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A Frock, a Wig and Plenty of Attitude …
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The songs rehearsed, the dances choreographed. The frocks, the padded bra, the makeup, the wigs and those elusive size 10, wide fitting 'ladies' shoes are all in place.
Yes, Panto time is well and truly here, and over the next four weeks the Torch Theatre Company’s Christmas production of Jack and the Beanstalk will be performing twice a day to over 7000 school children and community groups before their first public performance takes place on 22nd December.
The skeletal frame of a whole town becomes as magical as the city of Prague at night as each individual window lights up and suddenly we notice a series of 20 foot ladders cleverly secreted within this magnificent structure and can only wonder at their use.
Taking full advantage of the Torch Theatre’s 20 metre fly tower, Set and Costume Designer Sean Crowley has created yet another extraordinarily beautiful and ingenious staging for this Company’s hugely popular Christmas show. Costume Maker and Wardrobe Supervisor, Louise Edmunds had the onerous task of bringing Sean’s detailed drawings to reality.
From sourcing fabrics to meet the design specifications and which were durable enough to survive 39 performances, it was not unusual for Louise to have to hand paint some of the unique patterns specified and Dame Trot’s ‘finale’ frock needed a room of its own whilst in the making!
With big make up, big hair and exaggerated physical features, the panto dame is one of those peculiarly British traditions. Often portrayed as unattractive, brash and melodramatic, playing dame however is more than padding, a frock and a portrayal of female eccentricity – and actor Dion Davies achieves that fine combination of attitude, warmth and humour.
After nearly thirty performances to local schools and community groups, The Torch Theatre Company’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk opens to the public on Wednesday 22 December, and runs until 31st. Tickets, which are already at a premium for pre-Christmas shows, may be purchased online at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or by calling the Theatre Box Office on 01646 695267.
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Thursday, November 25, 2010 |
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