Margaret River HEART, Media Release, 23 February 2021
It’s back to treading the boards for the Margaret River Theatre Group, with the announcement of their latest pantomime production coming to Margaret River HEART in March.
After 12 months of uncertainty and with the local entertainment and arts community put on a very unwanted pause, the group is ready to return to the stage with ‘Alice in Pantoland’.
“I was in love with this script from the very first read,” said director Fran Gronow.
“There are so many laugh out loud moments, and having such a wide range of those traditional pantomime-fairytale characters as part of the story makes for a really familiar but fresh experience for our
audience.”
Ms Gronow said the story of Alice’s journey through Pantoland – where she encounters Goodies, Baddies and a merry band of friendly helpers to save the day – was a new take on a tried and true theatre favourite.
“A pantomime usually follows a traditional fairytale plotline to some degree, whereas Alice in Pantoland really is the story of what goes on after the audience has left and all those famous pantomime characters, like pirates and witches and fairies, go back to their hometowns.”
Alice in Pantoland also takes plenty of opportunities to put a local flavour on things.
“There are heaps of local references in there, jokes about people and places in and around Margaret River which always adds to the fun,” said Ms Gronow.
“We’ve also got a really wonderful cast of all local performers – from primary school aged kids all the way through to grown ups – dancing, singing and acting.
“From those early days of workshopping the script to now seeing our cast and crew bring this show to life, it is so exciting and we should be very proud of the talent in the South West.
“I hope this production brings laughter and joy to everyone who sees it, especially during these complicated times, we all need a little bit of joy and a regular reminder that love does indeed conquer all.”
The not for profit theatre group, run by a small but dedicated group of volunteers, usually produces a number of theatre and musical shows across the year, but with COVID-19 closing venues and restricting attendance numbers, the MRTG was limited to just their annual quiz night fundraiser.
“It’s been a challenging year for us, that’s for sure,” said MRTG President Jaime Werren.
“We moved into our very first official headquarters at almost the same time we were forced to stop the activities that help us pay for that space,” she said.
“Our shows help us generate the revenue to continue producing future plays, musicals and cabarets, as well as providing workshops and other entertainment to the community.”
Ms Werren said the MRTG would continue to look for ways to produce community-driven entertainment well into the future.
“We are grateful to Margaret River HEART for supporting us with their community grant program, as well as our ever-present members and friends who give their time and resources so generously.
“COVID-19 put our plans for the year out a little, but it won’t stop our momentum, or our desire to give back to our community who supports us every time with their volunteer hours, donations, and of course, those important ticket sales.”
Alice in Pantoland opens at Margaret River HEART on Thursday March 11 and runs until Sunday March 14, with two afternoon matinees on Saturday March 13 and Sunday March 14.
To purchase tickets, visit www.margaretriverheart.com.au or call the Box Office on 9780 5294.
For more information on the MRTG, visit www.mrtg.com.au
