At last! The return of the panto

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat and the panto is back.

Pat Driver explains all: “In the normal run of events, one town panto is put to bed and preparations begin for the next one. So, three years ago, as Little Red Riding Hood skipped happily away with her regurgitated granny and the wolf was banished from the town precincts, Rye Players began to think ahead to their 2020 extravaganza, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The planet had other ideas by then of course and for almost two years director Helen Gray fought valiantly to keep the show afloat in the face of lockdowns, personal challenges, the loss of the dame to the big bad city and seemingly endless postponements.

“The good news is the town panto is back. Most of the original cast discovered to their delight that they remembered most of the original lines. The late Dilys Mayor had secured a grant from the Sussex Community Foundation intended for schoolchildren to enjoy the panto free of charge. Despite the delays, the foundation kept faith with the players, allowing their grant of £800 to be carried over to this year. Local primary schools in Winchelsea, Brede, Peasmarsh and Rye are enthusiastically taking up the offer.

“We’ve all learned that being adaptable is the key to survival. The players had to think the unthinkable as costs mounted and income dried up completely. A series of outdoor performances and festivals saved the day and a sold-out panto will further ensure a solid future for this 100-year-old group. Your support this year is therefore vital.

“Experienced panto professional, Jess Partridge, takes up the multicoloured mantle as dame; Rose Cawte is a streetwise Snow White, while Clare Murray is the wicked queen consumed by jealousy. Will Rye vicar’s son Henry White obey the order to slay Snow White? Will the doofus handymen Bodgit and Leggit actually be able to walk across the stage without bumping into something? And why are the dwarfs such a strange mix of quite old people and actual children?”

Booking is open now for the three shows at the new venue, the Gym Theatre at the Rye Creative Centre where the staff are thrilled to welcome and to support this community group in their state-of-the-art performance space.

Performances: December 9, 7:30pm, December 10, 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children, plus a small booking fee. Book here:
www.ticketsource.co.uk/rye-players

Rye Players needs and welcomes new members to perform onstage and to help behind the scenes and front of house. Follow on social media or just show up to one of the rehearsals or play readings.

Image Credits: jessicajillphotos .