Community to come together to perform Christmas panto
Rehearsals are well under way for a community pantomime put on by 70 people in Leigh Park.
Two Leigh Park and Warren Park churches are hoping to make the community’s wish come true as they showcase Aladdin.
The panto will be a spin on the classic story, with some added characters as well as some real-life references to current events and stars.
Last year, they performed to over 300 people when they created their rendition of the Cinderella. They decided to carry on the tradition and bring another classic Disney story to life.
Rev Jonathan Jeffery, of St Francis Church, has been involved in all of the previous performances, and is playing the drag part of Widow Twankey in Aladdin this year.
He said: ‘It is just great fun, and good to get involved with such a community based event.
‘We have more than 70 people to put on the panto, which includes people returning from last year, both involved with the church and not, as well as many new faces.’
The rehearsals are coming along really well, with some people remembering their lines already.
A visitor of last year’s performance, Terry Field, who is playing the part of Chop Chop, said that he saw the advert online and wanted his son to get involved but had to take part himself for supervision purposes.
He said: ‘I’m glad I did it, its such a confidence boost the more you do it.
‘It has been a great bonding experience too with my son, Caleb, and it is also teaching him to following directions — although learning his lines could be a struggle.’
Rehearsals are ongoing throughout October and November, ready for the shows that will hold 100 people each performance in December.
The performance of Aladdin will take place on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2 at St Clare’s Church, Warren Park, PO9 4JX.
The pantomime isn’t the only Christmas event being hosted by the Leigh Park and Warren Park community, the Starlight Festival is also coming with three real live camels.
You can find out more about the pantomime, and other events coming up, here: http://stfrancisleighpark.org.uk/
