A sell-out panto that combined a classic fairytale with futuristic sci-fi has provided rocket fuel funding for its venue’s community work.
Mother Goose and the Space Emperor played to nine capacity crowds at the Black Swan Theatre in North Walsham.
Next year organisers will add more shows to cope with demand, while the funds raised will be ploughed back into expanding the activities of the pub-based not-for-profit community enterprise.
They will include extra afternoon sessions of a people’s choir, acting lessons, youth theatre, and wellbeing sessions ranging from group therapy to one-to-one counselling.
Joseph Ballard, who is pub landlord and director of the New Stages Community Interest Company, said: “Our big focus is providing theatre and activities that are accessible to the whole community whatever their age – and that includes creative arts and wellbeing.
“The panto raises funds for our activities throughout the year once we have paid the professional actors and production costs. We sold 900 tickets but could have easily sold another 400, so we will lengthen the panto season next year.”
Proceeds will help add afternoon sessions to North Walsham People’s Choir fun singing group, launch adult acting classes from February and widen well-being work to include support through writing, breath coaching, guest therapists, and counselling for groups and individuals.
Also planned for 2025 are:
- Resumption of weekly youth theatre sessions from January 21
- A Night of Country Music from a Steve Cherelle on February 8 in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind
- The sixth season of Stars in Their Eyes talent shows starting on February 21, which will be hosted by Titania Trust.
Titania plays dame Milly in the Mother Goose panto, which Joseph also wrote and directed, keen to put a modern twist on one of the oldest traditional pantomimes. Joseph has been performing as Titania Trust since 2011 and says the character has found the perfect home in pantomime.The cast is completed by fellow professionals Hubert Czubaj as Billy, Danny O’Hara as Nova Galactica Smyth, and Paige Miller as Tilly, with support from nine-year-old Scarlett Drewery as Lilly the Goose, and youngsters from Smallburgh-based dance school Dance for Fun.
Stage manager Vailynn Plumridge, wardrobe supervisor Sheelagh Hopkins and technical manager Harry Fabb provided the sets, props, music and costumes.
New Stages is always keen to recruit new volunteers for all its activities, from set builders and ushers, to people to help run sessions for youngsters and the elderly.
Find out more about events and opportunities at www.blackswanpubtheatre.co.uk, email info@blackswanpubtheatre.co.uk or call 01692 500006.
Images for this article are courtesy of Claire Hawkins
