The Wyvern Theatre is once again giving local kids the chance to take to the stage this Christmas, with open auditions now announced for the Junior Ensemble in this year’s pantomime – Sleeping Beauty.
Set to sparkle its way through the festive season, the show will star TV favourite Jenny Ryan (from The Chase), alongside David Ashley and Ben Goffe, but they won’t be the only ones in the spotlight. Young dancers aged 9 to 16 – that’s school years 4 to 11 – are being invited to audition and possibly land a place in the show’s talented young cast.
The auditions will take place at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday 13th July, and no fancy experience or glittering dance CV is needed. If your child’s got bags of energy, a bit of rhythm, and can light up a room with their smile, that’s half the battle won.
Imagine Theatre, the team behind the production, are proud to keep open auditions going across the UK – something many other producers have quietly dropped over the years. But for Steve Boden, Joint CEO at Imagine, it’s about keeping the door wide open.
“We’re not on the lookout for perfection,” he said. “We want to see character, a bit of sparkle, and someone who genuinely loves being on stage. These roles often give kids their very first taste of theatre – and for some, it’s the start of a career.”
And he’s not wrong – plenty of youngsters who started in panto have gone on to drama school, the West End, or even telly. But for most, it’s just a brilliant memory and a chance to make new mates while being part of something special.
Full audition details – including what to bring and how the day runs – can be found on the Wyvern’s website: swindontheatres.co.uk, or via imaginetheatre.co.uk.
Oh, and if you just fancy watching the magic unfold, tickets for Sleeping Beauty are on sale now – and they’ll sell like hot mince pies.
