EPT go for Gold
65th consecutive panto for EPT
When Edinburgh People’s Theatre take to the Church Hill Theatre stage this Friday, 9 December 2016 with Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it will be the company’s 65th consecutive pantomime.
EPT has also been on the stage of the Church Hill every Christmas since it became a theatre. Their first panto there was The Enchanted Waltz by Frederick Davis back in 1965.
True love: Stephanie Hammond and Carol Bryce. Photo: Graham Bell
Such venerable tradition will no doubt garner proper traditional panto rituals at this year’s production of Rod Hall’s 1998 script of the Goldilocks tale. Hall expands the traditional fairytale to take in a wicked village squire and his henchman whilst still keeping Goldilocks and the Three Bears central to the plot.
There will, of course, be dame, damsel, baddie and, for the truly authentic experience, principal boy.
As this year’s director, Colin Peter, says: “Comedy characters to admire, a dastardly henchman and his side kick to despise, a dame to laugh at and a forest fairy to bring good spirit. With villagers and dancers to carry the storyline, you are in for a treat!”
Bear necessities
Carol Bryce is taking one side of the title roles as Goldilocks, with Stephanie Hammond taking on thigh-slapping duties as her beloved, Rory McRory, Prince of Braemar.
On the furry side, Gordon Braidwood and Helen Hammond are taking Daddy and Mummy Bear to their hearts. But when it comes to having the best porridge, the Baby Bear is being shared by two young actors who will be playing the role on alternate nights: Charlie Verity from Bonaly Primary School and Martha Thomson from Bruntsfield Primary School.
Gordon Braidwood, Charlie Verity and Helen Hammond. Photo Graham Bell
Outlining the updated plot, Colin Peter added: “Goldilocks runs away from the nasty henchmen and ends up in the Bears’ cottage. With porridge, chairs and beds all tested, she falls asleep until the Bears return. They look after poor Goldilocks until the gruesome henchmen are onto them.
“A visit to uncle Polar at the North Pole may solve the problems with his magical powers, but on returning to the forest, the henchmen snatch Baby Bear, who is then put in the dungeons.”
Quite how the Dame Trott fits in to this scenario will no doubt become clear. Euan McIntyre will be taking on the role, with Mike Brownsell as the ultra-booable baddie: The Squire. Kirsty Boyle plays Marigold, Cameron Kirby is Igor and Graham Bell plays Uncle Polar.
Bear Rescue
“Can Baby Bear be rescued?” asks Colin Peter, in what one hopes is a rhetorical question. Adding: “Come and cheer the heroes, boo the baddies, laugh at the dame and applaud the villagers and dancers, who may help to rescue Baby Bear and bring a happy ending to this fairy tale.”
Kirsty Boyle, Cameron Kirby and Mike Brownsell. Photo: Graham Bell
Mandy Black is on choreographic duties, with her young dancers from the Mandy Black School of Dance, while Barrie Simcock will be ruling over the pit.
As Colin Peter says: “There is fun for all the family so bring your voices with you and help us rescue Baby Bear!”
Listing
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Church Hill Theatre, 33 Morningside Road, EH10 4DR
Friday 9 – Saturday 17 December.
Evenings Fri 9, Wed 14-Fri 16: 7pm;
Saturdays 10, 17 two shows: 11am & 3.30pm.
Sundays 11 & 18: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: www.ept.org.uk
ENDS
