Castlemaine Theatre Company is giving the original tale of Peter Pan a contemporary makeover with a uniquely Castlemaine twist for its upcoming pantomime production – Peter Panto.
Family friendly but with a script that caters for adult audiences, it’s scheduled to open at the Phee Broadway Theatre in late November with CTC now inviting anyone interested in securing a role to get along to the audition this Sunday, August 11.
In keeping with the requirements of traditional pantomime a dame (in drag) is essential and director Kate Stones says she has someone specific in mind – but is also keeping an open mind on this front.
“There might be an excellent, talented dame out there that I don’t know about,” laughs Kate who’s been hard at work adapting the original Pan text for its Castlemaine reinvention.
“I’m looking for more input from creative minds and taking the approach that this is something we build together,” she says.
“It’s a bit funny, a bit edgy. It’ll be family friendly while there’ll also be a bit in there for the adults.
“It’s a beautiful story but the original is a bit anachronistic, a bit sexist and a bit racist in our current climate.”
The adaptation means the Redskins of J. M. Barrie’s original script will be transformed into members of Castlemaine’s local Magpies footy club while the pirates will be an all-woman crew of unruly buccaneers.
Wendy will be a child prodigy animal psychologist and the story will open in the youth psych ward of Castlemaine Hospital.
CTC’s Clare Shamier also notes that Peter Panto will ensure the local theatre company sees out its big 60th birthday year with a blast.
“It’s a big year, being 60, so we’re going to be throwing our birthday party, a sexy sci-fi bacchanal at the Bridge Hotel on August 17 and we’ve got amazing local band The Seducaphones playing.
“People can get tickets ($10) online via the Bridge booking on Facebook, otherwise at the door. I’d say they’ll sell out fast.”
Kate says CTC also wants anyone with tales, memories or memorabilia relating to CTC over its past six decades to get in contact, with more info about this and next Sunday’s audition available from Kate on 0431 998 707 or Clare on 0468 489 365.
