The full cast of Beauty and the Beast at the initial script read through.
Camera IconThe full cast of Beauty and the Beast at the initial script read through. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ellenbrook Theatre Company stages Beauty and the Beast the Pantomime

Staff WriterThe Advocate

THE Ellenbrook Theatre Company will celebrate its 10th anniversary with performances of Beauty and the Beast the Pantomime this month.

The company formed in 2008, led by Carol and Brian Harris, to give the Ellenbrook community opportunities to be involved on or offstage at the performing arts centre.

After receiving $500 from the Ellenbrook Cultural Foundation, the non-profit theatre company became incorporated allowing it to apply for funding from the City of Swan.

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Chairman Tony Perry said the cast and crew members’ ages ranged from seven to more than 70.

The enthusiastic reception given to the company’s first one act play, Too Many Doctors, demonstrated the community interest in live theatre, however the company has since become known best for its pantomimes.

The first was Scrooge A Christmas Carol, staged at the Woodlake Amphitheatre, and the company has performed another eight pantomimes in the past decade, traditionally in December with audiences booing the ‘baddies’ and cheering the ‘heroes’.

Emily Schinkel and Peter Giles.
Camera IconEmily Schinkel and Peter Giles. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The company also stages mid-year productions, which can take the form of thrillers, murder mysteries or comedies with varying cast sizes.

Perry is directing this year’s 10th anniversary production of Beauty and The Beast The Pantomime, which has a cast of 55 and a crew of 15, making it one of the company’s largest shows.

Acknowledging the growing popularity of pantomimes, Perry said they would perform 10 shows between December 15 and 23, the longest run attempted by the company.

“It takes many hours of team work, from dedicated volunteers to attend rehearsals, design and make costumes, plan lighting, sound and special effects, to developing marketing literature, build and paint sets and props to make these shows come to life,” he said.

“Ellenbrook Theatre Company is fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate community within the area to get involved and support the shows.

“It is this enthusiasm and commitment that has allowed the Ellenbrook Theatre Company to grow over the past 10 years to what it is today.”

Beauty and The Beast The Pantomime performances will start 2.30pm and 7.30pm on December 15, 16, 22 and 23, and 7.30pm on December 20.

Book tickets via www.trybooking.com.