Pantomime spreads joy at San Sereno Retirement Village
BRYANSTON – Residents from the San Sereno Retirement Village put on a pantomime each year to raise money for charity.
Residents at the San Sereno Retirement Village put on a magical performance of Jack and the Beanstalk to raise money for charity.
The cast performed their own version of the children’s classic which included references to the Saxonwold Shebeen and a crisis at Eskom, which was averted by the fairy. Fellow residents and family members cheered and sang along as the cast entertained them.
Tragically, Pat Walls, who was going to play Jack, passed away shortly before the performance and the show was dedicated to her memory.
Allen Roberts, who played Jack’s mom Widow Trot in the pantomime said that the pantomimes began three years ago and have grown in popularity each year because they are so much fun. The cast has been diligently practising since the beginning of the year and relishes the rehearsals when they get to have a laugh with their cast mates.
Roberts, the second youngest performer, is 78 years old. The other cast members include a former school principal, a Miss Universe contestant and a music teacher.
“We’re not really as inhibited as young people because we really don’t care what we look like or what we do, we just enjoy it,” said Roberts. He added that they would be accepting donations at the door, which would be donated to Choc. Last year’s performance helped raise over R5 000 for the SPCA.
Val Lord, the music director for the pantomime, said that taking part in the pantomime each year is incredible fun. “It’s great fun during the rehearsals and a little bit stressful when the performances come. I love every minute of the rehearsal, because then it doesn’t matter if something is wrong, it’s just fun.”
Barbara Grobler, who plays the fairy, added that she loves the opportunity to act as a fairy on stage, as it feels like an alter ego. Grobler echoed Lord’s sentiments and said that while the performances can be quite nerve-wracking, the rehearsals are enjoyed by all.
This year’s pantomime was written and directed by Di Andrews and the cast included Colin Francis, Mary Evans, Marina Herbst, Tom Davies, Mark Henning, Maria Hoy and Rosemarie Andrew along with Grobler and Roberts.
Details: San Sereno Retirement Village 011 463 0486.
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/185977/san-sereno-residents-put-on-cinderella-pantomime/
