by Greta Yeoman
Camelot comedy comes to Timaru tomorrow for a series of pre-Christmas shows.
Aidan Theatre is staging Camelot: The Panto at its Latter St premises, starting tomorrow night.
Director Alice Sollis said the Ben Crocker comedy, which included plenty of song, dance and audience participation, would be a hit for all ages needing a laugh in the lead-up to Christmas.
The show opens at Aidan Theatre tomorrow night and runs until Christmas Eve, including matinee shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
The storyline follows the arrival of Guinevere, who is betrothed to the King’s son Prince Arthur, in Camelot but is kidnapped by the pantomime’s “baddies” – led by sorceress Morgan le Fay, who is played by Sian Wilkinson.
Reluctant knight Laughalot needs plenty of audience encouragement, while pop culture references appear throughout – particularly highlighted by a rendition of Miley Cyrus’s Hoedown Throwdown by the royal nanny Connie Clatterbottom and Teddy.
Sollis said the 20-strong cast had been rehearsing for about six weeks and had “bonded really well”.
Most of the performers had performed in several other Aidan Theatre shows.
There was a good age range involved in the show, from age 12 to over 60, Sollis said.
She hoped it would be a good opportunity for Timaru residents to get out and have a laugh in the midst of the pre-Christmas chaos.
“It’s just fun.”
Sollis said it was looking as if Christmas Eve would be a popular night for the show.
Aidan Theatre had only begun putting on a show on Christmas Eve a few years ago, expecting to only draw a small crowd, but had since found it was one of the most popular nights, she said.
She hoped residents of all ages would come along.
“[It will be] fun for all the family.”
Aidan Theatre’s Camelot: The Panto starts tomorrow and runs until December 24, at 28 Latter St, Timaru. Tickets from Newmans. Evening shows start at 7pm and the weekend matinees at 2pm.
