So, as I mentioned a couple of months ago, myself and my partner have both been involved in a British Panto, which thanks to a number of international and local volunteers we successfully executed last week.
Jack and the Beanstalk was the third offering from Sarajevo and London Mature Dramatics Society (S.A.L.A.D.S) and went down an absolute storm (even if I do say so myself)!
We put the production on in the Dom Policije theatre, which is an impressive state-run building which houses a beautiful theatre. Sadly, the venue itself has not had much TLC over the last few years, so when the curtain jammed shut at the start of the first dress rehearsal we should not really have been surprised!
However, apart from a few inevitable challenges and technical issues (all of which we overcame) the production was a massive success with around 600 people attending over a three night run.
In true panto style, we encouraged plenty of audience participation and ensure that the adults were suitably lubricated with alcohol and the kids with sugar! This ensured that the shouting, booing and hissing was as loud as it needed to be! We had frightful panto dames, who spent much of the show trying to show off their ‘unmentionables’, we had a trio of baddies who have since become included on the most wanted list for the under 5’s throughout Sarajevo. And a formidable performance from the Hen who lays golden eggs… this performance was worthy of any Olivier Award!
Its success hinged on a great group of people, from actors and the production team, through to the volunteers. It really was a team effort and something I have been so very proud to be a part of! Since the panto has ended, it has been great to catch up on some sleep, but I still seem to be plagued with the words from various songs, which I cannot seem get out of my head, so to share the love, here is a tiny snippet of the opening song:
As a result of the ticket sales and the nightly bucket collections, we have managed to raise over 4,000KM which will be going to Helping Hearts and Hands Foundation, who are an active volunteer group here in Sarajevo within whom I am a trustee.
So, the Christmas season is well and truly underway… oh no it isn’t… oh yes it is….
Until next year ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment