Nottingham Playhouse is seeking young performers to join the cast of its legendary pantomime.
This year’s legendary Playhouse pantomime reaches new heights with a giant of a show, Jack and the Beanstalk, written and directed by the theatre’s artistic director Adam Penford.
Adam will once again be working with an exciting creative team including Cleo Pettitt, who has just been nominated for a UK Pantomime Association Award for Best Costume Design for Cinderella, along with favourite musical director, John Morton.
Nottingham Playhouse is now seeking young performers from Nottingham and the surrounding areas, and who reflect the rich diversity of the community, to form the Young Chorus who will perform alongside the professional actors in the panto — including the renowned John Elkington as the dame.
To apply, entrants must be aged between nine and 15 years old as of November 4, 2024, and be available for rehearsals and performances in Nottingham from November 4, 2024, to January 18, 2025.
No prior performing experience is needed, just lots of enthusiasm, energy and commitment.
A workshop audition will be held on Saturday, June 1, to select two teams of six young people, plus two reserves, to appear onstage as the Young Chorus.
There are limited places available for the workshop audition. If audition slots become full before the closing date, a waiting list will be started. The closing date to apply is Monday, May 13, at 5pm.
Adam Penford said: “The Young Chorus has been an integral part of the Playhouse panto for decades. In recent years, we've made it more accessible by holding open auditions and found more roles for them to perform within the production. We have lots of fun on the Open Audition Day itself. There's so much talent across the region and it's always really tough deciding on the final selection. You don’t need lots of stage experience for this, it’s more important that we see your energy and enthusiasm."
Nathan Hayward, who took part as one of the Young Chorus in Cinderella last year, said: “Being a part of panto is a great experience, it really brought out all of my creativity. It’s a wonderful chance to see what goes on behind the scenes. I am truly grateful to Nottingham Playhouse. Panto is a big part of Christmas and you could be the person that helps create the Christmas wonder.”
Nottingham Playhouse welcomes applications from young people with access requirements, which can be detailed as part of the application. For further information and details on how to apply, visit the theatre’s website.
Last year’s pantomime, Cinderella, has been nominated for two UK Pantomime Association Awards, Best Costume Design by Cleo Pettitt and Best Newcomer to the Industry, Jewelle Hutchinson, nominated for her performance as Cinderella.
Packed with comedy chaos courtesy of Nottingham’s favourite dame, John Elkington, Jack and the Beanstalk will be jam-packed with laughter, live music, and spectacular special effects.
Audiences can expect top tunes, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience participation in this super-sized extravaganza set to leave everyone feeling sky-high.
