This January, The Orchard Players is putting on another pantomime at the Village Hall in Capel St Mary. The Orchard Players is an amateur dramatic group (the name is the only thing amateur about it) based in Capel St Mary. They perform every July and January with the January show always being a pantomime. Previous pantomimes include: Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Aladdin. Previous 'Summer Shows' (July shows) have included: An American In Suffolk and Oliver. 

On January 12th,13th and 14th, Orchard Players will be performing 'Babes In The Wood' which is a classic panto story about good vs bad, rich vs poor and money vs love. It is a classic panto with hilarious jokes and humorous characters. It features the Dame - Nanny Cheri Bakewell who is in love with the money obsessed Baron D'Evil who takes in the Babes accompanied by the good for nothing henchmen Spittle (who I will be interviewing later this year) and Lurch. The goodies are: Fairy Fluster - who may only speak in rhyme- and Robin Hood and his band of Merry Maids and Men. 

I was happy to be able to go and visit the rehearsal earlier this month and I saw all the immense hard work and preparing that everyone puts in to make the magic of the panto happen every-single-time! When I was there, I was lucky enough to see all of the amazing choreography for all of the dances to classic and modern music. I got to watch all of the amazing performers young and old and the wonderful sense of community within this group of friends. I also got a sneak preview at the brilliant background designers who put everything into their incredibly believable backgrounds. I also managed to get a look at the prop and costume team who were putting in their 100 percent effort like everyone does every week. Remember - if you are in the local area and are into performing, dancing, singing or just like to do backstage work and scenery - there is always a place and a need for you in The Orchard Players.

It's the very essence of great panto with its usual Orchard Players charm - I very much recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible by calling: 07793 820215. The shows will be at 7:30 pm and a Saturday Matinee at 2:30. So clear your calendars and bring everyone of all ages this coming January 12th, 13th and 14th at the Capel St Mary Village Hall.