The magic is taking shape as the South Shields venue prepares to bring its spectacular Christmas pantomime to the stage.
Rehearsals have officially begun for The Customs House’s much-loved annual pantomime, with the cast preparing for a festive season packed with laughter, music, mischief and magic.
Celebrating more than 30 years of entertaining family audiences, the South Shields venue is promising another spectacular adventure as Sleeping Beauty takes centre stage from Friday 20 November to Saturday 2 January.
Written by Ray Spencer and Graeme Thompson, Sleeping Beauty gives the classic fairy tale a hilarious Customs House twist, with big musical numbers, outstanding comedy, plenty of slapstick and the audience participation audiences have come to expect.
Featuring Dame Bella and her gaff-prone nephew Dennis, the Wicked Queen Melania, a hilarious trio of fairies, jolly King Ethered and his feisty daughter Celestre, this family adventure has all the ingredients of a traditional pantomime, with the unmistakable Customs House sparkle.
Chief Executive Kelly Anders says: “We are absolutely delighted that rehearsals for this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, are now underway.
“There is a real sense of excitement building as we begin the journey towards another fantastic festive season. It is wonderful to be welcoming back some familiar faces who audiences have come to know and love from previous productions, while also introducing talented performers who are joining The Customs House pantomime family for the very first time.
“The enthusiasm, energy and creativity already on display are inspiring, and we cannot wait to share this magical production with our audiences this Christmas.”
Returning to Cooksonville are pantomime favourites Ray Spencer as Dame Bella, Glen Richard Townsend as Dennis and Steven Lee Hamilton as the wicked fairy Melania. Making their Customs House panto debuts are Olivia Walker Toward as Princess Celestre and Savannah McKenzie as Fairy Loveday.
Joining them are Lucy Davis as Fairy Typhonia, Jess Brady and Bethan Amber sharing the role of Fairy Sophronia, and Phil Corbitt as King Ethelred. Shelley Nicholson and Annie Adams complete the cast as our fantastic on stage swings.
Behind the scenes, director Natasha Haws leads the production alongside musical director Jen Stevens, Associate Director Ray Spencer, choreographer Jack Pallister and the wider creative team.
Tickets are already selling fast, so don’t hit the snooze button – book your seats now!
Sleeping Beauty runs at The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields, from Friday 20 November to Saturday 2 January. Tickets start at £14 and are available from the Box Office on 0191 455 1234 or www.customshouse.co.uk.
Cast
Dame Bella – Ray Spencer
Dennis – Glen Richard Townsend
Melania – Steven Lee Hamilton
Princess Celestre – Olivia Walker Toward
King Ethelred – Phil Corbitt
Loveday – Savannah McKenzie
Typhonia – Lucy Davis
Sophronia – Jess Brady/Bethan Amber
Swing – Shelley Nicholson
Swing – Annie Adams
Creatives
Writers – Ray Spencer and Graeme Thompson
Director – Natasha Haws
Musical Director – Jen Stevens
Choreographer – Jack Pallister
Scenic Design – Durham Scenic Workshop
Illustrator – Alfie Joey
Lighting Design – Cameron Turnbull
Sound Design – Richard Pomeroy
Costume Designers – Kate Collins/Naomi Daley
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