Pantomime

Thank you to all those involved with this year’s pantomime. For those new to the church, there is a large group of church members and their friends and family who make up 'The Hats' - High Cross Amateur Theatrical Society. This year was our 4th production and over this time, we have raised nearly £10,000 for the church and local charities and had great fun along the way.

This year was another great success - you will all have your favourite moments, but I am always amazed at the commitment from those involved, particularly in the few weeks before the production, when some cast and back stage crew and church members give up hours and days to get it right for the night. It is also great that the church can work and come together for this event. We made a profit this year of £3300, which has enabled us to make a donation of £1200 to 'Heartline' (a charity based in Camberley supporting children with heart conditions) and a similar donation to the church. We are currently holding the remaining profit for supporting future productions and updating equipment and fixtures.

We have not yet decided on our production for next year! There is a lot of enthusiasm and commitment from those involved for doing it all over again, although a production of the size that we have done, takes an enormous amount of planning, preparation and practice - we will keep you posted.

We are sad to lose some of our cast and we wish them well in their new ventures - Phil has played a very large part in the pantomimes since we started 5 years ago. His skill and enthusiasm on stage combined with his timing and ad-libing and in bringing the audience alive (and some times to tears!) is one that we will miss. We will also miss Adrian and Kana - Adrian has played his parts with tremendous enthusiasm, great timing and hilarity and Kana has been an important member of our chorus for the last 2 years. Kana hadn't seen a pantomime before joining the cast and has enjoyed herself tremendously. We do hope that with the rest of the team and any new faces, that we will be able to continue our successes.

If you are interested in being involved with the production next year, whether on stage or behind the scenes, please have a chat with Colin Shoveller (our director) or myself. There is a great spirit within 'The Hats' team and it is a good way of getting to know new people and to be able to bring High Cross to our neighbours and friends.

Thanks,

Heather Wild, Producer.