Written by Chris Hannon
souvenir programme
Sponsored by
In Partnership With
Theatre Royal Supported by
Theatre Royal Proudly Sponsored by
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Welcome From The Director This is my third year creating Theatre Royal’s pantomime. I love making this show. This year, we have another joy-filled, all-action adventure for you. Our Snow White takes inspiration from a young Queen Elizabeth II, during her time training as a mechanic in the Auxiliary Territorial Service in 1945. Princess Elizabeth seemed like the perfect image for our 21st Century princess - a young woman who is discovering her place in the world and wants to create positive change. I’m delighted to welcome back Craig Painting who played the villainous Sheriff of Nottingham last year, and this year plays our Dame. And the wonderful Beth Tuckey returns as our wicked Queen Lucretia, who many of you will remember as Grizelda Grizzle in 2021’s Cinderella. Alongside Craig and Beth, we have a fantastic team of actors performing in their first Theatre Royal panto. Performing with our team of professionals, our cast includes 14 young people from across our region. This is part of our commitment to giving West Suffolk residents as many opportunities as possible to perform on our stage. We create two productions every year which feature young people who get to train with our team of directors, choreographers, and composers as part of this extraordinary experience. If you are aged 10-16 and are interested in being in a Theatre Royal production, contact us at engagement@theatreroyal.org The big change you’ll notice off-stage this year is our new ice-creams. At Theatre Royal we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting local businesses. So after our previous supplier was bought out and their distribution centre moved up North, we have started stocking delicious new ice-creams from Norfolk company Ronaldo’s. We also want to extend our thanks to this year’s pantomime sponsors, Finborough School. I hope you enjoy watching (and joining in with!) this years pantomime as much as we have enjoyed making it for you.
Owen Calvert-Lyons Director theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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The panto season is here once again and, as always, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds will delight the whole family with its hugely entertaining performance of Snow White. And, children, when the Evil Queen looks into the mirror and pronounces “Magic mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in all the land”, don’t be too eager to rush up on stage, it’s a cunning trick. Yes, we all love a panto with enthusiastic audiences greeting the villains and heroes with boos, hisses and cheers. Panto is about bringing the community together and Jaynic is proud to be Theatre Royal’s principal sponsor for yet another year. “While as a property developer, Jaynic is in the business of looking to the future in providing Suffolk’s businesses and residential infrastructure, it is well aware of the importance of much-loved institutions like Theatre Royal that glues a community together and gives it that sense of tradition.
That is why we felt it of vital importance to become involved with local community institutions and to give something back to ensure the long-term future of the theatre. Without art and culture, our society is nothing.” Nic Rumsey, Managing Director Jaynic’s presence in Suffolk continues to grow. Working in partnership with Mid-Suffolk Council, we have just completed construction of a new warehouse for home, garden and leisure products retailer The Range at the Gateway 14 mixed-use scheme in Stowmarket that will create around 1,650 jobs in the local market. It has been designated as part of Freeport East and will offer many employment opportunities as well as significant tax and customs benefits to ingoing occupiers. Jaynic’s biggest project to date is Suffolk Park in Bury St Edmunds and we were delighted to welcome one of Bury’s oldest companies, Greene King who took occupation of one of our warehouses. Earlier in this year, we gained planning consent on the final fourth phase for two warehouse units. The park has attracted many companies including M H Star, Dellonda, Bleckmann, Treatt, Sealey, Unipart Logistics, Skechers, Evri, and the East of England Ambulance Trust. These all provide employment opportunities for local people. The company concentrates its development activities throughout East Anglia with a focus on the A14/A11 between Cambridge and Felixstowe where warehouse and business space has planning consent or is in the pipeline. Here’s wishing you all a happy visit to the Snow White panto.
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
The Cast & Crew Grumble Peter Baker
Gladys Philippa Carson
Corky the Corgi & Understudy Lizzie Buckingham
Snow White Lara Lewis
The Cast
Dusty Crevice Craig Painting
Queen Lucretia Beth Tuckey
Sir Nicholas of Norwich Zachary Pang
Voice of The Magic Mirror Dame Judi Dench DBE
The Young Chorus Apples Freya Berry, Bella Charles, Maia Constantin, Elliott Hiser, Leja Lukoseviciute, Poppy Milnthorpe, Charlotte Webb.
Mirrors Amelia Dodman, Naomi Ghevaert, Kaylin Hardy, Teiya Mae, Jaiya Rai, Betty Steel, Emma Young.
