Reps Theatre's annual pantomime starts is run this week, providing family entertainment during the build-up to the 2010 festive season. This year's show is Babes In The Wood, based on the fairy tale about two young children left on their own in the forests and also linked to the semi-mythological story of Robin Hood.
The production is directed by Graham Crutchley, who has overseen Reps' pantos for a number of years and who has also had stage success with several award-winning dramas and comedies.
Among the stars are some of Harare's best-known acting talent: Marc Thomas, Martin Bolt, Desiree Mostert, Mike Southall and Tim Harrap, joined by younger performers such as Munyaradzi Gurumatunhu, Stephane Thomas and Tristan Charnley - along with many other familiar and new faces.
Musical direction is by Meg Mackenzie and choreography has been led by Katelyn Mostert.
"We have a fun show that will once again have universal appeal, with all the components that make pantomime such a popular and enjoyable entertainment," said Mr Crutchley.
The show will have a preview night on Monday November 29 (6.30pm), when pensioners are free and all others half price. The show opens on Tuesday November 30 and runs until Saturday December 18, with 6.30pm performances each evening except Sundays and Mondays and two Saturday matinee performances - 2.30pm on December 4 and 18.
Spar Zimbabwe and PrintWorks have provided support for the show and Spar is presenting hampers for lucky seat holders at each performance. In addition, Reps and Spar are working together to support Childline, with a collection box in the foyer to receive children's gifts from people coming to see the pantomime.
Pantomime is traditionally held at Christmas time, and incorporates many of the traditional features of this type of theatrical offering, such as gender changes for the roles, audience participation, ludicrous situations on stage and a happy ending.
"Babes In The Wood will entertain and give audiences of all ages a chance to let their hair down in the run-up to Christmas. We have had fun rehearsing and preparing for this show and we know audiences will have great fun, too," said Mr Crutchley.
Booking for the show can be done at The Spotlight.
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