Post date: 12-Jan-2016 12:11:56

Rehearsals for the annual Harrow Arts Centre Community pantomime - this year, Cinderella - began in September!

This show saw me working with a group of 15 local people, some of whom were (& still are) studying performing arts at university or college, some were community panto stalwarts, and others had never trodden the boards before, supported by a professional production team, including choreographer, Selina Johnson, MD, Paul Ooi, & designer, Hilary Statts.

The grand setting of HAC's Elliott Hall was converted into Hardup Hall, the Wild Wood and the Prince's Palace.....

With rehearsal times limited to Wednesday evening & Sunday afternoon - increasing to all day Sundays nearer production week - the whole team worked long & hard to create a panto which maintained traditional elements, peppered with local references, and the magical transformation of Cinderella from pauper to princess with the aid of a feisty fairy godmother....

All this at the same time as directing 'The Mill on the Floss'....

The audience responses were very positive, and brought new people to Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End....The sight of an audience full of children at the school's matinee in total awe of the mirrorball was one which will stay with us for a long time!

Although Harrow Council are unable to continue financially supporting the arts centre directly it is clear how much of a local creative hub it is. Fingers crossed that plans to link HAC, Headstone Manor & Harrow Music Service, & build on the cultural heritage of the borough, are realised.

All images copyright: Nick Hayles; all designs copyright: Hilary Statts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLS9fdJonfw