The Creative Team
Writer Chris Hannon
Musical Director Ben Garnett
Wardrobe Supervisor Rebecca Rawlinson-Allen
Wig Maker & Maintenance Paul Ridley-Thomas
Director Owen Calvert-Lyons
Lighting Designer Martha Godfrey
Producer Zoe Fox
Sound Designer Drew Baumohl
Deputy Wardrobe Supervisor & Maintenance Fiona Terrington
Promo & Production Photographer Tom Soper
Set & Costume Designer Dawn Allsopp
Drummer Joel Mulley-Goodbarne
Costume Makers Linda Couch Sue Pateman Heidi McEvoy-Swift
Rehearsal Photographer Neil Baxter
Choreographer Jess Ellen
Drummer Covers Jake Hatter Luke Pettit Joe Taylor
Music Arranger Francis Goodhand Production Manager Andy Stubbs Technical Manager Dave Thwaites Stage Manager Thomas Fielding Assistant Stage Manager Tabitha Dodds
Head Chaperone Grace Harris
Wardrobe Volunteer Claire Marie Keith Wardrobe Work Experience Connie Watson
The Production Team
Stage Crew Chris Last Kate ‘Sky’ Skylar Sound Operator Oliver Brown
Followspot Operators Michael Ackland-Lang Shannon Ambrose
Nicola Broadhurst Jackie Cooper Christine Glancy
Videographer Dan Cole Media
Lighting Operators Alex Foster Nick Goodridge Karen Noble Tanya Starling Dave Thwaites Tony Trott Scenery Built By Scenic Productions Ltd
Chaperones
Katie McConnell Janette Pryke Teresa Rafiq
Production Carpenters Bob Belson Nick Stewart Scenery Painted By Alice Bolton Emma Bullman Rosie Cavanagh Jennifer Espley Nick Holmes Heidi Jones Angie Waters Pippa Smith Sandra Tutthill Karen Webb
with Special Thanks to Marcus at SETS David Frost & Ipswich Transport Museum CJ Frost Transport St John’s Players Andi Dodds
Joan and Ray Rampton Mr & Mrs Robert Williams St Felix Roman Catholic Primary School Bill Dunphy Stuart & Jessica at Stronghold Productions Churchgates theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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The Cast I am very excited to be making my official pantomime stage debut as the indisputable hero of this wonderful new version of Snow White. Technically, I have appeared in a panto before, I suppose, but it was an online one: playing the villainous queen Angelina Unholy in Bristol Old Vic’s production of Streaming Beauty. 2020-21 also saw me writing and performing in the Sherlock In Homes murder mystery interactive Zoom shows for Bristol Old Vic. After a year of performing online, it was a joy to return to the stage with Bristol-based improvised theatre company, Degrees Of Error, in their hit show Murder, She Didn’t Write, which gave me my first stab at performing in the beautiful Theatre Royal here in Bury St Edmunds. We returned a second time earlier this year and very much hope to be back again (hint, hint Theatre Royal programmers)!
Peter Baker as
Grumble
My career has not been all villainy and murder though. I’ve also played roles such as Elvis Presley in Et Tu Elvie (Xanadu Productions), Queen Victoria in devised political comedy Parlour Games (Sharp Teeth) and I originated the role of Trigger in Only Fools And Horses: The Musical (Phil McIntyre Productions) at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Come find me on the socials if you fancy! @bakerist I trained at The Urdang Academy before completing my MA in Music Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I have worked on a variety of productions from musical theatre, to actor-musicianship, immersive, physical and classical theatre. Credits include: Kelly Kapowski in Bayside (The Other Palace Theatre); Morgan Le Fay in Magical Merlin (Fortune Theatre); Antigone in Antigone (AOD); Myrrhine in Lysistrata (UK Tour); Storyteller/Red in Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes (Waterperry Opera Festival/Opera Holland Park). Alongside performing, I run North London Stars School of Dance and Theatre, and enjoy bringing creative opportunities to the next generation.
Lizzie Buckingham as
I love creating theatre for family audiences and can’t wait to spend the Christmas period bringing festive fun to the families of Bury St Edmunds alongside a fabulous cast and crew!
Corky the Corgi After playing Buttons in last year’s Cinderella at the Oxford Playhouse I’m veeeery excited to be back doing panto (oh no I’m not etc). You’ll be very surprised to learn that I’m Irish as I’ve completely lost the accent (oh no I’ve not etc). I’m an actor-singer-comedian hyphen-user, trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (same one as Judi Dench, girl stop following me around please). My recent on-screen work includes The Reckoning (BBC), chatting up Ant and Dec in Men in Brown (ITV) and Josie in season 2 of Trying (Apple TV). Stage stuff involves me doing musical comedy with my sketch-group Just These Please (with over 100k followers and more than 60 million views online).
Philippa Carson as
Gladys 8
Outside of work my hobbies are... ehh... I have no hobbies this is my hobby (oh no it’s not etc).
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Training: Guildford School of Acting Hi everyone! I’m Lara and I’m so excited to be playing Snow White at Theatre Royal this year! This is my first panto and I’m having the best time in panto-land. I’m a classically trained violinist, and I also play the viola, cello and piano. I love it when I’m asked to play music on stage as part of a production, but it’s also really lovely when I don’t need to - one less thing to worry about! Alongside acting, I work on a stroke ward in a hospital, helping patients re-develop their communication. Credits include: Emma Rice’s Brief Encounter (Theatre by the Lake, Stephen Joseph Theatre & Bolton Octagon); The Hired Man (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch/Hull Truck); Cinderella (Greenwich Theatre); Michael Morpurgo’s The Mozart Question (The Barn Theatre); Me and the Girls (UK Tour); Daisy Pulls it Off (Charing Cross Theatre).
Lara Lewis as
Snow White
I’m originally from Wales and I’m a fluent Welsh speaker. I’ve been lucky enough to work with lots of wonderful Welsh companies and theatres too, including Theatr Na Nog’s The White Feather/Y Bluen Wen (Dylan Thomas Theatre), and We Need Bees/Gwarchod y Gwenyn Gweithgar (Theatr Brycheiniog). I really hope you enjoy the show! Ello ello! Well jingle your baubles and put me on top of the Christmas tree - it’s time for Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds panto again. 2023 is almost well and truly ‘behind you!’ It’s my third Christmas here and my fourth production with this fabulous theatre, and I’m made to feel so welcome every time. It’s wonderful to be back amongst you all, gracing the stage with another subtle performance; no over-acting this year...I promise! Once again, this year I’ve been doing some lovely theatre, a bit of telly, and interpreting for deaf talent as a British Sign Language Interpreter. Head over to craigpainting.co.uk for all the boring stuff, if you’re at all interested!
