Head out on the high seas for Gala’s
pirate pantomime
Robinson Crusoe
Tickets are selling fast for
the Gala Theatre’s latest pantomime – the swashbuckling tale of Robinson
Crusoe.
The team behind Gala’s
biggest-selling pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which saw over 33,000 people
flock to 69 performances in 2016/17, are returning to put on this year’s show.
Neil Armstrong and Paul
Hartley are again on board to write, direct and star in the pantomime, which
takes place from Thursday 23rd November 2017 to Saturday 6th January 2018 .
“This will be my tenth year
playing the baddie at the Gala and my third year writing and directing with Paul,”
said Neil, who plays Captain Horatio Blackheart.
“We loved the idea of writing
a piratical adventure this year so both thought Robinson Crusoe was a good bet.
“We've got mermaids, tropical
parrots and hopefully a new twist on Man Friday – the set looks amazing
and this year we have a wonderful special effects team working alongside us, so
all aboard and bring on the pirates!
“The Durham
Gateshead-born Jamie Brown,
who played the leading role in this year’s Mr Corvan’s Music Hall, will take on
the role of Robinson as he sets off an adventure to find the fabled Pearl of
Wisdom.
He will be joined on his
quest by his brother Billy Bob, played by Paul, his mother Dame Connie Crusoe
(Paul Dunn) as well as the feisty Polly Perkins – played by Sunderland actress
Lauren Waine.
Along the way they will meet
goddess of the sea Aqua Marina, played by Jayne Mackenzie, as they try to reach
safer shores.
“This is my 15th panto year
at the Gala and the last three have been the most fun. We've seen audience
figures grow year on year and have gained a loyal following,” said Neil’s
fellow director Paul.
“We've been excited to share the
stage with great performers from Gala Theatre Stage School
“This year’s show is the
biggest we've attempted and we are thrilled to be heading out on the high
seas.”
Robin Byers, Durham County
Council’s manager for the Gala Theatre, said: “Gala’s pantomime is something we are hugely proud of. This will be the
tenth year of producing our own pantomime, and we think we’ve developed the
show into one of the best in the region. Using actors and characters that our
audiences love, the right amount of local flavour, and traditional stories told
in a hilarious way, we are delighted that our audience return year after year
in greater numbers. The feedback we get is overwhelmingly positive, and as long
as people are enjoying what we do, we’ll keep on enjoying making the shows”.
Tickets:
Tickets cost between £6 and
£17 with family tickets also available.
A BSL interpreted performance
will take place on Sunday, 10 December, while a relaxed performance for people
with autism and their families will take place on Thursday, 14 December.
For
tickets visit www.galadurham.co.uk or
call the box office on 03000 266 600.
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