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Queues formed at the Hazlitt for tickets for the extra performance


Hazli panto saves the day


MAIDSTONE’S Hazlitt Theatre came to the rescue when hun- dreds of disappointed panto- goers lost out after a rival productionwent out ofbusiness a week before Christmas. The Earl Street venue stepped in


to organise a special performance of Aladdin for people who had bought tickets for Snow White at the Friars inAylesford. SnowWhite came to an abrupt


halt on December 18, when man- agement at Maidstone Panto Ltd issued a statement to say the re- mainder of the runwas cancelled. Many were left angry by the


shock announcement, including the young cast of dancers, who learned the news via socialmedia. Maxine Julian, mother of 10-


year-old dancer ScarlettMae, said: “It is heart-breaking to findout this way. Those little dancers and kids in the cast will be sad to hear through Facebook that their shows are no longer on. “I am sure it was a tough deci-


sion but it is so hard on the kids. The panto has taughtmydaughter so much in her dancing and com- petitions. The boost came when she really needed it as she has had


a really tough 18months.” After SnowWhite’s collapse, the


Hazlitt organised an extra per- formance of its ownpanto, starring former EastEnders actor Richard Blackwood, onNewYear’s Eve. Hazlitt spokesman Michelle


Woodland said: “The cast, the crewandstaffmemberswere keen to help ticket holders at the other showwhen they heard. “We understood just howdisap-


pointedpeoplewouldhave beento lose out, and we tried our best to dowhatwe could to help.” Nikki Lumbard said on Face-


book: “So nice of the Hazlitt to do this, Iwas lucky to be able to get in just before the box office closedand got my tickets. Thank you to the Hazlitt forhelpingme tonotdisap- pointmy girls thisChristmas.” Maidstone Panto Ltd released a


statement on Facebook onDecem- ber 18, which read: “Much to our regret,we are cancelling all shows fromTuesday,December 18. “We’ve been up against it from


the beginning, with local authori- ties, opposition theatres and ‘peo- ple inpower’ really not supporting whatwe are trying to achieve, and have notmade it easy.”


Young choristers needed


CHURCH musicians are scouting for budding performers to swell the ranks of their new children’s choir. All Saints’ Church in Staplehurst, wants talented youngsters


aged seven and up to audition for its newchorister group ‘Sing!’ The choir has a wide musical repertoire and is always looking for new opportunities to stage live performances. It meets at the church every Friday evening from 6pm until


6.50pm and membership is open to all village youngsters – not just those in the congregation. Prospective songsters can turn up on the night or call Jacqui on 07796 487538 formore information.


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