Craig Painting as
Merry Christmas and a happy and safe start to the new year, to you and yours. @ craigpainting
Dusty Crevice I am a London-born actor who grew up in Singapore. After completing compulsory military service, I returned to London to train at Mountview on the BA Acting course. I am considerably happier now that I’m out of the jungle, and am even known to sing and dance from time to time. I have always loved theatre. My first appearance on stage was in 2010 as Nathan in The Full Monty (Pangdemonium) when I was 11 years old. Throughout my studies, I was part of other productions such as Fleance in Macbeth (Singapore Repertory Theatre), and Young Melchior in Spring Awakening (Pangdemonium). I also had the privilege to take on several TV productions, such as Super4orce (Monochromatic Pictures) and Me, Myself and Isaac (Papahan Films). In my late teens, I hosted a Disney Channel show alongside my brother, in Zack and Xander Can! (Disney Channel Asia). I sincerely hope to work with my brother again, especially because, post-puberty, I am confident that I am now ‘the sexy one’.
Zachary Pang as
I was honoured to be nominated for Best Actor at the Straits Times Life Theatre Awards for The Son (Pangdemonium), in which I played the role of Nicholas.
am extremely excited to be doing Snow White in Bury St Edmunds as my first Sir Nicholas of Norwich Iproduction out of drama school. I cannot wait to share this joy on stage! theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Training: Bristol Old Vic. For Theatre Royal: Cinderella (2021) and Our Day Out (2017). Further Credits include: An Inspector Calls (UK & International Tour); Blythe Spirit (Theatre Royal Bath); An Inspector Calls (Playhouse Theatre); Wonderland (Spekulation Entertainment); Peer Gynt (Royal Festival Hall). TV Credits include: Doctors and A Very English Scandal (BBC). Getting the offer to come back to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds for Christmas was heavenly. I have such a huge fondness for this theatre and the staff who make it such a safe and joyful place to work. Having done Cinderella two years ago and being a Suffolk girl, I knew that spending Christmas at Theatre Royal opposite a brewery, life really couldn’t get any better.
Beth Tuckey as
Enjoy the show and thank you for coming.
Queen Lucretia Since playing Ophelia in Hamlet at The Old Vic Theatre over 60 years ago, Judi Dench has garnered wide popular and critical admiration for a career marked by outstanding performances in both classical and contemporary roles. She has won numerous major awards – including an Academy Award, 10 BAFTA Awards and a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards – for work on stage and screen, and in recognition of her many achievements she received an OBE in 1970, became a DBE in 1988, and in 2005 was awarded a Companion of Honour. She has also received the Japan Arts Association’s prestigious Praemium Imperiale Laureate Award for Film and Theatre.
Dame Judi Dench DBE
Dame Judi is recognised globally for her legendary role as M in seven James Bond films, from Goldeneye to Skyfall. Her other film work includes: Tea With Mussolini; A Room With a View; A Handful of Dust; 84 Charing Cross Road; Henry V; Hamlet; Nine; Jane Eyre; J. Edgar, Philomena;The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot; Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children; Belfast; Allelujah.
as the voice of
The Magic Mirror
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Staged Splendour at © National Trust 2023. Registered Charity No. 205846. Photography © Daisy Bodewes © Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds/Freepik
Ickworth Estate
Saturday 2 December - Tuesday 2 January | Open daily* Join us this December to experience Ickworth Estate completely transformed by the Georgians most popular festive traditions. From the Age of the Theatre to Masquerade Balls, we will be celebrating the outrageous, excessive and, at times, garish nature of the Georgians celebrations. Families can take part in our Georgian Christmas trail and help reunite the lost birds back to the menagerie, then enjoy getting crafty in the West Wing Gallery making masks and theatre glasses to accompany your visit.
nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate Ickworth Estate Staged Splendour - BSE Theatre Royal.indd 1
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
*closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
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14/11/2023 08:41:42
The Creative Team Chris Hannon Writer
Owen Calvert-Lyons Director
Zoe Fox Producer
I’m delighted to have written my As the Artistic Director and CEO eighth panto script for the beautiful of Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. this will be my third pantomime.
This is my third pantomime as Producer at Theatre Royal and as always, I have loved every minute this year - from early script The creative teams and companies Prior to Theatre Royal, I was the meetings in 2022, right through are a joy to work with and the trip Head of Theatre at Ovalhouse, a to discussing how big Dusty’s wig down from Yorkshire to see the radical and experimental theatre should be (and other body parts!) finished product (via a stop at the in South East London. Previously, I in a fitting last week. Producing the Greene King Brewery) is always a have worked as the Artistic Director pantomime is always a lot of fun highlight of my year. I also write of The Point and The Berry theatres and seeing how much joy it brings panto for Theatre Royal Wakefield in Hampshire as well as Director to audiences. where this Christmas they’re of the Eastleigh Unwrapped Arts producing my new version of Festival. In my role at the theatre, I Sleeping Beauty. am Head of Producing which I am excited about work that takes means I produce on all in-house Alongside writing I’m an actor, place outside of traditional theatre productions which includes our probably best known for spaces, challenging audience’s spring production, the summer playing Dad in all three series perceptions of what theatre is and production, and of course, the of the Cbeebies BAFTA winning what it does. I have created radical pantomime. drama, Topsy and Tim. On stage site-specific productions in spaces I’ve just finished a run of The including a ruined abbey, an urban Before moving back to England in Hypochondriac at Sheffield wheat field and a multi-story car 2021, I worked in Belfast as the Crucible