Feline Festive – Belgrade Theatre announces Junior Chorus auditions for Puss in Boots
Local kids aged 9-16 invited to open auditions for Christmas panto on Sunday 8 September
Fancy getting your claws on a role in the Belgrade Theatre’s popular Christmas pantomime? With Puss in Boots chosen as this year’s panto, Christmas is already shaping up to be the cat’s whiskers, and the hunt is on for kids with cat-titude to form the Junior Chorus for the show.
On Sunday 8 September, youngsters aged 9-16 from across Coventry and Warwickshire are invited to audition to be part of purr-formances running from 27 Nov-11 Jan.
Parents of young hopefuls are asked to bring their children to the Belgrade Theatre foyer for registration at 9.30am on the day. From 10am, children will be taught a dance routine by the show’s choreographer, which they’ll then be asked to perform in front of writer, director and Dame, Iain Lauchlan.
Boasting an impressive career spanning over 40 years in the entertainment industry, local panto legend Iain Lauchlan is best known for his work on best-loved children’s TV series such as Playschool, Fingermouse, Playdays, Storytime, Fun Song Factory and The Tweenies. Puss in Boots will be his 25th Belgrade Theatre pantomime.
Iain Lauchlan said: “Christmas always seems to come around quickly and it’s already time for us to start the search for this year’s panto cast. We’re looking for boys and girls from all backgrounds and different levels of experience to be part of our Junior Chorus, so if you’d like the chance to be part of our show, please do come along and have a go.
“Every year, I’m hugely impressed by the talented young people I get to see at the auditions, and it’s always a pleasure to meet so many brilliant youngsters. I’m sure this year will be no exception, and I hope to see you there on 8 September.”
Initial auditions will take place in the morning, with successful candidates recalled for a second round during the afternoon. No prior experience of performing is necessary, but you will need lots of energy and enthusiasm – so don’t get caught out cat-napping!
You’ll also need to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to move and dance in, so it’s best to leave the fancy boots and frocks to Puss and the Princess!
At least one parent or guardian must wait on site with each child throughout the audition process. Unaccompanied children will not be eligible to audition.
At the end of the afternoon, the children chosen to perform will be asked to stay behind to be allocated to a team and to have initial wardrobe measurements taken, ahead of costume fittings.
All successful candidates will be committed to up to six rehearsals per week, taking place on weekends and weekday evenings from Tuesday 5 November. From Monday 18 November, children will also need to attend some daytime rehearsals on weekdays, with the show itself running daytimes and evenings 27 November – 7 January. There are a total of 58 performances in the run.
Pre-registration is not essential, but parents are encouraged to fill in a registration form in advance and bring it along with them to auditions. The form can be downloaded from the website at www.belgrade.co.uk/event/puss-in-boots.
This year’s Christmas pantomime, Puss in Boots, will feature all the lavish costumes, spectacular sets, songs and seasonal silliness that make the show a huge success every year.
When an evil ogre and his horrible henchman Victor Grabitt take control of the village of Baggy Bottom on the Bog, things start looking pretty bleak for Simon Pudding and his mother Matilda, who are being kicked out of their home. Enter our clever and exceedingly fashionable hero, Puss in Boots, who plans to use his cunning to save the Puddings and make them as rich as royalty.
But will our trusty trio triumph over the baddies? And will the crafty cat keep his promises? Filled to the brim with magic, music and make-believe, this thrilling adventure “tail” promises a mog-nificent festive experience for all the family.
Puss in Boots shows at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from Wednesday 27 November until Saturday 11 January, with a relaxed performance on Thursday 9 January.
Earlybird tickets are available until Monday 1 July, so be sure to book early to secure the best deal. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting
www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper.
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