Croyde Pantomime can return with your help – oh yes it can!

Was there a Croyde Pantomime this year? Oh no there wasn’t! But the annual show has been sorely missed and so an appeal has been launched to bring the popular community panto back to the village early next year.

Members of the original Croyde Players are calling for new blood of all ages to come forward and restart the group, both to perform on stage but also in a wide range of support roles from costumes and props to marketing and production.

An open event is being hosted at Croyde Village Hall on Saturday, July 5 from 12noon until 2pm, for anyone interested to go along and find out more about becoming part of the panto and what is involved.

It is an opportunity to chat to past and present performers and back stage crew, plus tea, cakes and light refreshments will be served.

The last Croyde Pantomime was Red Riding Hood in February 2024 and as ever it was a hugely popular show, with the community welcoming a chance to shake off the winter blues with a riotous and fun evening out featuring song, dance and comedy.

Unfortunately for various reasons it was not possible to stage a new show earlier this year but now a few fairy godmothers (and fathers) are dusting off their panto skills to bring the magic back to Croyde.

Above: People of all ages enjoy taking part in the annual Croyde Pantomime, including this production of Cinderella in 2023. Credit: Croyde Players

Philip Milton, a longstanding member of the group who has performed all manner of roles from the dame to the evil emperor in Aladdin, said they were keen to find new blood of all ages to take part.

He said: “The open event will be an introduction to those who can commit to helping and for prospective performers, twice weekly rehearsals from September - typically an evening and Sunday afternoons - and then two weekends of performances likely at the end of January or early February. 

“We don’t want ‘wilting fairies’ but need those who can commit to being at most of the rehearsals, which includes children taking part and of course parents to ferry them as necessary.

“Novices are welcome too; it’s not the divas we want but those prepared to commit and we’ll definitely find them roles! Family engagement is welcome.”

Above: Philip Milton, left, as the Emperor in the Croyde Panto of Aladdin in 2022. Credit: Croyde Players

As well as those on stage, the panto needs a wide range of adult support roles to help with costumes, production, promotion and marketing, props, stage management, assistance direction, make-up and choreography. Support roles would not need to attend regular rehearsals.

The main thing the group needs is commitment from people willing to attend regular rehearsals but also a guarantee they will be available for the performance dates early in 2026.

Traditionally the pantomime has a run of six shows across two weekends, with a Friday and Saturday evening performance plus a Saturday matinee.

Philip added: “We know that not everyone out there is a shrinking violet and so we hope that we can flush you out to come and join us! 

“Without help, then sadly there won’t be a performance. You don’t have to have an Oscar to join us – we’ll encourage you all the way through but we need enthusiasm to participate, to help and a commitment to the group.”

The open event is on Saturday, July 5 from 12noon to 2pm at Croyde Village Hall, but if you would like to express an interest in the meantime or find out more, please email info@trimstone.co.uk.