Panto to return, oh yes it will

A community panto is set to return to Newark after a three-year break.

The pantomime stopped after 15 years in 2010 when one of the organisers, Mr Martin Day, died of cancer.

Mr Steve Watson, of Balderton, who also helped to organise the annual event, said the time was now right to bring it back.

He said: “One of the main reasons it is coming back is because people keep asking me when it’s coming back.

“You don’t realise how excited I am to bring it back.

“I decided enough was enough because we have got some fantastic youngsters in the town and this is a really good opportunity for them.”

This year’s panto will be Cinderella.

Mr Watson said the pantomime was a platform for young talent, as shown by The Wanted star Jay McGuiness, who featured in the production in the past.

Mr Watson said: “Community pantomime gives youngsters an opportunity, builds their confidence, and their self-esteem goes through the roof.”

Mr Watson said panto preparations, which will include choreography from AJ Dance School, will begin with workshops in February.

He said: “Rather than cram it all into the last three months of the year, this way we will have time to work with the youngsters on singing and dancing and drama and bring them up to scratch.

“What we are trying to do is offer it out to everybody, but obviously there will be an audition process.”

Mr Watson said they had yet to secure a venue for performances but would be contacting schools in the Newark area.

We said: “We have been all over the place over the years.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the pantomime workshops, which cost £9, should contact Mr Watson by email at swatsonphotography@mac. com