Panto fame as girls urged to audition

STAGE set . . . the chorus from last year's Coliseum pantomime, "Mother Goose"

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BUDDING young performers are being given the chance to take part in Oldham Coliseum's acclaimed panto this year.

The theatre is on the lookout for girls aged between 8 and 15 to join the cast on stage for this year's pantomime, "Sleeping Beauty".

The Coliseum's annual traditional pantomime is nationally renowned, described by What's On Stage as "one of the best family pantos in the country".

Those joining the pantomime as part of the chorus will have the opportunity to perform alongside the theatre's beloved Pantomime Dame, Fine Time Fontayne, and a cast including regular Coliseum pantomime favourites: Justine Elizabeth Bailey, Richard J Fletcher and Simeon Truby.

Packed with glitz, glamour, silliness and slapstick, "Sleeping Beauty" tells the tale of the beautiful Princess Rose, who is cursed by the wicked Carabosse to fall into an eternal sleep. With the help of his friends, the handsome Prince Valliant sets out on a quest to save her.

The theatre is looking for three teams of girls to form the chorus for this year's pantomime. Auditions will take place on Sunday, September 11 and slots can be booked by calling Coliseum administrator, Anne-Louise Jones, on 0161-785 7001. Parents are advised to have their child's height measurement ready before phoning as audition times will be allocated based on height.

Amazing

Those interested in joining the pantomime chorus must be able to dance and should wear clothes that they can easily move around in to their audition. If chosen, each girl will need to have around six full days and four half-days off school for performances.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre's annual pantomime has been entertaining families of Oldham and beyond for generations. It's the biggest show of the year at the theatre, attracting audiences of over 35,000.

Joining the pantomime's chorus is an amazing opportunity for aspiring performers to experience taking part in a professional, fun-filled and much-loved theatre tradition, learn from the Coliseum's artistic director and chief executive Kevin Shaw and work alongside professional actors.

It runs from Saturday, November 12, 2016 to Saturday, January 7, 2017. Tickets can be booked on 0161-624 2829 or at www.coliseum.org.uk.