Babes In The Wood & Robin Hood (Pantomime) - Ellie Wardrobe

Back in September 2007 auditions for the Pantomime in Gorleston were held. This was my fourth pantomime I'd be doing for OhYesItIs Productions. For the past three pantomimes the auditions were just held for dancers. But this year the director Desmond Barret was also looking for three girls to play the part of Jill, one of the babes and three boys from various schools to play the younger brother Peter. Twelve dancers were chosen, four for each of the three groups. The three babes chosen for Jill were; Eloise Massey, Mia Zandi and me (Ellie Wardrope).

A month later through the post we each received a script which we were expected to learn before the rehearsals in December. The first rehearsal was held at the Pavilion Theatre Gorleston. This is where we were introduced to our partners and other members of the cast. The rehearsals lasted from Monday 3rd- Saturday 9th December. The rehearsals were very tiring but were good fun!

The first show didn't start until Monday 11th, so we all had Sunday off. In my group the dancers were Katie Sturman, Emily Stannard, Lucy Stannard and Chloe Gallagher. The part of my younger brother was played by a boy called Oliver from Dell Primary School. Our 1st show was on the following Friday. I was very nervous, as acting was very new to me. But it all went well and there was plenty of participation from the audience. From then on I knew that my following eleven performances wouldn't be as nerve wrecking.

Overall playing Jill was very new, yet a great experience, but after dancing in the pantomime for the past three years i did miss it. It has been great fun doing the pantomime for the past four years. All the cast and crew look after us very well and made every show brilliant. I can't wait until next time!

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