Any actor that has performed in pantomime in Bognor Regis will tell you the same thing: There ain’t no audience like a Bognor Regis audience!
But with the Regis Centre currently closed for refurbishment, panto has been notable by its absence the last couple of years. This year, however, some of the Regis Centre’s panto regulars have joined forces with Venue 24 to deliver a much-missed dose of the traditional seasonal entertainment to the Town’s historic pier.
Knowing first-hand how much love there is for panto in Bognor Regis, local actors Katie Bennett, Riley Clark and Vicky Edwards have created a show with a super local focus. In this version of Cinderella, the most beloved fairy story of them all, a giant seagull is terrorising Bognor residents and causing chaos. Meanwhile, Prince Hotham is looking for love, and sweet Cinderella is being treated as a skivvy by her awful stepsisters. Everyone’s favourite boy-next-door, Buttons is doing his best to keep Cinders cheerful, but the situation really needs Fairy Bognoria to work her magic. But with the good fairy having to work a variety of jobs to make ends meet, including that of news reader, will she have time to ensure a happily ever after?
Oh yes she will!
Including an invitation to the audience to join the cast at the royal ball on Venue 24’s fabulous light up dance floor after the show, this brand new family experience promises to be part panto and part party!
Reasonably priced festive fun for all, Cinderella opens at Venue 24 on Christmas Eve and runs until New Year’s Day (no shows Christmas Day). Tickets can be booked in advance. Central seating is unreserved (sit wherever you like, but mind you don’t block the view of children sitting behind you!), but there are also a limited number of side booths that can be allocated to parties of 5.
With song, comedy, slapstick and all the traditional panto elements, plus the opportunity to throw some shapes on the illuminated dance floor, this Christmas in Bognor Regis looks set to be full of light, laughter, magic and sparkle!
Five fun facts about Cinderella:
- The story of Cinderella as we know it is thought to have been originally written by Charles Perrault in 1697, based on pre-existing folklore.
- The name Cinderella comes from the French word ‘Cendrillon,’ which translates as ‘little ash girl.’
- In some versions of the story Cinderella wears fur slippers, which sound much comfier than glass slippers. In Panto on the Pier the slippers are made of… Ah, but you’ll have to wait and see!
- The original Disney movie contains what is believed to be Walt Disney’s favourite piece of animation: the scene in which the Fairy Godmother transforms Cinderella’s ragged frock into a stunning ball gown!
- In the Panto on the Pier version, Fairy Bognoria’s look has been based on a Mr Kipling pink Fondant Fancy!
Performance schedule and booking details can be found at: www.tickettailor.com/events/venue24/1680020
