Photo Flash: RED RIDING HOOD VERSUS THE WOLF Opens in Milton Keynes

After a run of sold out previews, Stantonbury Theatre's second in-house pantomime opens for the festive season tonight. Directed by Stantonbury artistic director Lucy Cuthbertson and written by Kerry Frampton and Ben Hales, the show takes a fresh look at the well-known tale of Red Riding Hood in what is becoming a recognisably Stantonbury style - rejecting expectations, challenging the stereotypes of classic fairy tales, foregrounding female protagonists and genuinely offering something for every generation.

This Red Riding Hood tells the story of Scarlett, the reluctant star of the Annual Red Riding Hood Parade, which has been held every year to remember the terrible wolf-related incident that happened at Grandma's house many years ago. She's trapped in a village that only cares about keeping safe and hating wolves, and now she has to wander around in a red riding hood all day. When charismatic stranger Victor von Crepe (and his porcine sidekick Hamlet) arrive in the village with a trunk-full of amazing inventions to transfix the whole town, Scarlett has her suspicions. Hasn't anyone noticed what big teeth he has?

The show stars Susannah Austin, Claire Burns, Rikki Chamberlain, Kerry Frampton, Ben Rose, Tom Whitelock and a young company of performers from Stantonbury International School.

Director Lucy Cuthbertson said "When I took over the role of artistic director at Stantonbury Theatre, the venue wasn't being run either for the benefit of the students of Stantonbury International School (where the venue is based) or with, in my view, an interesting professional artistic programme. I knew that in trying to change those things, one of the cornerstones of the new programme should be our own professional Christmas show. The first year, presented in partnership with Splendid Productions and Greenwich Theatre, was a critical and commercial success. We are delighted to have reunited our co-producers for this second year, and sales are looking even better."

Red Riding Hood vs The Wolf plays at Stantonbury Theatre until 31 December.
Box Office 01908 324466
www.stantonburytheatre.co.uk

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