The Times finds out what they have in store for audiences with their new show Rapunzel – which promises to be hair raising!
It’s time to let your hair down this Christmas as Wicked Productions brings you its interpretation of the classic fairytale Rapunzel. On at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge and with a cast headed up by Wicked’s Tom Swift (who plays Joey the Jester) and Hollie Evans in the title role, the cast say it promises to be a cut above the rest!
Katie Haygarth brings her evil side as the wicked Horrorbella the Witch, while Trinity’s former artistic director John Martin plays Dame Dolly Dumpling. Rhys Whiteside is handsome Finn Strider while Lula Mebrahtu appears as Fairy Nuff and Keith Higgins is King Crinkle Bottom. “Keith’s pantomime career started in 1982 at the Royal Victoria Hall, Southborough and this year will be his 40th year in pantomime!” says Wicked’s founder and artistic director Tom.
During the show, audiences will see the evil Witch Horrorbella cast a spell on young Rapunzel, locking her away in a tall tower deep within the woods. But in her bid for freedom, she falls in love with the dashing Finn Strider while Dame Dolly Dumpling and her witless son Joey the Jester do all they can to locate the princess and return her to her loving father, King Albert.
If you’ve been to a Wicked panto before you’ll know all about its ‘Boombox’ which makes a welcome return this year along with a gaggle of ghosts to hinder the quest to find Rapunzel. And before your ‘hairy’ eyes Joey the Jester will discover his limbs have a life of their own in a hilarious ultra-violet sequence. As usual it’s set to be a spectacular production full of magic, toe tapping songs, dance routines, inspirational sets, fantastic costumes, lots and lots of laughter and enchantment that will thrill the child in all of us.
Tom Swift told the Times: “We can’t wait to bring back the laughter and fun of pantomime to our wonderful audiences and Rapunzel is one of our funniest shows bursting full of colour and magic! We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the EM Forster on this our sixth year of family pantomime in Tonbridge.
EM Forster Theatre Manager Kat Portman Smith added: “We can’t wait to have Tom and Wicked Productions back this year, it really is the fun we all need in our lives! Our amazing local Kent cast are just brimming full of talent, ready to brighten your Christmas. Our panto is a show for all and we are delighted to have another relaxed performance this year as well as keeping our tickets the lowest in the local area for a professional production.”
Rapunzel runs at the EM Forster theatre from December 10 – January 2. Tickets and timings can be found at www.emftheatre.com
