Panto dance auditions call for youngsters

Aladdin will be staged at the new Derby Arena from Monday, December 7, to Sunday, January 3, and the dance auditions will take place at the Arena on Sunday, September 20.

Producer Paul Holman Associates will be requiring girls aged between 8 and 11 years, with a maximum height of 4’11”.

They must be at least the equivalent standard of ISTD Grade One in Ballet, Tap and Modern and following a recognised syllabus (IDTA, ISTD, RAD etc) and should also have strong performance skills.

Girls attending auditions must be accompanied and must have a valid signed parental permission form.

If they are not attending with their own parent/guardian, this form can be obtained by emailing Fiona Watson on [email protected] and must be brought along on the day.

Those auditioning must take all relevant shoes and be prepared to stay for some hours if recalled for the final shortlist.

Successful children must be available for the whole of the rehearsal and performance period and must live within a maximum of 30 minutes traveling distance of the Arena.

They must be available for rehearsals from Thursday, November 26, until the opening of the pantomime on December 7, and be available throughout the run.

Auditions will be held at Derby Arena (Infield), Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JB, on Sunday, September 20, with registration at 9am.

All successful applicants are subject to local education authority performance licensing.

Children should only attend the auditions if accompanied by an adult able to give parental consent for participation and media coverage.

However, parental consent forms may be obtained in advance to allow one adult to bring a group of children if necessary, by calling dance co-ordinator Fiona Watson on 07807 413817 or [email protected]

The all-star cast for this latest Derby LIVE pantomime sees 5ive’s Ritchie Neville taking the title role and Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton as the Slave of the Ring, who has mystical powers.

They will be joining the returning Mike ‘Squeaky’ McClean who is back for his fourth Derby pantomime in the last five years.

The popular comedian will also be lining up alongside Richard David-Caine and Joseph Elliott (from CBeebies’ Swashbuckle) as PC’s Ping and Pong.