The Tower Theatre in Stoke Newington is bringing panto back to its stage for the first time in two decades. Written by Philip Meeks and directed by Sorrel Brown, Rapunzel opens on 10 Dec.
“The wicked sorceress Rubella has taken over the kingdom of Stokeyville and the good King Gregg has been magically split into five versions of himself and scattered across the land…
In a race against the clock, it’s up to Rapunzel and her friends Prince Flynn, Jojo Jangles, and YOU to work together to reunite the five Kings and break the spell to save the people of Stokeyville, all while trying to avoid Rubella’s evil clutches!
Featuring a foot-stomping soundtrack of songs for all ages, including hits by Queen, Lady Gaga and more, Rapunzel is an all-singing, all-dancing, classic pantomime adventure perfect for the whole family at Christmas. (Oh yes it is!)”
Where: Tower Theatre
When: 10-12 Dec & 17-19 Dec (7.30pm), 13 & 20 Dec (2pm & 6pm), 14 Dec (2pm ‘chilled performance’).
Sorrel tells us more about this slice of festive fun.
How do you feel about panto returning to the Tower for the first time in 20 years?
I am SO excited that panto is coming back to the Tower! I’m a firm believer in the power of theatre as a phenomenal tool to bring communities together, and I think the fact that we as a company of volunteers, are able to do this for the families of Hackney is a real testament to that.
Also, as someone with a background in children’s theatre who has seen first-hand how magical and life-changing family theatre can be for kids, I cannot wait to see the reactions of kids of all ages in our audiences!
Rapunzel has been a year in the making and an absolute joy to put together, so I can’t wait for Tower audiences to come back to pantoland for the first time in 20-odd years!
Why do you think the panto genre has endured for so long?
I think panto is so enduring because at its heart, it plays into everyone’s inner child and the human love for being silly!
For so many of us Brits to have grown up with it too makes it really special – panto was the very first thing I ever saw in a theatre, and it is still so comforting to see the familiar characters and stories making us laugh year after year.
Are there any local twists and jokes in Rapunzel?
There are indeed! Several of Stokey’s real-life landmarks have made their way into the kingdom of Stokeyville, but you’ll have to come and watch to see if you can spot them!
Just for fun, what’s your ideal Christmas moment?
My ideal Christmas moment is sitting in front of the fire with my family in our Christmas jumpers, playing silly games and eating copious amounts of chocolate and cheese. There really is nothing better!
Header inage credit: Giulia Paratelli