Fishy panto time at Leadenham

Leadenham Players are a non-profit amateur dramatics group, founded over 40 years ago by the headmistress of the Leadenham Primary School.

She wanted to put on a performance at Christmas where all the children and their families could take part. The year after the Leadenham players was officially formed.

When they first started the stage was built by a cast member who also set up a light system using catering size bake bean cans painted black for lights.

In applying for lottery funding in order to build the new village hall, the Leadenham Players were pivotal. They were able to prove they were a long established successful group, producing a range of drama, attracting members and drawing audiences from a wide area. That is why the hall was designed with such a wonderful stage/lighting and backstage facilities.

The latest cast are aged from seven years old and upwards and from all backgrounds.

Their sets are handmade by their talented backstage crew including this year’s boat.

Scott Taylor from the group added: "We are one of the first amateur dramatics group to switch to digital backdrops which makes our pantomimes unique.”

The script from Alex Jackson is Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of The Little Mermaid - with a few twists, like Ariel has a twin sister called Persil who is representing the Dame this year.

"Ariel keeps her voice but cannot sing,” said Scott, “So how does she prove to Prince Finn that she really saved his life?”

The show will be at Leadenham Village Hall, with performances on Friday January 30 and Saturday January 31, Friday February 6 and Saturday February 7 (Friday shows at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm).

Ticket prices, including booking fees are: adults £10, children £8, family of four £35. Go to: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-leadenham-players?