Stage set for panto to bring early cheer

• Author: Ilona Hanne
• Published date: 28 September 2022
• Publication title: Stratford Press

Santa’s Last Stand is a fun pantomime written by Judi Billcliff, a Hamilton/ Kirikiriroa-based poet and author

Donna says the Stratford on Stage committee was keen to put on another show written by Judi, after the success of her play Cinderfella that the theatre company put on in April last year.

“Judi’s plays are a lot of fun and appeal to a wide range of people.

“She is incredibly supportive and made the effort to attend Cinderfella with her husband, not just once but twice. She joined the cast, crew and family members for the final night party, which was amazing for all concerned.

“Sadly, as much as she wanted to attend this show, she is unable to as she will be in the middle of a tour of her one-woman show.”

With Christmas just around the corner (it’s just 88 days away now), a Christmas-themed show was the perfect pick, says Donna.

“If there’s one thing everyone loves it’s Christmas pantomimes. They are a Christmas tradition and harmless fun for all the family. Audience participation is encouraged, and they always have a happy ending. ”

Santa’s Last Stand features familiar Christmas characters, including the jolly man in red himself, as well as a tea-addicted Mrs Claus, elves, a fairy and some rather unusual reindeer. An evil landlord and his little sidekick provide the classic pantomime villains along with plenty of humour, while some cute singing mice and a sleepy cat are the finishing touches to a lineup of characters audiences of all ages will love.

When it came to casting the show, Donna says there were plenty of young actors making the director’s “nice” list.

“We were...