Pantomime fun for the whole family

The cast of Red Riding Hood dominated by WHS students: front left, Konrad Shaw and Brylee Noble and Millie Manning (2nd to right) and Ben Clow (right, former student)
PHOTO/STUART MUNRO. 

Wanganui Repertory Theatre is bringing a traditional pantomime to Whanganui in time for Christmas.

Red Riding Hood, written by Roger Hall, will open at Repertory on December 9.

Director Colin Hedivan said the show promised all the features of a traditional English pantomime - quirky songs and dances, larger than life characters, and an "old dame" played by a man - but with a distinctly Kiwi twist.

"It's a lot of fun. It's aimed at children, but there's a layer of humour that only adults would get," Mr Hedivan said.

Red Riding Hood was one of a series of pantomimes that Roger Hall wrote.

"It's something a bit different for Whanganui audiences, who are not used to the traditional pantomime."

Mr Hedivan said Red Riding Hood had a small cast of eight, with most of those young people.

"My goal was to bring a more youthful element to Repertory, which I feel has been missing over the past few years," he said.

Choreographer Bridget Rison said being involved in the show had been a lot of fun.

"The themes lend themselves well to choreography, and there are lots of comic elements in them as well."

Ms Rison said she had aimed for variety in the dances: "Each one has a different vibe to it," she said.

Red Riding Hood will open at Repertory Theatre in Ridgway St on December 9 and run until December 18. There will be 2pm matinee shows in the weekends, and 6.30pm shows on week nights.

Tickets are $20 for adults and children $10. Bookings can be made through the Royal Wanganui Opera House, and door sales will also be available.

By Anne-Marie McDonald
Wanganui Chronicle