FOLLOWING on from their sold out panto in 2023, Kingsclere Players are already planning their next festive fun filled performance.

Babes in the Wood is being written by actor Jo Batson, who recalls watching her first panto as a young girl and being completely enthralled.

“I was in love with the whole idea of the imaginative fun, laughter, music and the pure joy of panto,” explains Jo. “I told my parents, “That’s what I want to do.”

In her 20s Jo set up her own children’s theatre company with a friend, touring the country, writing and performing shows for primary aged children. Fast forward a few years, and she got the opportunity to run a Drama Club at Kingsclere Primary School where she would write ‘pantomime’ style shows for the children to perform for their friends and parents.

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Last year Jo performed in the hugely successful production of Peter Pan.

“Along the way I joked that I could write next year’s production and Babes in the Wood was born,” said Jo.

“It’s an heroic tale set in Kingsclere where we meet Robin Hood before his Nottingham days. A host of new characters will take us on a journey of fun, laughter, song, dance and frivolity.”

Auditions are open to anyone from age nine upwards who wants to be involved. These will be held on Sunday, August 4, at 1.30pm and Tuesday, August 6 at 7.30pm at the Fieldgate Centre, Kingsclere.

For anyone who can’t attend the auditions but would like to take part, email the Players on kingsclereplayersgroup@gmail.com with an audition or for more information, or go to their website kingsclereplayersgroup.com.