New twist on classic tale
STARS of the future may be on stage later this month when one of Felixstowe's most successful companies stages its latest show.Felixstowe Musical Theatre kick-off the panto season at the resort with a version of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates.
STARS of the future may be on stage later this month when one of Felixstowe's most successful companies stages its latest show.
Felixstowe Musical Theatre kick-off the panto season at the resort with a version of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates.
The company - which has been performing shows at the Spa Pavilion for the past 36 years - has proved a fine breeding ground for youngsters going on to careers in showbiz, offering many their first chance to tread the boards and encouraging their talent.
Among those who have performed with FMT are Radio Suffolk presenter and actor Nicholas Pandolfi, and sisters Sheryl Southernwood and Gemma Andrews.
Sheryl - who runs a stage school in Felixstowe - worked on the professional showbiz circuit for many years, while Gemma is currently in the West End show We Will Rock You.
The latest former member to taste success is Simon Mayhew, who was the wooden boy in a production of Pinochio. He has since won a scholarship to a top London theatre school and has just got his first part in a professional panto this Christmas, in The Wizard of Oz at Oxford.
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FMT has also won awards for best production, best director, actor, technical effects and others.
Committee member Zena Bamberger said: “Part of FMT's strength is the company's belief that children should be encouraged to attend theatre performances so nothing offensive is ever presented.
“A show aimed at young people has also been part of the programme for many years.
“Old favourite pantomimes like Aladdin and Cinderella have been mixed with different shows like Scrooge, The Wizard of Oz, Snow Queen and Pinochio.”
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates is based on the classic story of a shipwrecked mariner marooned on a desert island.
Written by Alan P Frayn, it is a brand new pantomime with all the traditional attributes - Oh, yes it has! - full of comedy, colour and surprises.
Directed by Sonya Taylor, beautifully choreographed by Amanda Scowen with lively music in the capable hands of Jeremy Fossett, the show will be on at the Spa from November 30 to December 3, nightly at 7.30pm with a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.
WEBLINK: www.felixstowemusicaltheatre.co.uk
