Several local children have been busy rehearsing for The Mermaid and the Prince pantomime, which is being performed this Christmas.
From Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, they will join professional members of the cast and local dancers in the production, which is staged at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre, Holme Street, between Christmas and the New Year.
“This year as well as a cast of juvenile dancers - all of them pupils at Dawn Chapman School of Dance in Todmorden - I have asked local talented youngster Isaac Hughes-Dennis to join us in an acting role as Seaweed The Cabin Boy,” said producer Katrina Heath.
“It is great to be able to nurture young local talent and give them an opportunity to work alongside professional actors. I was very impressed by his performance as Oliver in Mytholmroyd earlier this year so wrote the part specially for him. I am also delighted to welcome his sister Elona to join our regular cast of dancers. All the children, and their parents, give up every Sunday morning for three months to rehearse and their contribution is key to the success of the show. However there is always opportunity for more children to take part in the show and this year audience members will have the opportunity to join us on stage again as part of our swashbuckling adventure!”
The Mermaid and the Prince (loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid) is an unusual choice for a pantomime but all the elements you would expect from a pantomime will be there - as well as sword fights and daring rescues! Colin Radnedge who was a hit as the Dame last year makes a welcome re-appearence and Carrie-Ann Wilson takes the role of The Mermaid.
The Mermaid and the Prince runs on December 29, 30 and 31. Performances are at 11am and 3pm, with the 11am performance being a special toddler-friendly performance where the lights are kept on low and the music is turned down. Tickets available from My Play Cafe in Hebden Bridge (next to Central Street School) or by calling 07517 539821.