It’s only four months to panto (From Watford Observer)

It’s only four months to panto

CHRISTMAS could not be further from people's thoughts as they enjoy the summer but theatres across the county are in full panto mood.

Former EastEnders star Todd Carty

The annual Christmas panto is usually a closely-guarded secret until now when theatres all over the UK will be trying to drum up interest and more importantly sales for what is thought to be their biggest show of the year.

The panto at Wycombe Swan will be Dick Whittington starring former EastEnder's star Todd Carty, and Basil Brush from December 9 to January 8.

Mike Ockwell, theatre director at The Swan, says: "I believe this will be one of our biggest shows ever and we promise to provide the best family show in Buckinghamshire this year.

"I saw Basil in Dick Whittington at Richmond last year and knew that the show would go down a storm at The Swan. We are also very lucky to have Mark Jones and Barry Hester returning to Wycombe after their stunning performances in Aladdin two years ago."

Other pantos include Aladdin at the Elgiva in Chesham from December 7 to January 3. Amanda Barrie will play The Wicked Witch of the West when she appears as a guest star in The Wizard of Oz at the New Theatre Oxford. Also the Watersmeet Theatre, in Rickmansworth, will be hosting Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, from December 11 to 31. It stars comic Bernie Clifton and Hi De Hi's Nikki Kelly.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead, will not be hosting a traditional pantomime this year, but will be presenting Tall Stories Theatre Company's new musical production of The Gruffalo's Child, as this year's Christmas show.

Annabel Turpin, director of Norden Farm, says: "I am delighted to have secured Tall Stories brand new show for Norden Farm this Christmas. Parents and children still mention how much they enjoyed The Gruffalo, so to be able to present the first stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson's new book, The Gruffalo's Child, is a fantastic Christmas present to offer our audiences.

"These books are huge favourites among younger children and its truly magical for them to see a familiar story recreated on stage.

"For many children this will be their first visit to the theatre, so we have chosen this show to ensure it is the best possible introduction for them."

The Gruffalo's Child runs from December 6 to 30, and is suitable for children aged three upwards.

Tight Fit Theatre (01494 677236) will be presenting another classic, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Curzon Centre, Beaconsfield from December 21 to 24, which is the company's favourite panto.