A panto is deep into its final rehearsals – with one of the UK’s youngest panto directors in charge.
Hannah Guile, just 18, is aware of her youth as she steers the cast of 12 adults and 19 children towards four performances of A Lad in the Wild West (Aladdin, set in cowboy land).
But she is happy in the knowledge that the Hurst Panto Group cast and crew have confidence in her young but experienced hands.
Hannah, a former drama scholar at the Abbey School, Reading and who lives in Hurst, has built her skills since she was very young – she had a part in a Hurst panto when she was just seven.
She was a member of Wokingham Stagecoach and Starmaker arts schools.
Starmaker is now based at Southlake Primary, Woodley. Hannah directed performances at The Abbey and also at Farnborough College where she studied A level musical theatre.
Amazingly, she juggles two roles for the Hurst panto – director and a leading part.
She has high praise for all involved.
“They’re so patient and kind, with me being so young,” she says.
“It’s a lot of work. But assistant director Claire Lawrence has a lot of panto experience. And while I’m on stage performing she can ensure everything looks right. We also have a great team of producers, Claire, Sue Payne and Becky Vaughan.”
Claire adds: “Hannah is amazing. She’s only 18, but she’s grown up doing pantos from when she was a tiny kid to later being principal girl. She’ll be going on to bigger and better things.”
A Lad in the Wild West is a traditional Aladdin, says Claire.
“It’s the story of Aladdin and cowgirl Jasmine (played by Hannah) set in the wild west. ‘Flying Carpet’ is the name of Jasmine’s trusty steed. There’s still a dessert, a laundry, a dame and a panto horse.”
The panto was written by the group’s script team.
Covid has added hugely to the group’s challenges.
Claire said: “There’s been a lot more to consider to keep everyone, the cast, the back stage crew and audience, safe. We’ve updated risk assessments and covid policies to keep up with government changes.
“On Sunday, we had the first rehearsal with no one missing because they had covid or were isolating. The cast and 46-strong backstage crew have been amazing – everyone at the hall at every rehearsal had to show a negative lateral flow test.”
Covid rules also cover the 20 front of house volunteers.
Audience members over five have to bring proof of a lateral flow test taken on the day. There are mask wearing rules for the audience.
All staff will wear masks and will take lateral flow tests before each performance, and the performers will test every day so they can work without masks.
There are still some tickets for Thursday, January 20, and Friday, January 21, both at 7.30pm.
For more details, log on to https://www.hurstpanto.org.uk
SUE CORCORAN