and as you read this I’ll park. General Manager and Producer be donned up in full make-up for Kabosh Theatre Company, one and enormous false bosom as For Theatre Royal: The Wonderful of Ireland’s leading independent Wakefield’s panto dame. Wizard of Oz (2023), The Children theatre companies with a (2023), The Legend of Robin reputation for both addressing Having now written for Dame Judi Hood (2022), The Secret Garden the legacy of conflict and creating Dench DBE, I was tempted to (2022), Home, I’m Darling (2022), site-specific theatre. Prior to this, call it a day and retire from panto Cinderella (2021), Holes (2021), I worked as a freelance Events altogether…but instead, I’ve started Around the World in Eighty Days and Theatre Producer in London work on next year’s script for (2021) and A Christmas Carol for organisations including Aladdin. (2020). Shakespeare’s Globe, Young Vic, and The Roundhouse. Notably, For Theatre Royal: The Legend of Further Credits include: Murder producing Soho Theatre’s first Robin Hood (2022), Cinderella in Play (ACT); Random Selfies fundraising comedy evening with (2021), Peter Pan (2019), Sleeping (Ovalhouse); Beauty and the Beast performances from Tim Minchin, Beauty (2018), Dick Whittington (Derby Arena); Little Red Riding Jack Whitehall, and Jimmy Carr, (2017), Beauty and the Beast Hood (Chelsea Theatre); Across the as well as working as an Events (2016) and Jack and the Beanstalk Dark Water, Jack and Pinocchio Manager on Artichoke’s One (2015). (The Berry); Boy with a Suitcase & Other by Antony Gormley in (Arcola Theatre); I Am A Camera London’s Trafalgar Square. (Cornelius Cook - Nominated for Best Director, Off West End I have dedicated my career to Awards). theatre and arts. I am passionate about how the arts can positively impact an individual’s life as well as the importance the sector plays within the wider society. For Theatre Royal: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (2023), The Children (2023), The Legend of Robin Hood (2022), The Secret Garden (2022), The Lies You Tell (2022), Home, I’m Darling (2022) and Cinderella (2021). 12
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Dawn Allsopp Designer
Jess Ellen Choreograpgher
Francis Goodhand Music Arranger
I started out my career as a I’m originally from Ipswich, and professional dancer, singer and studied Music at the University of actress, touring the UK and Liverpool. I was associated with internationally. I have performed For Theatre Royal: The Children Theatre Royal from 2002 to 2006, (2023), The Legend of Robin Hood in the West End in shows such as including as Songwriter and Musical Cabaret (Savoy Theatre); From Here Director for four pantomimes (2022), Home, I’m Darling (2022), Cinderella (2021), Peter Pan (2019), to Eternity (Shaftesbury Theatre); Cinderella (2002), Robin Hood Evita (Phoenix Theatre); Wind in Sleeping Beauty (2018), Dick (2003), Beauty & The Beast (2004) Whittington (2017) and Northanger the Willows (Vaudeville Theatre); and Robinson Crusoe (2005)- and a The Glenn Miller Story (London Abbey (2017). year as Composer-in-Residence. Coliseum) and Saturday Night Fever (Peacock Theatre). I loved Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Credits: Robin Further Credits include: Cats and performing but being creative both Carousel (Kilworth House); Jersey Hood, Dick Whittington and in choreography and direction is Beauty and the Beast (Leeds City Boys (UK Tour); Top Hat and Gypsy where I feel most at home now. Varieties); Sleeping Beauty and (The Mill at Sonning - with Gypsy Dick Whittington (New Wolsey winning Best Musical Production at Credits include: Strictly Come Theatre). the UK Theatre Awards in 2023). Dancing (BBC, Associate Further Credits include: Song of the Choreographer); The Real In December 2020, my album of Sytch (Claybody Theatre); The Card Full Monty (ITV, Associate original songs and music ‘Lights’ (Claybody Theatre/New Vic Stoke); Choreographer); Evita (Theatre reached Number 1 in the UK Easy Royal Drury Lane, Associate Sovereign (York Theatre Royal); Listening Album Chart. Director/Choreographer); Spinning The Moon (Dorchester Cabaret (UK Tour, Associate Community Play); Little Manfred I have been Musical Director Choreographer); Saturday Night (Polka); The Birds and The Bees and Arranger for 18 pantomime Fever (Phoenix Theatre, London & seasons, including for Crossroads/ (New Wolsey Theatre & Tour); UK Tour, Associate Director). Brassed Off (Gala Durham); The Qdos, Evolution, First Family Silver Arrow, The D Road and Ugly Entertainment and The Hiss & Boo I have also worked for the past two Company, Liverpool’s Capital of Duck (Claybody Theatre); Prince Charming’s Christmas Cracker and years as Associate Director and Culture Pantomime, and Cinderella Choreographer for BBC’s Strictly Dancing Through The Shadows at Liverpool Empire, starring Cilla Come Dancing favourite Johannes Black. (Hull Truck); Shirley Valentine, Radebe, on his sell out shows Waiting for Godot and Mrs Freedom and Freedom Unleashed. I have recently returned to Theatre Warren’s Profession (Cheltenham Everyman); The 39 Steps, Votes for We are set for a West End and UK Royal as Musical Director for two tour again in 2024 with a brand Women, Anna of the Five Towns, UK tours of Tell Me On A Sunday, new show House of JoJo. Beryl, Kiss Me Quickstep and starring Jodie Prenger, and as Inherit the Wind (New Vic Theatre, Composer for Holes. Panto is a huge part of my life Stoke); Handbagged, Her Naked Skin and Murder, Margaret and Me too, as I’ve watched them since I I am thrilled to be back as the was a little girl, performed in them Music Arranger for Snow White. (Wiltshire Creative); The Chester Mystery Plays (Chester Cathedral); professionally, choreographed them and even met my husband doing Hard Times, A Winter’s Tale, The panto! Oh yes I did! Grand Gesture, A Government Inspector and Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Northern Broadsides); Coming back to Theatre Royal for the fourth time to choreograph the Noises Off, The History Boys, panto means a lot to me. I fell in Arsenic and Old Lace and The Grapes of Wrath (Mercury Theatre); love with the theatre, the town, and have made many great friends here. The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Derby Theatre). I’m excited for this year’s panto and all the joy it will bring. TV Credits include: The Tortoise and The Hare, The Ugly Duckling and Jack and the Beanstalk (CBeebies). I am an established freelance Designer.
