Local young people given a chance to shine in towns’ panto

>August Events / >September Events / Art & Theatre / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / Music / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk / Waveney Valley August 24, 2019

Children and young people across Waveney and south Norfolk are being given the chance to star in the eagerly-awaited Beccles pantomime 2019.

Spark Live Pantomimes are holding auditions on Sunday, August 25, to cast talented dancers for Dick Whittington, which will be performed at Beccles Public Hall, from December 20 to January 1.

The dozen lucky few will be split into two teams and will be on stage for seven shows each.

Ryan Holt, managing director and producer, said he was looking for youngsters and teenagers aged from seven to sixteen who were seeking a chance to appear in a live show.

“I want to stress that none of the auditions warrant a solo. Everyone will dance in a small group and our choreographer Charlotte Wood and I will make our decisions based upon what we see from that – but dance experience is essential.

“We had such rave reviews last year, we still can’t thank people enough for their support. Each year we raise the bar higher and this year will be no different. These 12 spots are a fantastic platform for young people to perform live on stage and it will give them the experience of being part of a full-scale production.”

The auditions will take place at Beccles Public Hall on August 25, from 10.30am-12pm for 7-11 year olds wishing to audition as rats and then 12:30pm-14:00pm for 11-16 year olds wanting to be considered for the main ensemble, with rehearsals beginning on September 22, just outside of Lowestoft.

They will take place every weekend through to the beginning of the live shows.

All youngsters cast will also have the chance to be involved in the Beccles Christmas light switch-on, which takes place in November.

Dick Whittington will be Spark Live’s fifth Christmas production in the town, with Daniel Hanton already confirmed to return in the role of Dame, but this year as Sarah the Cook.

Ryan said: “We now have the whole adult cast in place and we will revealing who they are very soon – many will be familiar faces. We have already had several hundred seats booked through our early bird offer, so we hope that we can look forward to another sell out this year.”