Calling all panto fans! Woodford Pantomime warmly invite you to let your hair down as they proudly present their 2020 production, Rapunzel, at the Sir James Hawkey Hall. Karen Kelsey reports
Remarkably, this will be the first time in our 59-year history that the amateur dramatic company has performed this fairy tale favourite, and the cast and crew are looking forward to putting on quite a show!
Taking on the role of director this year is Ellouise Dennis. Ellouise is no stranger to Woodford Pantomime. She joined the cast in 2010 as a dancer, and since then, has had principal roles as Tinkerbell and Sleeping Beauty. In 2016 she jointly choreographed Robin Hood, followed by Jack and the Beanstalk in 2018, and last year’s Treasure Island. “Pantomime has been a huge part of my life and the Hawkey Hall feels like my second home. I love seeing the audiences laugh and sing along, year after year. I’m having so much fun working with this year’s wonderful cast and I’m excited for audiences to see our version of Rapunzel,” said Ellouise.
This year’s dame will be played by Richard Sheepwash, who last performed with Woodford Panto in 2015, when he was one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella. Returning after a year out is James Robinson in the role of Prince Frederic, while Rapunzel will be played by Eleanor Davies.
Aside from putting on an entertaining show, Woodford Pantomime are also pleased to raise money for charitable causes. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our 2019 audiences, we raised over £2,000, which we were pleased to hand over to ELHAP (a special needs adventure playground based in Woodford Bridge). This year we will be raising money for the Little Princess Trust, a fantastic charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people suffering with cancer or other illnesses.
The Hawkey Hall is ideally placed, approximately half a mile from Woodford Tube Station and a two-minute walk from Woodford High Road. Ample parking is available and nearby there are a variety of local eateries to dine at before or after the show. Tickets went on sale in September and are selling fast for what will be an exciting and hilarious production, so why not join us on this hair-raising adventure?
