Christmas is still a long way off but Chris Sturmey is in pantomime mode and is already planning a Christmas cracker at Glossop's Partington Theatre.

He’s chosen Beauty and the Beast for the November 25 to December 3 run and Chris has picked a part that has made him a firm favourite with audiences at the Henry Street theatre. He aims to be the dame. 

Chris said: “Beauty and the Beast is a pantomime that Partington has done before, but it was some time ago.”

The audition for the chorus is on Sunday, June 12, at 2pm. The age range is six to 16 years old, with the potential chorus member asked to prepare a short piece to demonstrate their talent. 

Chris added: “This could include a comic reading, a poem, a song or a dance. If anyone has a song or a dance it would be good if they could come with a CD. If required, a couple of people could audition together, this might be a short sketch or a dance or a song.”

The principal audition is Sunday, June 19, again at 2pm, and will comprise of a read-through of the script, plus, subject to having the music available, a singing audition.

The characters are: Count Danton, a young aristocrat who thinks he is God’s gift; Countess de Colombe, Danton’s mother, very aristocratic, but at the same time kind; the Beast, who needs to be imposing and have a stage presence and should also be able to sing; Beauty, the principal girl, must be a strong character and be able to sing.

Other roles are: Fat French Franc, a comedy character always feeding his face; Loopy Louis, another comedy character; Doctor Panache, the father of Beauty and the village doctor, good at comedy and pathos; Dame Dora, loud, good at comedy.

Auditions are not restricted to Partington members. It is hoped to start rehearsals in September/early October.

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