D’MOUTH AT WORK
Bill Hunt Chairman of the Dartmouth Players
What is this year’s pantomime? Cinderella.
How many people are involved? about 30. the age range is eight to 90!
Will it be the Cinderella we all know? Pretty much, I wanted to create a feisty main character, the recent Disney film was criticised for making her appear too weak so we hope this adaptation has got a bit more bite!
When did rehearsals start? In september. But planning usually begins straight after the last one finishes in January! we have three two hour sessions a week. It’s straight into lines the minute people arrive and we don’t stop for tea and biscuits! It is hard work as we try and make it as professional as possible. some people don’t realise this and quickly drop out.
Where will it be shown? at the Flavel. It’s a great space but challenging to work with as there aren’t large side wings like normal theatres and we can’t store scenery or costumes as it’s in use all the time. we have to keep things as minimal as possible with the set, projecting images onto the screen instead. Cinderella’s carriage has been in someone’s garage all winter!
Does it take over your life? oh yes, luckily my wife is involved too so it doesn’t cause friction at home! when most people are enjoying time off at Christmas we are at our most crucial stage with last minute preparations.
What is the worst thing that could happen? no one coming to see it! no, I think we are okay there, last year about 750 tickets were sold. I think the worst thing would be a member getting ill. It’s a small organisation, we don’t have understudies, so someone else would just have to go on with the script in their hand.
Is acting in the blood? You could say that I guess. I have been on the stage since I was 17. my stepfather was a singer so I was inspired by him. I have done shakespeare plays, musicals and serious drama.
Do you enjoy running the players? Very much so, I wouldn’t call it easy! I do a lot of writing, advertising and directing. one of the main issues is making sure everyone is where they need to be. It’s hard with children and jobs, people can’t always find the time to make rehearsals. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle, everyone has to take their place and it doesn’t work if there’s a bit missing.
How do you relax? I play in the BrnC volunteer band. I find it quite relaxing after this job!
Do you ever see other pantos or are you fed up with them by January! (Laughs) my wife and I do sometimes go. It’s nice to see how others do it.
What’s next for the Players? a play about the Brontë sisters in may next year.
Cinderella runs from the 27th to the 31st December at The Flavel. Visit
www.dartmouthplayers.org.uk
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