This Company, now in its 47th year, has for most of its history been associated with the Friends of Queen Mary's Hospital for Children and Orchard Hill. However, more recently, the interests of the company have been more widely spread and as well as supporting the Friends of Queen Mary’s, the proceeds from the production itself and from the hire of costumes and scenery, are split between the Friends and other local children's charities.
The Company's aim is to produce a traditional pantomime, with a large cast and lavish costumes, which is suitable for all the family. Scripts are newly written each year to include topical material and well known songs. The Company has a particular number (signature tune if you wish) which was specially written for it. That number is "Family Show". It was written some 38 years ago and tells of our aim "to give you a family show, an evening that you will not be ashamed to bring your kids to". This has been used as the walkdown number every year since it was originally performed.
Our 2012 production will be "ROBIN HOOD (the Panto)", and will run for 17 performances starting on Friday 13th January, until Saturday 28th January 2012. Performances are given every evening Tuesday to Saturday, with Matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays, which are very popular and generally sell out early.
New members are always welcome, both acting and backstage, with or without experience. Those interested in acting should consult the Audition Notice , or contact us at director [at] carshaltonpanto [dot] org [dot] uk early in September. Anyone interested in helping to build and paint scenery and cloths, scenery shifting, flying or lighting can contact us at info [at] carshaltonpanto [dot] org [dot] uk
Past Productions have included most of the well known pantomimes, together with a number of less familiar titles and some completely original works. The Company is entirely voluntary and raises substantial funds each year from the production itself, with a additional amounts being raised by hiring our costumes and scenery to other companies, both amateur and professional.
A more detailed history of the company is available for those who want to know more.
For a general history of Pantomime, click here.