Wednesday 19 December 2012

The show must go on...and it did!


Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, demonstrated his support for Basildon Council’s annual panto by attending a gala performance of Peter Pan at the Towngate Theatre, Basildon.
 
Despite some technical difficulties the cast and audience alike rose to the occasion and proved the age old adage – the show must go on!
 
This year, the panto was chosen via public vote, and Peter Pan has proven to be the Towngate Theatres most successful to date with ticket sales up 40% from last year.
JM Barrie's children’s story, whose royalties still go to support Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, is undoubtedly one of the most famous and best-loved children’s books; an unforgettable magical fantasy that has been enjoyed by generations for over a hundred years. Combine this with some panto magic and the audience is sure to be in for an enjoyable evening of entertainment.
Stephen Metcalfe, along with a packed theatre, took the chance to fly far far away to Neverland last Friday evening. He commented: “The panto was brilliant. I would like to congratulate all involved for their fantastic performances and hard work in spite of a little local difficulty. The end result was a professional, funny and highly entertaining show that I would recommend to all of my constituents.”
 
Following this year’s success, Basildon Council are inviting people to vote on what they would like to see next year. To register your vote for either Mother Goose, Sleeping Beauty or Snow White,  please emailtowngate@basildon.gov.uk or write to Towngate Theatre, St Martins Square, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DL.
 
In the meantime, Peter Pan will be at the TownGate Theatre until the 6th January.