‘Excitement building’ - Rehearsals officially begin for a popular South Shields pantomime
Rehearsals for the ever-popular Customs House pantomime are underway.
Preparations for The Customs House’s highly anticipated pantomime are in full swing as rehearsals officially begin.
The South Shields venue, on Mill Dam, is promising another spectacular adventure as Sleeping Beauty takes centre stage from Friday, November 20, until Saturday, January 2.
Written by Ray Spencer and Graeme Thompson, Sleeping Beauty gives the classic fairy tale a hilarious Customs House twist.
The production features big musical numbers, plenty of slapstick comedy and the participation audiences have come to expect.
With Ray Spencer taking on his role as the much-loved Dame Bella, the pantomime will follow the tales of her gaff-prone nephew Dennis, the Wicked Queen Melania, a hilarious trio of fairies, jolly King Ethered and his feisty daughter Celestre.
‘We cannot wait to share this magical production’
Kelly Anders, the Chief Executive of The Customs House, has expressed her excitement at being able to share this year’s pantomime with audiences.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted that rehearsals for this year's pantomime are now underway.
"There is a real sense of excitement building as we begin the journey towards another fantastic festive season.
“It’s wonderful to be welcoming back some familiar faces who audiences have come to know and love from previous productions, while also introducing talented performers who are joining The Customs House pantomime family for the very first time.
"The enthusiasm, energy and creativity already on display are inspiring, and we cannot wait to share this magical production with our audiences this Christmas."
Meet the cast and crew
Returning alongside Ray Spencer are pantomime favourites Glen Richard Townsend as Dennis and Steven Lee Hamilton as the wicked fairy Melania.
Olivia Walker Toward as Princess Celestre and Savannah McKenzie as Fairy Loveday are set to make their Customs House panto debuts this year.
Joining them are Lucy Davis as Fairy Typhonia, Jess Brady and Bethan Amber sharing the role of Fairy Sophronia, and Phil Corbitt as King Ethelred.
Shelley Nicholson and Annie Adams complete the cast line up as on stage swings.
Director Natasha Haws is leading the production with musical director Jen Stevens, choreographer Jack Pallister, associate director Ray Spencer and a wider creative team.
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty start from £14 and are available to buy from The Customs House Box Office on: 0191 455 1234 or online at: https://customshouse.co.uk/theatre/sleeping-beauty/.