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Take a break with Shawnigan Players’ pantomime Tom Thumb

Tickets are $10 for the show
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During pandemic times, nothing seemed to go as planned so, sometimes adaptation was necessary. This is one such case.

The Shawnigan Players’ annual Christmastime pantomime didn’t quite make the stage as planned in December so the group is throwing caution to the wind and tradition out the window and performing it this spring break instead.

Why not?

The Giant and his Evil Henchman, Slither Slugslime are coming to town to take all of your food! Only young Tom Thumb (played by Cora Merchant), has the courage to stand up to these miserable meanies. You will find new favourite characters in Mum Thumb (Bill Levity), The Crone (Lara Brunshot), and the Good Witch Spellena (Breann Gallacher), Jordynn Sanchez-Shuttleworth as Lucy and Svea Young as Princess Primrose.

Will the citizens lose everything to the big beastly bullies? Will tiny Tom Thumb triumph over tyranny? Will love really find a way to win?

“There’s romance, there’s a happy ending, there’s all those fairy tale elements,” Sirmul said. “There’s always a dame that’s usually played by a man, who is this mother figure. It’s a topsy turvy world where everything turns out great in the end. There’s just general wackiness.”

It’s the perfect family outing, and ideal for anyone looking to introduce their young children to the world of theatre without having to worry about them staying quiet during the show.

“It’s interactive, it’s playful, people cheer for the hero and boo for the evil-doer, and there’s lots of popular songs,” Sirmul explained. “It’s a sing-along, and then there’s often candy thrown into the audience. It’s family friendly.”

Based on fairy tales or familiar stories, the audience can follow along and still be surprised by the slapstick and physical comedy that the writers have expertly woven in.

“It’s perfect for little kids,” Sirmul. “You can shout and laugh and be noisy and you can talk to the actors so it’s really fun that way.”

This year the show is backed by pianist Mary Gallagher.

“It’s going to be really fun,” Sirmul said.

The show is being presented at the Duncan Showroom and matinees run March 20, 26 and 27 at 2 p.m. Evening performances are slated for March 19, 25 and 25 at 7 p.m. The doors will open 30 minutes before the show is set to begin.

All seats are $10 and tickets can be bought at Ten Old Books, Mason’s Store and online at panto2022.eventbrite.ca

Masks and proof of vaccination are required for entry.

The production may be shown online through the Showroom’s YouTube page. That’s still pending, however.

For more, visit www.shawniganplayers.com

For a hint of what’s the come see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhgqTWsOIZY&ab_channel=CowichanSouthArtsGuild



Sarah Simpson

About the Author: Sarah Simpson

I started my time with Black Press Media as an intern, before joining the Citizen in the summer of 2004.
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