Panto season begins in Telford tonight

Shone Productions are working with Telford & Wrekin Council to put on a show at the Oakengates Theatre, featuring magic and special effects alongside the traditional musical numbers.

The crew and cast have been hard at work rehearsing on stage for over a week, and now they're ready to entertain children and adults alike throughout December and into early January.

Director Anna Kumble, who also plays the fairy godmother, said the show will feature lots of audience participation.

She said: "It's been brilliant, really good fun. There are a lot of technical things and aspects to prepare for so it is a bit frantic, but that is the magic of the panto and show business.

"We can't wait for it to begin and get the audience involved."

The other stars are Eastenders’ Tony Discipline as Prince Charming, Joe Chambers from Cbeebies as Dandini, comedian Carl Dutfield as Buttons, newcomer Isabel Gamble as Cinderella and long-time collaborators Oliver Gray and Dean Horner as the Ugly Sisters.

Oliver and Dean said they couldn't wait to get started.

"This show needs an audience," said Dean.

"We're going to be opening to a full house of screaming children, and that is what it's all about.

"The audience is almost like a character in its own right when it comes to pantomime.

"As the Ugly Sisters we have a lot of interaction with them, and that banter is part of what makes it special."

With a hectic week of rehearsals to prepare for the show, Oliver said he couldn't stop thinking about his routines at home, even while cooking and washing dishes.

"It's intense," he said. "It has to be that way because there's a lot to fit into the show."

Carl, who plays Buttons, said: "We're working around the clock to make sure it's perfect for everyone.

"People are paying good money to see the panto this time of year, and we want to give them their money's worth.

"It's full on but it has to be done to make the show as good as it can be."

The panto opens tonight, and performances run until January 6.

Contact 01952 382382 or visit theplacetelford.com for tickets.