Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 137

ENTERTAINMENT

Len 'guests'
in panto
Len Goodman, one of the judges in
the popular TV show ‘Strictly Come
Dancing’, will be making a ‘guest
appearance’ in this year’s pantomime
at Shanklin Theatre.
Len will appear as the Royal Judge
in the Cinderella production, being
portrayed to the audience on a
large screen after willingly agreeing
to feature in a series of specially

recorded video excerpts.
Cinderella is being staged by the
ever-enthusiastic Spotlight (IOW)
Ltd, who have proudly announced
that every single member of the cast
this year – with the exception of Len
– is from the Island.
Jayne Morris of Spotlight, who is
also the choreographer, said: “Our
cast of 30, including a four-piece
band, will keep
the whole family
entertained with
loads of laughs,
and plenty of
‘Oh no it isn't’
and ‘It's behind
you!’ to join in.
The production
is a fantastic
showcase for some
amazing Isle of
Wight-based
talent and
expertise.”
Several
members of
Spotlight
travelled to
London to meet
Len, whose son
James is in the
panto. Jayne
continued: “Len
is a big fan,
and wanted
to support us.
He was very

generous with his time because we
know he is very busy.”
She added: “There is a new set,
new costumes and a Pumpkin
Coach, and we are confident it will
be our best panto yet.”
Rowan Lathey takes the title
role, with James Derbyshire as
Prince Charming, Claire Moore as
the Fairy Godmother and James
Goodman as Dandini. Traci Porter
plays the Wicked Stepmother, joined
by Eltjo de Vries and Daniel Brisco
as the Ugly Sisters. Jayne plays the
Royal Advisor, while Buttons will be
played by Dominic Pope, who has
also written and directed the show.
“To be able to have Len Goodman
appearing in our panto this year is
incredible,” says Dominic.
“His excerpts will definitely add
an exciting and entertaining new
element to our show.”
Cinderella takes place at Shanklin
Theatre on December 18 and 19,
and then from December 26 to
January 2, all at 2.45pm. There
is also a 7.15pm performance on
December 28. On December 19
and 29 both Cinderella and Prince
Charming will be available for a
unique 'Meet and Greet' session
after the show.
It provides an opportunity for
children to meet and have their
photo taken on the stage with the
stars of the show, who will still be in
costume.
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