eSqueeze, November 2003 Tight Fit Theatre in the Community presents Dick Whittington by John Morley We are in rehearsal for our eighth annual pantomime, Dick Whittington. The event has become a firm favourite, with performances regularly selling out. Our community Panto troupe has become something of an extended family, with a number of participants making regular appearances. This year is no exception and sees Antony (Jack), Helen (Fairy), Charlotte and Emily Sendall returning after a year off. With them are Manda (Queen Rat), Josh, Ben and Dan Capstick. (Josh Capstick is currently filming Family Affairs for Channel 5). Last year‘s returning participants include Jennifer Ansdell (Tommy the Cat), Neil Charliston (Alice), Tony Fearn (Alderman Fitzwarren) and Luke Bullock (Sam Seaweed). Tight Fit Panto virgins are Paul Coxwell (Mate), Sharon Pidgeon (Captain) and Sophie Hamnedani, who plays Dick, the eponymous hero. Dick Whittington is a traditional family pantomime with Principal Boy, Principal Girl, a Skin and of course, a Dame. This year Mark Oldknow, Tight Fit Theatre‘s Artistic Director, dons the wig and false boobs. Mark, who was last seen at the Wycombe Swan in King Lear, hasn‘t played dame for a few years. ”No doubt I‘ll be losing a lot of weight, as usual• he says. ”Dame is the hardest thing I have done as an actor, which sounds a bit soft; but you have to work extremely hard when on stage. Hopefully you take the audience with you as you travel through the bizarre world that pantomime inhabits. It can be a bit frightening when faced with a full house - especially when something goes wrong, as you are expected to ad-lib the show out of trouble. But,” he adds •the rewards are fantastic, especially when the younger members of the audience get involved.” The box office is already open but the production is still looking for technical help. If you are interested in operating sound, helping make costumes or assisting stage management there are still opportunities to get involved. Phone Tim Hill on 01494 681980 or email tim.hill@tightfittheatre.co.uk. ”We like to think the production is as much fun for the cast and crew as it is for the audience.” says Tim. •We always try to meet the audience's expectation of a family pantomime at a family price. The Beacon Theatre is an ideal venue, especially for youngsters. The raked seating ensures the perfect view; nobody can hide from the Dame! If only it were a little bigger to accommodate the expectation that some have; that all Pantos should be musicals with a fifteen piece orchestra but you can't have everything. However, nobody escapes from the sing-along. Dick Whittington performs at the Beacon Theatre, Beaconsfield from December 19th-24th. Performance times are 7.30pm (except Sunday, Monday and Xmas Eve) and 2.30 (except Friday and Monday). Tickets are £8.00 (£6.00 concession) and are available now from the box office: 01494 677764 (open every day 10am - 5pm). Renowned for its productions since 1996, Tight Fit Theatre is a professional theatre company resident at the Wycombe Swan. www.tightfittheatre.co.uk www.wycombeswan.co.uk