Thetford Players’ upcoming panto Hansel and Gretel is set to follow in the NODA-recognised footsteps of previous pantos written and directed by Thetford’s Soan Sisters, Maddie Stebbings and Frankie Soan. Now in its 16th year, the award-winning Thetford Players annual panto is a highlight of the Thetford calendar.
Thetford Players panto cast during a rehearsal
Jam-packed with all the most-loved elements of panto, Hansel and Gretel will have you laughing, booing, and hissing as the story whisks you away to Schnitzleton. Follow Jack Lumber (Adam Bond), who abandons his children Hansel (Reece Fuller) and Gretel (Ebony Bailey), and join their friend Colin (James Trayton) and his mother, Dame Victoria Sponge (George Cooke, pictured right), as they set out on a daring rescue mission.
Emma Kelly stars as the panto’s villain, the Evil Witch. “It’s the most fun I think I’ve ever had on stage. It’s good to be bad,” she said. “Previously I’ve always played a ‘goodie’, so it’s great to be a ‘baddie’ this time.” Joining her is Anna Kedge, in her first panto, as one of the witch’s henchmen, Whingey, alongside Zoran Hanitzsch as Gingey.
Panto favourites Phil Pearson and Stuart Wright return this year, joined by Nat Holding as Soggy, Crusty and Bottom, Dame Victoria Sponge’s hilariously inept bakery apprentices.
Speaking about the production, Frankie said, “We are so lucky to have such an enthusiastic cast who bring the characters to life. Hansel and Gretel is a fun story with lots of different characters.”
Maddie also takes the lead as Musical Director, with a live band busy rehearsing 12 songs. Charley Holt returns as Choreographer, with Jo Cooper as Executive Producer.
Husband-and-wife team Andy and Carol Smith have been working hard behind the scenes to create the set and costumes, while Jo Van der Hulks works her magic as Props Manager.
Tickets are selling fast, especially for the matinee performances, so don’t miss out – book yours today! Click the poster below or use the link to book. VIP packages are available for each show.
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