December is typically a month when 91原创 resident Ellie King is in a mad scramble to stage her latest panto for audiences in Surrey and elsewhere.
But not this year.
With the pandemic putting an end to such in-person gatherings, the managing artistic director of is among many who have shifted to an online platform for performances.
鈥淩CTC has had to cancel just about all of our 2020/2021 season, although we are hoping to bring you our spring show in 2021,鈥� King told fans of the theatre company. 鈥淲e miss all our panto peeps, especially our Youth Mentorship participants, and sadly we aren鈥檛 able to present our annual Relaxed Performance for those with intellectual and other challenges.
In King鈥檚 case, she鈥檚 unearthed for by-donation viewing on the company鈥檚 website last month, which is now being followed by the streaming of 鈥淪leeping Beauty.鈥�
鈥淚f you鈥檙e missing your annual panto visit, here is one of RCTC鈥檚 past extravaganzas bringing New Year鈥檚 fun for the whole family,鈥� King explained. 鈥淭his toe-tapping, hilariously funny, sparkling, magical, musical adventure will have you joining in no matter what age you are.鈥�
A 91原创 resident, King recently celebrated 30 years of writing and directing panto shows in the Vancouver area, and has continued the tradition with Royal Canadian Theatre Company since it was established in 2006.
For those not in the know, a pantomime (or panto) is a type of musical comedy that puts a twist on an original fairytale or other story, and is usually performed around Christmastime. Goofy jokes and visual gags are part of the family-friendly fun.
Watch as Fairy Snowdrop (Erin Marshall) and Demon Hemlock (Stephen Elcheshen) square off over Princess Rosebud鈥檚 fate (Melissa Funnell) and even hero Prince Indigo (Andie Morgan) needs some help against the evil Fairy Nightshade (Kerri Norris).
鈥淭hese characters and many more combine with spectacular costumes, sets and special effects which along with wonderful music 鈥� including four original songs,鈥� King added.
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Tickets by donation 鈥� and every penny donated will help RCTC to bring Alice in Wonderland to audiences next year.
Sleeping Beauty runs online now until Jan. 16 at
鈥淢ake sure not to miss this treat which is where community mentorship participants get to show off what they鈥檝e learned during their time with RCTC,鈥� King said.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@aldergrovestar.com
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