Panto's On… Oh no it's not… Oh yes it is!

Pardon the cliché, but that's what preparing for this year's panto has been like. Uncertainty around the ever-changing rules, trying to work out how to alter a tried and tested process to fit into a new venue versus the desire, if not need, of our lovely cast to do something "normal" has kept the HADS Committee on their toes since casting took place in September last year.

The final decision was made on Friday last, and so we're definitely off the see the Wizard in February.

The script for Wizard of Oz was written by two of our young, talented stars. Celsey Goodyear and Eli Gregory have taken the spirit of the original story and adapted it with flair to modernise it and turn Hadleigh into the land of Oz.

Some recent changes had to be made so that, in traditional HADS irreverent style, we could have a laugh at the beast that is Covid, but the Committee is sure that the audience will be impressed with the confident writing, humour and inclusion of old and modern songs.

Casting, back in September 2021, gave the directors, Russell Allen and Jo Sheldrake, a bumper crop of willing thespians. Some people have returned from previous shows, but some newbies are joining in the fun for the first time.

Many have commented on how interesting it's been to see how a show is put together and have enjoyed playing their part.

This year, the committee had to move the venue for the panto to Elmsett Village Hall for economical reasons, but this has provided the silver lining of allowing us to rehearse with a full stage much earlier.

We are of course ever grateful to the Hadleigh United Reform Church for hosting our rehearsals last year.

The music accompanying our panto will be provided again by the Live Panto Band. Their performance this year will be bittersweet following the sad passing of their bass player Tim Clarke in 2021 and his friends on stage will miss his cheeky grin at every quip and gaff. I'm sure he will be with us in spirit as we harmoniously caterwaul our way through our songs.

As usual, the performance is made up of two acts with a 20-minute intermission.

We will provide refreshments and there will be a raffle with our usual mix of eclectic prizes, so please bring your purses. We have put several measures in place to protect not only our cast and crew but also the audience. We have reduced the numbers of seats in the hall and will encourage gaps between family groups. The number of performances has been reduced from four to three over two days and we're including the use of masks and sanitiser in the show. As a result, we really hope that you can make the slightly longer journey to join Dorothy and her faithful dog as they wend their way along the yellow brick path to Oz on Friday 25th at 7.30pm and Saturday 26th February 2022 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Wizard of Oz on the What's On Page.

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