QUIZ

How many words can you make from the letters P, A, N, T, O, M, I, M, E ?

You can't use letters more than once (other than 'm' as there are two in pantomime) and words can be from 1 letter up to 9. So far my biggest word is 8 letters long and I've made 17 words. Can you do better?

If so email me Chas and I'll print the best so far, here on this page.

Chas - Your Unofficial Social Secretary

LATEST!!

So far we have Philip Groves clocking up 100 words, but the leader to date is Matthew Howe with a massive 113. And an 8 letter word too - ohh!. Can you do better? Let me know.

Pantomime by Eric Fowler

Saturday matinees Jan 29th, Feb 5th & 12th Curtain Up 2.30 p.m. Doors Open 2.00 p.m.

Fri & Sat evenings Jan 28th, 29th Feb 4th, 5th & 11th, 12th Curtain up 7.30 p.m. Doors Open 7.00 p.m.

Tickets: £4.25 and £3.75 (£3.00 Children, Students and OAPs)

Box Office: Flowercraft, Market Street, Alton (01420) 84161

Enquires (01420) 83861

All the ingredients of a traditional Pantomime you'd expect from Holybourne Theatre: Audience participation, sing-alongs, and jokes and laughter all round. Evening performances plus Saturday matinees for fun family entertainment, in an intimate (144 seat) theatre with very competitive prices, in the heart of Hampshire.

For more details contact Dawn Groves on Alton (01420) 83861.

Bookings now being taken.

Review of Hansel & Gretel - The Alton Herald Friday 1 Feb 2000.

Audience participation was the theme of the night as the members of Holybourne Theatre performed what could be their last pantomime in their present theatre. The group are hoping to move into their new theatre in Alton sometime in 2000.

There was no sign of first night nerves as the cast played to a full house. It was hard to tell who enjoyed themselves more - the cast or the audience! The children and adults of the audience were invited to sing and dance along as the cast of Hansel and Gretel led them through a fun-packed evening. From the rousing overture, the first of many musical numbers performed brilliantly by the Holybourne Theatre band (Mick Deegan, Diane Byrne, Charles Byrne, Andy Lane and Tom Priddle), led by Diane Byrne, the music and laughter flowed.

The talented members of the Youth Theatre were a credit to their principal Dawn Groves. As members of the chorus they sang and danced beautifully. Particularly notable was the graceful 'Spirits of the Forest' ballet performed by Hollie McGill, Chelsea Dallimore-Crook, Abigail Scott and Sophie Whitlock, the 'Birdie Dance', performed by Abbie Wallace, Kimberley Duke and Claire Colbran as well as the full chorus number of 'The night the children ruled the world'. Some youth theatre members also took roles in the cast itself, Hansel and Gretel were performed confidently by Hannah Duke and Ben Parrat, Kim Temple made a charming Rose, whilst Tim Dye played the hen-pecked woodcutter to perfection.

Making their debut at Holybourne Theatre were new members, Joe-Lee-Ann Knight, who played the scheming woodcutters wife with suitable nastiness and Alan Robinson, who captured the audiences attention with his lively portrayal of Alfredo the Gipsy Leader. The loveable Dame Dotty was played by John Priddle, outstanding as always in his comedy timing, he succeeds at getting the audience involved from the outset aided admirably by Christopher Farthing playing the Dame's son Tommy. Claire Batten made a dashing Prince and dazzled the audience with an extremely strong singing voice. Diane Byrne cleverly juggled arranging the music, leading the band and playing the piano with performing as the evil Witch Hazel, thwarted in her attempts to capture and eat Hansel and Gretel. Special credit must be given to Adam Roberts and Jamie Boulger who bought great character to the pantomime horse, Zippy.

A special mention must be made of the fantastically colourful set, designed, built and painted by a dedicated band of volunteers. The pantomime was directed by Dawn Groves and John Priddle and is on at Holybourne Theatre for the next two weekends.

Chorus - Claire Colbran, Kelly Cousins, Chelsea Dalliomore-Crook, Kimberley Duke, Robin Frater, Stephanie Groves, Ailee Harris, Stacie Harrod, Hollie McGill, Hannah Platt, Sophie Whitlock, Yim Dye and Matthew How. Stage Manager - Keith Ferguson, assisted by Simon Ferguson, Matt Priddle, James Nightingale and Liam Woods, Lighting and Sound Technicians - Philip Grove and Robert Tilbury, Lighting and Sound Advisor - David Tigg, Continuity - Dawn Groves, Scenic Design - Charles Byrne, Steve Sharman, Cliff Dallimore -Crook, Jo Foley and Jo Plumbley, Set Construction - John Priddle, Keith Ferguson, Charles Byrne, Simon Ferguson, Matt Priddle and Steve Sharman, Special Properties and Masks - Karen Platt, Choreography - Dawn Groves, assisted by Kathy McGill, Stephanie Groves and Ailee Harris, Costumes - Barbara Frater, Dawn Groves, Kathy McGill, Theresa Stone and Karen Platt, House Manager - Ben Bennet.

Charlotte Hemming

Pantomime Cast

Rehearsal Pictures