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Ben Garnett Musical Director
Martha Godfrey Lighting Designer
Drew Baumohl Sound Designer
I’m delighted to be at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds this year, as Musical Director for Snow White. It’s been such an exciting process, and great to be working with such a dynamic and friendly company, helping to bring a new interpretation of the original story to the stage. Being able to play ‘Dancing in the Street’ over eighty times throughout the run is just a bonus for me!
I’m currently a Lighting and Projection Designer working across theatre, dance, musicals and live art. This is my first panto, and I am so excited to bring this mad world to life in lovely Bury St Edmunds!
Snow White will be my seventh panto at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. I genuinely enjoy coming to work at this wonderful theatre every year and am looking forward to another fun-filled show.
For Theatre Royal: Home, I’m Darling (2022) and Around the World in Eighty Days (2021).
I trained at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and graduated in 2003.
Further Credits include: First For Theatre Royal: The Legend of Trimester (Battersea Arts Centre); Robin Hood (2022), Cinderella Since graduating from the I Really Do Think This Will Change (2021), Peter Pan (2019), Sleeping University of Birmingham, I’ve Your Life (Mercury Theatre); Beauty (2018), Dick Whittington worked both in the UK and abroad The Invicibles (Queens Theatre (2017) and Beauty and the Beast as a Pianist and Musical Director, Hornchurch); Sugar Coat and The (2018). recently returning from working Prince (Southwark Playhouse); Flies as a rehearsal Pianist for the world (Shoreditch Town Hall); Much Ado Further Credits include: The Kite premiere of a brand new musical (The Remix) (NYT, Duke of York Runner (Broadway, West End, UK Hundraåringen at the Wermland Theatre); Mapping Gender (Tour & Tour & National Tour); Enemy of Opera in Sweden. The Place); Bangers (Tour & Soho the People, Pride and Prejudice, Of Theatre); But I’m A Cheerleader Mice and Men, Home, Darkness Credits include: The Drifters Girl (Turbine Theatre); Passion Fruit Darkness, Time and the Conways, (Keyboard Deputy, UK Tour); Oh, (New Diorama Theatre); Oliver Richard III, Forever Young, Grandpa What A Lovely War! (Musical Twist! (Chester Storyhouse); What in my Pocket, Teamwork, Beast on Director, Leicester Curve); Jack and Do You See (Shoreditch Town the Moon and Vertigo (Nottingham the Beanstalk (Keyboard Player, Hall); Redemption (The Big House); Playhouse); The Threepenny Theatre Royal Norwich). Pink Lemonade and Exceptional Opera (Graeae Theatre Company); Promise (The Bush); Concrete Volpone, Dr Faustus and Workshop Additionally, I work as Repertoire Jungle Book (The Pleasance); Fever Negative (Tangle Theatre Coach and Musical Director at Pitch (The Hope); Time and Tide Company); Miss Nightingale (Mr some of the UK’s most recognised (The Park); Before I Was A Bear Bugg Presents); Stacked and Bait drama schools; including Italia (The Bunker); I Wanna Be Yours (Almeida Theatre); Sweet Charity Conti, Performance Preparation (UK Tour and Bush); Unknown and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Academy and Goldsmiths Rivers (Hampstead Downstairs); (New Wolsey Theatre); Mary University. We Dig and GREY (Ovalhouse); Shelley (Shared Experience); Cabildo (Arcola Theatre); WHITE Sleeping Beauty and Jack and (Ovalhouse, Pleasance Edinburgh the Beanstalk (CAST Doncaster); Fringe, UK Tour); Fuck You Pay Me DNA, Empty Bed Blues and Smile (The Bunker, Rich Mix, Assembly (Lakeside Arts); Dissidents (Tricycle Rooms, Edinburgh Fringe & Vaults Theatre); Ritual (Birmingham Rep); I Festival). Dare You and It Kind of Looks Like a Doughnut (Leicester CURVE).
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Thomas Fielding Stage Manager
Tabitha Dodds
Assistant Stage Manager
Joel Mulley-Goodbarne Musician
I grew up in Cheltenham and graduated with a degree in Stage Management from The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the summer of 2022 and have been working in London ever since.
I found my passion for theatre and I am pleased to be spending this Stage Management working on year’s pantomime season at Theatre shows at school and local amateur Royal Bury St Edmunds. I’d like to dramatic societies in Suffolk and take this opportunity to thank my Cambridge. After deciding to deputies Joe Taylor, Jake Hatter and pursue it professionally, I studied at Luke Pettit for their help in keeping Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, from the drum chair warm this season. My previous work has seen me which, I graduated in July 2022. work with Guy Masterson on Based in South East England, I Picasso and Blanche McIntyre I first worked at Theatre Royal Bury graduated from the University of on a production of Crime and St Edmunds on The Secret Garden Westminster in 2018 with a BMus Punishment as well as being the (2022) and have since worked on in Commercial Music Performance. lone Stage Manager for an entire last year’s pantomime The Legend Since then I have worked regularly summer season at the iconic King’s of Robin Hood (2022) and The in Theatre, Cruises, House Bands, Head Theatre in Islington. Children (2023). I am excited to be Cabaret, Orchestras and Function back with Theatre Royal for another Bands. Snow White is my first ever round of panto joy this year. pantomime and my first time Credits include: The Little Big working with Theatre Royal Bury Recently, I worked as the Assistant Things (@sohoplace); Sweet Charity St Edmunds and as a result am Stage Manager on New Wolsey (ArtsEd); Weekend Covers (The very excited to be a part of this Theatre’s production of The Red Other Palace Studio); Velma Celli production. Lion (2023), and have also worked (Crazy Coqs); Grindr: The Opera on several shows at Tobacco (Union Theatre); Eugenius! (The Factory Theatres with Bristol Turbine Theatre); Pump Up The School of Acting, including The Volume, Come Dine With Me and Cherry Orchard (2023), Beautiful The Government Inspector (MT Thing (2023), and Fefu and Her Fest, The Turbine Theatre); The Friends (2022). Wind in the Willows (UK Tour & Bahrain).
theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
your heart’s desire, SPACE TO HIRE Yummy Eats, Comfy Seats Beers to Try, Gifts to Buy Open: 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursday 10am to 6pm Friday & Saturday
shop.greeneking.co.uk/pages/ brewery-tours 01284 843326 beercafe@greeneking.co.uk theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
The Show ACT ONE Scene One: Palace Drawbridge Scene Two: Palace Courtyard ‘Dancing in the Street’ ‘Made You Look’
Scene Three: Palace Drawbridge ‘Dear Future Husband’
Scene Four: The Throne Room Scene Five: Palace Drawbridge ‘Something Stupid’
Scene Six: Bradfield Woods ‘Mountain’
ACT TWO Scene One: Bradfield Scout Hut ‘We Don’t Care’ ‘Can’t Stop The Cleaning’
Scene Two: Palace Drawbridge ‘Dear Future Husband’ Reprise
Scene Three: Bradfield Scout Hut ‘Can’t Stop The Cleaning’ Reprise
Scene Four: Palace Drawbridge Scene Five: The Throne Room ‘Crown’ ‘It’s My Life’ ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ ‘Dance The Night’
Scene Six: Palace Drawbridge Songsheet
Scene Seven: The Throne Room ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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The Design Process Costume Design Snow White is set in 1940s Buryland and draws inspiration from the life of Queen Elizabeth II and, in particular, when she was a young princess during World War II.
Costume 1
Costume 2
Costume 3
Costume 4
Costume 1 Snow White’s first costume design is a bright blue set of overalls, which she wears as she speeds on to stage upon her motorbike - an original Norton! This design draws inspiration from images of Princess Elizabeth when she was part of the Auxiliary Territorial Service as a mechanic during the war and the colours are a direct reference to the iconic images of Rosie the Rivetter - a cultural icon representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. Costume 2 This second design is worn by Snow White in act 1 scene 4 as she enters the stage for her party. This design makes a direct link to Princess Elizabeth on her 21st birthday. Snow White is in a beautiful 1940s inspired ball dress with a regal blue sash across the body. Costume 3 At the end of act 1, Snow White heads out once again on her motorbike and in to Bradfield Woods. For this, she is costumed in the style of The Women’s Land Army. She wears jodhpurs, boots, a shirt and knitwear, and the colours of this outfit draw inspiration from the original animation of Snow White. Costume 4 This final costume is designed for the finale and the coronation of Snow White. It draws on the gold colours worn by Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation. Our design has a little twist, which you will enjoy at the end of the show. 24
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Set Design The scenery design also directly draws inspiration from the war time era. At the end of act 1 everyone is sent off into the woodland on a treasure hunt and Snow White ends up on her own, surrounded by woodland creatures and wondering how she can find shelter.
From within the woodland, we slowly see a hut taking shape. The woodland cloth is made of gauze and from behind it we see one window light up and then another until finally the full hut is revealed. The cloth is then removed and the door opens and Snow White takes shelter within. The hut is designed to look like a Nissen Hut: with its central door and small square windows.
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Inspired Minds | Individual Attention | Academic Achievement
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www.stokecollege.co.uk | 01223 776226 | @stoke_college Independent Co-Ed Day and Boarding School for 11-18 year olds 26
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
The Story Snow White is one of the most famous fairy tales. The story originally comes from a 19th century fairy tale written by the Brothers Grimm who first published the tale in Grimm’s Fairy Tales in 1812 as ‘Sneewittchen’. The story contained many of the elements we know and love today: such as the magic mirror, the poisoned apple, the glass coffin and the evil Queen.
Brothers were well-known for their tales being amalgamations of events that really occurred, with a heavy dose of fantasy and imagination thrown in.
Since its first publication, the story has been the focus of several adaptations including a 1916 silent film. It was this black and white film that inspired a 15 year old Walt Disney to recreate the story in animated form. Like many of the Grimm tales, it is believed Since then, many other films and books have that Snow White has been in existence since either recreated the tale or used it to heavily the Middle Ages and passed down through influence new works. And more notably, the word-of-mouth over the centuries. It has even fairy tale influenced the creation of Snow been suggested that Snow White dates back White the pantomime. even further than the Grimm Brothers and was actually inspired by the real-life story Although the Grimm Brothers version of the of Countess Margaretha von Waldeck who story we all know and love was a lot darker was famed for her beauty. It was said that - the pantomime adaptation brings more joy she had a terrible relationship with her strict and comic elements to the classic tale by stepmother - sound familiar? When her father adding some fantastic characters. and stepmother sent her away to live with her uncle, she met and fell in love with Philip, who The Dame is the main source of comedy and was to become Philip II of Spain. Her parents often portrays a housekeeper or cook. Snow disapproved of the ‘politically inconvenient’ White, most notably, is the heroine rather relationship - though this wasn’t a problem than our usual damsel-in-distress. Other for long as Margaretha was tragically, and characters include a handsome prince, a mysteriously, poisoned and died at the young huntsman (who is often a henchman of the age of 21. Queen to being with but becomes good in the end) and of course, a sassy Magic Mirror! Another claim was that Snow White was based on the daughter of an 18th century Snow White is one of the most landowner - Maria Sophia von Erthal. well-known and classic titles for a traditional After the death of her mother, her father British pantomime. The wide variety of remarried a woman who instantly disliked her characters, easy-to-follow story line and comic stepchildren. The castle they lived in - which opportunities make it a favourite among is now a museum - was home to a ‘talking audiences. mirror’ (an acoustical toy that could speak) which had been in the house during the time Maria’s stepmother lived there. Now, no one can fully know which of these stories, if any, influenced the tale of Snow White but there is little doubt that there was at least some historical basis to the famous fairy tale - especially since the Grimm theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
NEW MEMBERSHIP
PROGRAMME
Theatre Royal are delighted to announce the launch of our revamped membership scheme! We’ve taken all of the great things about the previous scheme, improved them and added more. Become a Friend of Theatre Royal and receive fantastic benefits.
