ONE OF Reading’s theatres has established a new performing company ahead of a Christmas double bill.
Reading Repertory Theatre has announced the establishment of its first Repertory Company, with four actors set to take up the mantle with two concurrent productions from next month.
Actors Mark Desebrock, Eugene Evans, and Charlotte Warner are returning to Reading Rep following appearances as part of the theatre’s 10th anniversary season last year, and will be joined by newcomer Orla O’Sullivan to complete the new company.
In another first for the theatre, it is set to run two concurrent productions during the Christmas period, with a panto and an adaptation of a festive classic showing at the theatre from late November through December.
Potted Panto, by Daniel Clarkson, Jefferson Turner, and Richard Hurst, is set to bring a flurry of classic pantomimes packed into a 70-minute production.
Tales such as Cinderella, Aladdin, and Jack and the Beanstalk will be given the Potted Panto treatment for a family-friendly Christmas production performed by the new company.
On Potted Panto, founding artistic director Paul Stacey said:“Pantomime is a brilliant
tradition in the UK, but sadly it’s often not seen as great art.
“This panto, which covers almost every British panto, is a brilliant summation of everything that makes this tradition so special; from dance to music hall, slapstick to singing, drama to comedy and everything in between.
“It’s not just a summary of panto, but a summary of everything that makes British theatre so special.”
Also running is It’s A Wonderful Life, a stage retelling of the 1946 film of the same name, adapted by Mary Elliot Nelson and directed by Paul Stacey.
It follows down-and-out banker George Bailey, who feels that life has passed him by until he is visited by a guardian angel and shown what life would be like without him.
Mr Stacey said of the production: “It’s A Wonderful Life is one of my favourite films of all
time.
“It tells the story of how helping other people will help you– there is no better time to
tell this tale of community, perseverance and hope.
“This production extends Reading Rep’s tradition of sell-out successes at Christmas.”
Potted Panto is showing at Reaping Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, from Monday, November 27, to Sunday, December 31.
It’s A Wonderful Life is showing from Thursday, November 30, to Saturday, December 30.
Full details and tickets available via: ReadingRep.com
