife Joan, he helped Front of House and had to give up due to ill health. Joan helped to provide refreshments for rehearsals and in Show Week but had to leave due to other commitments.