NEWS RELEASE: NOV 12 2006: PANTO ONE

With Christmas not far off, theatres across the world are finalising their traditional pantomime fare for family audiences. Harare's Reps Theatre is no exception and rehearsals are now well under way for Jack and the Beanstalk, a warm and endearing story with comedy and music based on the well-known children's fable.

Directed by Gill West, one of this country's most talented actresses and stage personalities, the show will feature all of the things that audiences expect from a 'panto' - from absurd situations to sing-along opportunities and from dames who are men to principal boys played by girls.

The panto opens on Thursday December 7 (with a discounted preview performance the night before) and runs until Saturday December 23. There are no Sunday or Monday performances, but special matinees have been arranged (Saturday December 9, Saturday December 16 and Friday December 22, which is a public holiday). The matinees shows are at 2.30pm and on those days there will be no evening performances.

"Panto is always great fun and Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be one of the best, a worthy successor to last year's highly successful Aladdin," said Ms West.

Jack will be played by Marc Thomas, a seasoned Reps veteran who has appeared in a large number of plays and pantos, and who will be joined on stage by his two sons, Michael and Stephane. Making his 'dame' debut is Paul Shephard, who has been musical director of a number of recent productions and who was last on stage in Boy Band Blockbusters in 2005. Other stars include Mike Lanchester, Natalie Kombe, Graham Crutchley, Erin Cooper, Betty Hobbs, Jonathan Hall, Waylon Lewis and Musa Saruro.

The essence of a pantomime is that it should be enjoyed by all ages and that it should contain elements of audience participation - especially by children. Plots and story lines are usually simple and it should always be obvious who is 'good' and who is 'bad' among the cast.

"Rehearsals are moving along very well and we are looking forward to a good run, with bookings already open at The Spotlight," said Ms West. Ticket prices include a discount for children and a special discount for pensioners, based on a policy at Reps to ensure access by as many members of the public as possible.

"Reps Theatre has enjoyed a busy and successful 12 months in this its 75th anniversary year, and Jack and the Beanstalk is aimed at capping this with a fun, light-hearted show that takes people's minds off the challenges of the present day," she said.

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