Discount on ALL shows 20% off our Season Saver package
from just
£47
Free ice-cream & drink** Priority booking
per year
Guaranteed returns Invitations to exclusive events Exclusive member content Seasonal brochures delivered to your door
scan the QR code or visit theatreroyal.org to become a member!
Discounts with our sponsor businesses*** New membership cards Free tote bag**** Our Friends level membership is for those interested in great benefits. If you would like to receive all of this and support our work, and this beautiful building, at a deeper level, become a Donor Friend or Patron. This puts you at the heart of the work we create and allows us to celebrate your support publicly. * Available on tickets in Price Band A & B ** Upon sign-up & every renewal
*** Sponsor businesses subject to change **** Time-limited giveaway as part of the launch theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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NEW THIS SPRING!
THEATRE
CLUB
If you love theatre, why not try our new Theatre Club? A bit like a book club, simply purchase a Theatre Club ticket (by choosing the Theatre Club ticket type - no additional charge) to one of the four shows below and join like-minded theatre lovers in the bar for a pre-show chat. We will provide some background to the production, the writer, the company, and the actors, to get you started. The Theatre Club area will be available for you to return to in the interval if you wish and post-show we invite you to continue a peer-led conversation at a reserved table at the Dog & Partridge. Come alone or with a friend! Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee
Wed 7 Feb, 7.30pm
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A Family Business
Tue 27 Feb, 7.30pm
Boy on the Roof
Wed 6 Mar, 7.30pm
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Richard, My Richard
Thu 11 Apr, 7.30pm
THEATRE ROYAL
SPRING 2024 THEATREROYAL.ORG | 01284 769505
1 – 2023 199
Christmas Blackthorpe Barn at
stive inspiration star ts here! Your fe
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SHOP | ARTS & CRAFTS TREES | WREATHS | WORKSHOPS | CAFE Visit our website for further details
www.blackthorpebarn.com J45 A14. Rougham, 3 miles from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9HZ theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
Presented by
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Get Involved SENSORY YOUTH THEATRE
SENsory Youth Theatre is for those who are learning disabled, neurodivergent, or identify as having SEN. It is an opportunity to participate in creative play that is inclusive and accessible in a fun and friendly environment. We run groups for ages 8 - 12 and 13 - 18.
YOUTH THEATRE
Our Youth Theatre is open for 2024 enquiries. Places are limited and there is a waiting list for some groups. If you join us, you will get the opportunity to perform on our stage in Easter 2025 as part of the Bloom Festival. We run groups for ages 8 - 11 and 12 - 16 and 16 - 22 (Young Company).
bursary places available
£60
per term
£75
per term
To find out more information about these projects, or to get involved, email engagement@theatreroyal.org
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Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
With grateful thanks to our wonderful sponsors at Maison Bleue
Enjoy their delicious LÉA range pre-show at Theatre Royal Children’s menu also now available! On your next visit to Theatre Royal, order a delicious meal from LÉA and your dishes will be waiting for you when you arrive for your performance. Orders must be made no more than 3 days in advance of your selected performance. To order, visit www.leaburystedmunds.co.uk/theatre-ordering/ and make sure you select the correct performance when making your food choices. theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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Our Sponsors & Supporters
Funders & Trust
The Alfred Williams Charitable Trust | The St Edmunds Trust | The Tanyard Trust | The Thompson Family Charitable Trust
Life Patrons & Ambassadors LIFE PATRONS: Dame Judi Dench DBE, Mr Timothy West CBE, Sir Jeremy Isaacs, Mrs Judith Shallow DL, Mr Colin Blumenau, Mrs Patricia Thompson CBE AMBASSADOR: Mrs Gina Long MBE
