Sneak peak at Polka Dot Pantomimes’ Beauty and the Beast show in Spalding

Panto season is now in full swing – and we took a sneak peek at the rehearsals to see what goes into putting on a traditional seasonal show.

Cast members from Spalding-based Polka Dot Pantomimes, were raring to go as they took to the stage for the first time last week at The South Holland Centre and we popped along to see the final preparations being made.

Amid the flurry of colourful costumes as the cast prepared their energetic routines, Darren O’Sullivan the director of this year’s show Beauty and the Beast, told me: “We are on day eight of rehearsal and it is really intense. I was the director last year - which won four awards.

“I used to take part in the panto myself and it's something I have always loved. It’s a proper theatrical show for all ages and everyone can leave all their worries at the door.

“We are really lucky to have professionals come here to perform from all over the country also featuring West End stars. Some of the cast are from Spalding, but lots of them have come from further afield such as Edinburgh and the South coast.

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“It’s great that they are coming to Spalding and we are so ready – we just need an audience now.”

The story line follows Belle and her madcap inventor father who gets trapped inside the Beast’s castle - the two swap places and the love story unfolds.

Polka Dot has six productions running across the country and Spalding’s show promises to be modern while keeping the time-honoured tradition alive.

Daisy King-Sanders who will be playing as Belle and Mark McCredie who will play the Beast, both performed in last year’s pantomime.

Mark said: “I know the Spalding audience from doing Cinderella last year and they are so good at engaging and interacting with us whilst we perform – so I am very excited for that.

“It is very different to any panto we have done, there are some real moments of heart – it’s like an emotional rollercoaster – it takes you on a journey.

“The magic of panto is that there is something for everyone and we all have the best time performing it.”

Daisy added: “We get recognised when we go out into town and people have told us they are really looking forward to it, I think it is a huge asset to the town and it sells really well.

“Everyone in the cast are so supportive of one and other, someone is always there to help - even when they need to be on stage within a few minutes. We have all got each other's backs and we all bounce off each other.”

David Burton, who will be playing Belle’s father, has performed in more than 50 pantomimes throughout his lifetime. He said: “ I absolutely adore doing it. I get the opportunity to work with very talented people and I admire all of their talents. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.”

This year's show also includes three pawfect pooches – Coco, Honey and Dash – who will take it in turns to play as Belle’s best friend.

Tickets for this years pantomime will be £16 and £15 for concession. Family tickets are available and start at £14.50 per person.

The cast have been performing for different schools around the area, but tickets are on sale for the whole run of shows at the South Holland Centre.

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