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uffolk born actor Harriet Bacon says that literally as long a she can remember Christmas has been about pantomime and performing. She comes from a family who love the stage and as her parents Andrew and Linda have long been active with local theatre it’s hardly surprising that both she and her sister Ellena have headed for acting as their chosen careers.
But being cast as Snow White at Ipswich Regent this year is something very special for Harriet. It’s her first professional lead role, it’s in her home town and she’ll be able to share Christmas Day with all the family. “For the last couple of years I have been working in pantomime – but in Truro -– which meant that my parents had to travel to see me and it’s a long way from home.”
So when she saw that Enchanted Entertainment, the company which produces Ipswich Regent’s pantomime, were looking for a local actor for the role of Snow White she applied. “There were about 20 or 30 or us at the audition so I was so excited and delighted and thrilled to have been chosen.”
Harriet, 25, says that a role like this is something she has always dreamed of. “I have never done Snow White before so that’s really exciting and it’s the original Disney Princess version too, so that’s extra special.” Of course she’s also appearing with a star cast that includes X-Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Ritchie, Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Matt Pagan. “It’s going to be hard work – we have two performances a day but as we have Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day off I will have time to spend the holidays with my family at home.” INFORMATION Snow White December 14 – January 2 Box office: 01473 433100 Ipswichregent.com
CURTAIN UP!
No festive season would be complete without a trip to the theatre to enjoy a show or pantomime. So what’s on in Suffolk this year? Anne Gould talks Harriet Bacon who plays Snow White at Ipswich Regent as well as rounding up what we can enjoy on stage this Christmas
DECEMBER 1 – FEBRUARY 2
Cinderella
The New Wolsey Theatre
The New Wolsey Theatre’s Rock ’n’ Roll pantomime has become an established Christmas favourite in Suffolk and this year there will be just the 91 magical performances of Cinderella!
So it’s time to head Downtown to Ipswich Town Hall to meet the Mayor, Baron Hardup! It’s not easy being Mayor, with Prince Charming due in town for a royal visit and a staff of only two – his beautiful, feisty daughter, Cinderella and the loyal and loveable Buttons. But when his lonely hearts ad is answered by the mysterious Rubella De Zees, who brings along her two dangerous daughters Hernia and Verruca, it seems he’s far more than Three Steps to Heaven. Thankfully, there’s a Fairy Godmother to make sure Cinderella is ready to Rock Around The Clock!
Written by Peter Rowe, the classic rock ’n’ roll panto, with a hint of soul, is back with another multi-talented cast of actor-musicians. Rock, pop and soul classics include It's Raining Men, In the Midnight Hour, Try a Little Tenderness and more. This year’s cast of talented actor-musicians features plenty of familiar faces from previous New Wolsey Theatre shows, tours and pantomimes.
Returning this festive season are: Daniella Piper in the role of Cinderella, Lucy Wells and James Haggie, who has rocked the New Wolsey stage in Red Riding Hood, Sinbad and Sweet Charity, will return as the lovable Buttons. Steve Simmonds returns to the New Wolsey stage in the role of Baron Hardup. Steve’s most recently of many New Wolsey credits was his portrayal of Mick Mills in the hit Ipswich Town FC homage, Our Blue Heaven in Spring 2018.
INFORMATION Box office: 01473 295900 www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
EssentialSUFFOLK
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