8 Sept 2015
In August 2013 I set out my pie-in-the-sky dream to write a panto. At that point the idea was an exercise in writing, to see if I could do it, and to have fun exploring my ideas. In my heart, I wanted to create something worthy of being performed, but was not 100% sure I had it in me.
Fast forward a year to August 2014. By now I have completed my degree (yay) and pitched my panto synopsis to our village drama society, Lynden Players, who commissioned me to write and direct their 2015 Christmas show. What trust they placed in me- I am grateful for their belief in me and the dread of letting them down spurred me on to complete the task! At that stage, I didn't even have a title but hey...I love a challenge and so began writing in earnest.
So, here we are, it's September 2015 and my baby is about to be born. Her name is Hood. It's a boy! Well... a girl dressed up as a boy... and lots of men dressed as women. It has fairies. And animals. And a cyborg from another world. The usual stuff. It’s been a long process of developing ideas and keeping (hopefully) the best ones. I have a fantastic team to work with - music, costumes, set design, hair and makeup, props, lighting, sound, marketing, stage management, box office, running the bar, designing the artwork. My family have been amazingly supportive and I know they will continue to support me - and forgive me- between now and Christmas.
Last night I delivered my Director's presentation which was given a very warm and encouraging reception. I am so grateful that people were interested enough to turn up. I have been badgering everyone I know via social media including an account on twitter @Hood_ThePanto (hello to my 11 followers, btw.) Tomorrow we have an open read through at the Village Hall, auditions are on Sunday.
I am sure the next few months will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. And one of the happiest, I hope. Share it with me. Audition. Come and help. Buy a ticket, if you can (shameless plug).
*Deep breath* It's showtime!
