The Blue Light Theatre Company are getting ready for their annual pantomime.
Made up of key frontline workers, this will be the company’s eight panto, with the show having to be postponed last year due to the pandemic.
But they’re making a triumphant return with their new family pantomime Once Upon a Time – though the process hasn’t been without its setbacks.
Once Upon a Time will be at Acomb Working Men’s Club from 21-28 January 2022.
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“It’s been the most challenging one yet,” said co-founder Perri Ann Barley.
Rehearsals for Once Upon a Time originally started in August 2020 with Covid measures in place, but the show had to be postponed due to tightening restrictions at the time and safety concerns.
Challenges since then have included recasting roles due to some of the original cast no longer being available for the new dates, missed rehearsal time due to cast isolating and cast members having to work more due to NHS pressures.
Choreographer Devon Wells was expecting a baby during rehearsals but carried on teaching routines right up to her due date!
Once Upon a Time is written and devised by Perri Ann Barley, with additional material written by Steven Clark. It is directed by Craig Barley and choreographed by Devon Wells.
Hard work and determination
“Despite all that, with hard work and sheer determination, we have created a fantastic show,” said Perri.
Once Upon a Time is a “time-travelling adventure which is packed with well known songs from different eras.”
The Blue Light Theatre Company is made up of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, York District Hospital and NHS staff, as well as performers from York Stage.
The company was founded in 2012 after a fundraising event for a colleague, York paramedic Sally Waudby, who had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
After Sally sadly passed away, the Blue Light Theatre Company continued to fundraise in her memory and to raise vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and also York Against Cancer.
Since they began, the company has raised over £20,000 for charity.
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Once Upon a Time will be at Acomb Working Men’s Club on 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28 January. Performances will start at 7:30pm with a 1pm matinee on Saturday 22.
Tickets are £10 for adults, with £8 concession tickets and £5 for children. All proceeds will go to Motor Neurone Disease Association and York Against Cancer.
“The whole cast and crew have pulled together and worked really hard to produce a brilliant show,” said Perri. “Determined to not only do it for the charities but for the audiences and themselves.”
Once Upon a Time is sure to be “a much needed fun night out for all.”
For more information and to purchase your tickets, please visit the Blue Light Theatre Company website.
Tickets will also be available on the door or by calling 07933 329654.