Patrons & Major Donors Joan Abbs, Matthew Abercrombie, Nancy Ackland-Lang, George Agnew and Adrian White, Jennifer and Nicholas Antill, Alix and Robert Ashton, Kit and Daria Aspen, The Association Management Company, Gary Avis MBE, Robert and Sally Baxter, Bob and Sally Beckett, Countess Helen Benckendorff, Christopher Biggins, Christine Bird, Ben and Katie Birrell, Sarah Birrell, Derek Blake MBE and Valerie Blake, Stephen and Stephanie Bourne, Joy Bowes, Gyles Brandreth, Marie Brown and in memory of Tony Brown, Mary Burr, William and Lynn Cardale, Laura Carmichael, Sir Geoffrey and Lady Cass, Gordon Cawthorne MBE and in memory of Judith Cawthorne, Richard Chaplin, Michael Chisholm, Christine Clark, Marcus and Sophie Codrington-Fernandez, Sian Couture, Louise Cramp, The Croft Family, Rev. David Crofts, Jane and Michael Crowe, Yvonne Curtis, Lady Mary Damerell, Piers Day, Nicholas Denyer, Michelle Dockery, Ian and Alison Duncan, Francesca Eady, Anthony and Celia Earl, The Fabulous Fascia Co Ltd, Andrew Flatt, Emma Fisher, Vivien Gainsborough Foot, Keith and Mary Gallois, Sarah George, Jayne Gittus, Philip Glenister, Robert Glenister, Adrian Grady, Judith Grandi, Sheena Griffiths, Bryan Hamilton, Michael and Caren Harrington Spier, Nigel Havers, David and Gillian Hodge, Stephen Hubner, Sam Hughan, John Meers and Jo Holden, Debbie Hudd and in memory of Roy Hudd OBE, Eric and Hazel Humphreys, Karen and Antony Hurden, Sir Derek Jacobi CBE, Philip Jackson, Peter Jackson CBE and in memory of Ann Jackson, Alex Jennings, Christina Johnston, Lesley Joseph, Jim and Carol Keohane, Fiona Langley, Nicholas Law and Susan Tanis, Malcolm Leith and Amanda Wearing, Barry Lingwood, Dame Maureen Lipman DBE, Bryan and Emma Littlefair, Andrew Long and Gina Long MBE, Karl and Annette Ludvigsen, Janet Martin, Sir Ian McKellen CH CBE, John Meers and Jo Holden, Julie Merrick, Nic and Kat Metcalfe, Gillian Morgan, Martin and Sylvia Moss, David and Pauline Mulley, Marguerite Nice, John and Maureen Orange, Irene and David Overman, Riccardo Parfitt, Jeffrey Parker, Nicholas Pearson OBE and Fiona Pearson, Mark Pendlington DL, Heather Phillips, Mary Porch, Clare Presland, Libby Purves OBE, Roger and Thelma Quince, Sue Rawlinson, Michael Redgrave, Mike and Kate Redmond, Jo St Clair Roberts, Susan Roberts, James Robertson, Paul Romaine, Michael and Margaret Rustin, Prunella Scales CBE, Sue Scrivener, John Sergeant, Michael Shallow and Judith Shallow DL, Alice Sheepshanks, Graham Showell, John Simpson CBE, Charles and Suzanne Simpson, Sue and Dick Soper, Simon Spence KC, Jo Stark, Sha Starr, Christian and Susan Stenderup, Richard and the late Heulwen Stewart, Steven and Kimonie Stroud, Dame Janet Suzman DBE, Meriel Sykes, David Taylor, Nick and Rosemary Thomson, Patricia Thompson CBE, Fiona Unwin, Terry Waite CBE, Julia Wakelam, Dame Harriet Walter DBE, Christine Webber, Peter Wenban and Sarah Wenban CBE, Timothy West CBE, Sam West, Deborah Williams, In memory of Gabrielle Woodward, The Association Management Company, Theatre Royal Friends Committee and the generous donors of The Show Will Go On! – Theatre Royal’s Reopening Appeal (2020).
Registered Charity Number 242977 34
Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds
Theatre Royal Team The Board CHAIRMAN: Roger Quince Marcus Codrington-Fernandez Emma Fisher
Joanne Howlett Graeme Kirk Bryan Littlefair Liz Michie
Matthew Piccaver Sara Whybrew
The Staff SENIOR MANAGEMENT
CENTRAL SERVICES
FRONT OF HOUSE
Finance Director Fiona Wilson Waterworth
Programming & Admin Coordinator Sharron Stowe
Deputy Front of House & Events Manager Olivia Long
Artistic Director Owen Calvert-Lyons
Facilities Manager Douglas Coombes
Head of Finance & Central Services Polly Turner Finance Officer Jo Hambling Head of Producing Zoe Fox CREATIVE LEARNING Young People’s Producer Head of Development Emma Thorpe Emma Suckling Creative Learning Associate Head of Marketing & Sales (Community) Julie Cole Eilish Mullane Head of Creative Learning David Whitney Technical Manager Dave Thwaites
MARKETING & SALES
Box Office & Memberships Manager Joseph Sparkes Marketing & Sales Assistant Lauren Forde Marketing Assistant - Media Rebecca Woollam Box Office Assistants Julia Foulsham Angela Hunter Diane Richardson Casual Box Office Assistants Caroline Holt Kay Howlett Jessica Weston
Workshop Team Sian Burford-Thomas Annie Eddington Ruth Lo Edward Moloney Simon Sterrow Grace Wellfare Lynn Whitehead
TECHNICAL
Senior Technician Chris Last Technicians Michael Ackland-Lang Kate ‘Sky’ Skylar Freelance Technicians Shannon Ambrose Oliver Brown Jude Devoil Tabitha Dodds Dorian Hammam Karen Noble Seb Poloka Alex Ray Tanya Starling Tim Westerman
Front of House & Events Manager Lucy Brentnall
Bar Manager Chris White Duty Managers Lilley Adams-Whaley Bex Morrison-Corley Rory O’Brien Ann Phizacklea Front of House Assistants Jonny Gleeson Franky Harris Sally Parker Sue Polley Janet Sainsbury Bar Stewards Charlotte Bussey Gina Byford Lauren Forde Julie Jarvis Andrea Morris Deborah Paredes Jessica Pryke Jason Rampling Jessica Smith Helen Stewart Katy Stubbs Wendy Turner Car Park Stewards Stephen Collen Dawn Roberts Cleaners JG Cleaning Service
Our heartfelt thanks to our valued Volunteers - we couldn’t open without them! theatreroyal.org | 01284 769505
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