Gabriola Players is absolutely delighted to say the panto is coming back!

We’ve got the script – Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Basketcases written by Dave Crump and adapted by Miranda Holmes, who will be back in the director’s chair. The script has everything audiences love about pantos – a villain to boo, a hero and heroine to cheer, madcap characters, lots of songs and even more laughs.

Now what we need is YOU! There are dozens of roles to fill on and off the stage. There’s a reason why what we do is called “community” theatre. It takes an island – almost – to put on a great panto.

Auditions will be held soon for more than a dozen roles – ranging from major to very small indeed. Singing roles are clearly identified in the list that follows.

If you would like to audition, but are unavailable on these dates, send an email to gabriolaplayers@gmail.com to let the director know.

REHEARSALS will begin in mid-September and are held at the Rollo Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

PERFORMANCES will be at the Community Hall December 3 to 6.

We’re not just interested in actors!

Whether it’s sound, lighting, music, costumes, make up, painting sets or being part of the stage crew who change sets or pull curtains, there are many more panto roles off stage than on. And every one of those roles is vital to a successful production.

If you are interested in being involved in a backstage role, please come along to the auditions to talk to the stage manager or producer. Or send us an email to let us know what you are interested in doing.

We know you’re out there – the folks who’ve been involved in pantos before and the folks who’ve always thought the shows look like fun. Guess what? They are fun!

It’s elementary – the only thing that’s more fun than going to see a panto is being part of a panto.

ROLES

The roles to be cast, in descending order from most (185) lines to fewest (5).

SHERLOCK HOLMES The famous detective, brilliantly clever. Should be played completely straight. Singing role.

DOCTOR WATSON Bumbling older character. He is Holmes’ comedy sidekick. He of course agrees with everything Holmes says. Singing role

NURSE MORTIMER (NURSEY) Nurse to the late Sir Charles Basketcase, a buxom matronly type, with a big personality. SINGING ROLE.

SIR HENRY BASKETCASE Somewhat befuddled, but quite brave hero. Singing role.

PROFESSOR MORIARTY – Evil criminal mastermind and the central ‘evil spirit’ character. Singing role.

SARAH STAPLER The heroine who is torn between loyalty to her villainous brother and her love for Sir Henry. Singing role.

WIGGINS Audience interacting character, head of the Baker Street Irregulars who assist Holmes in his cases.

JOHN STAPLER A slimy, vain creature, pathetically obedient to Moriarty.

ROSALIND RUFF Lifestyle coach and celebrity dog trainer, more concerned about her clothes and appearance than anything else. Singing role.

RUPERT READY Rosalind’s equally fashion-obsessed, but not so bright partner.

MRS HUDSON Holmes’ housekeeper.

BARRYMORE Morose butler to Sir Charles Basketcase.

MRS BARRYMORE Embittered housekeeper at Basketcase Hall.

SERGEANT LE STRANGE Policeman.

SELDOM Male – Mad escaped convict.

MRS ABERNATHY: Post mistress.

We are also in need of a six-person Chorus, who will be involved in four songs and take on a few small roles: London lady (1 line), Miguel (3), Diego (2), Juan (2) and Villager (no lines).