Laughs make hard work worth the effort

The 47-strong cast, crew and helpers who put together OFTM Productions’ show Babes in the Wood will get the big day itself off, but they will be hard at work on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, entertaining crowds at the Bridge House Theatre in Warwick.

Among them will be newcomer Vicki Richards, who will juggle her job as a reporter on the BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Tim and Marion at Breakfast show to perform the role of Han, one of the Babes.

She said: “I went along to see last year’s panto and absolutely loved it. I acted as a child and worked as an entertainer on campsites in France before joining the BBC so I feel quite at home on a stage. Watching the show reminded me how much I enjoy performing so I asked if I could audition.”

Warwick-based Adam Schumacher, writer and director, always plays the Dame in the company’s pantomimes. He teaches at the Stagecoach Theatre schools in Stratford and Worcester and casts their youngsters in the chorus and in supporting roles.

He said: “While the children take part in the pantomime they couldn’t do it without the support of their parents who drive them to shows, make costumes and help out backstage.

“It really takes over Christmas for all the families involved.”

And then there are the months of rehearsals and preparations to be fitted into people’s daily routines.

But members say it is all worthwhile when they hear the applause, see the smiling faces and make audiences laugh during each performance.

Adam said: “We are one big happy family and operate rather like the old-fashioned repertory company. We all met through panto and all work extremely hard to put on the show.

“It is busy and intense at times but we laugh a lot and never fall out.”

Babes in the Wood is now showing at the Bridge House Theatre in Myton Road and is on until Monday January 3. For tickets and show times, call 776438 or go online.

l It was incorrectly stated in last week’s Courier that the show was a Bridge House Theatre production. It is in fact by OFTM Productions, which is a separate company. We apologise for the error.