STAFF and management at Theatr Brycheiniog are rubbing their hands with glee as two top-class pantomimes are set to hit the stage at the Brecon venue.
Jermin Productions are bringing their glittering rags-to-riches tale of Dick Whittington, the orphan boy who ran away to London with his cat to seek his fortune, to the Theatr for an 11-night run from December 28-January 2.
Hot on its heels for a seven-night run from January 21-28 comes Westenders’ production of Peter Pan.
Cast members of both pantomimes were out and about during ’Brecon With Bells On’, Brecon’s late-night shopping evening and Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday, November 26.
Dick Whittington’s arrival in Brecon is the third date of a four venue tour of South and Mid Wales, which takes in Swansea, Carmarthen, Brecon and Port Talbot. It brings a first-class mix of chart topping songs, cheeky comedy, ultra local references and outstanding value for money to Brecon.
Jermin Productions is a highly successful brother and sister collaboration between Mark and Nia Jermin.
Mark and Nia bring a wealth of experience from working in theatre, with Mark accountable for a professional acting agency and over 12 stage schools in Wales and Nia having performed on stages all over the country and in the West End. The pair have worked closely with Martyn Green, the chief executive at Theatr Brycheiniog to ensure a dazzling production is in store for audiences. Mark said the invitation to local audiences to see Dick Whittingon at the Theatr extends to all.
He said: "As a strong supporter of the arts I believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience live theatre first hand and be able to experience a trip to the theatre. To do this we have added a wider range of show times, extended our run, added two more theatre venues to the tour as well as introducing ’relaxed performances’ to South Wales Theatres."
A relaxed performance, he explains, focuses on welcoming children with special needs and, crucially, their families to a performance where those needs are catered for and the production itself altered if necessary.
Tickets for the production are available throughout December as Jermin Productions recognise this is an expensive time of year and families may want to spread the cost of buying tickets. "We both know what it is like during the Christmas period, financially everyone is effected," said Nia. "We wanted to give audiences the opportunity to plan ahead and get tickets earlier. This allows people to plan and save for that special family friendly, affordable treat at Christmas and New Year."
In addition, Jermin held rehearsals in the Brecon area earlier to give local youngsters a chance of the limelight.
"We have always used local performers and it has always been a success, it not only provides the young performers with a money can’t buy experience but it also allows them to perform night after night in multiple venues."
Tickets for Dick Whittington can be brought from the Theatr Brycheiniog box office on 01874 622838. More information is available at www.brycheiniog.co.uk.