Men in very tight tights...an enormous amount of stage make-up and some pretty big dwarfs - all part of the BBC Radio Stoke pantomime 2004 at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre.
| Panto Uncovered!
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at the Radio Stoke pantomime? Well our intrepid reporter Matt Beeson did just that...
See his diary of the day's events | | |
Antics...
The audience seemed to enjoy watching the antics of Snow White (aka breakfast's Janine Machin) and her rather tall troupe of dwarves. They certainly stretched the height rules about what actually makes a 'dwarf'. Stafford reporter Matt Lee is a strapping 6'5" and sport presenters John Acres and Phil Bowers both six footers. But they did look cute in their little outfits! Costumes...
And the costumes got even better...Breakfast's Kevin Fernihough, playing Dame Dotty, appeared in an enormous frock and wig, then changed to another...and another...and another...! The great pantomime tradition of men hamming it up as women continued with presenters Tim Wedgwood (also the director), and Terry Walsh.
Nasty and 'nice'
Tim made a very evil wicked queen, whilst Terry displayed a rather feminine side to his personality, playing the Hairy Airy Fairy. It wasn't only the acting, there was also songs to keep the audience entertained, with gems like Magic Moments, and the whole cast singing I'm a Believer as a finale. The Radio Stoke panto is now in its third successful year, and is raised hundreds of pounds for the Donna Louise Trust.
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