HUNDREDS of budding actors packed the streets around the Belgrade Theatre on Sunday as auditions for this year’s festive pantomime took place.
Queues of youngsters extended out onto Belgrade Square and down Corporation Street while waiting for their chance to shine in front of an expert panel of judges which included pantomime legend Iain Lauchlan and producer Steve Boden.
Free Radio presenters JD and Roisin – who will also be appearing in two special performances of Dick Whittington at the Belgrade this year – were on hand to offer some tips and advice before auditions started.
Ranging from age nine to 16, the youngsters were grouped according to age and height before being taught a short dance routine to perform in front of the panel.
By the end of the day the panel had selected three successful teams of eight who will get their chance to appear alongside a professional cast of actors in this year’s pantomime.
The multi-talented teams will be required to sing, dance and act in several scenes throughout the show.
Successful performers will be able to work in the shadow of returning writer, director and Belgrade panto legend Iain Lauchlan.
Iain, who has also written and directed this year’s show, is perhaps best known as the creator of the hit BBC children’s series The Tweenies which first aired in 1999.
Dick Whittington runs on the Belgrade’s Main Stage from Wednesday (November 23) until Saturday (January 7).
Tickets are priced from £11 for kids and £16 for adults.
To book, call the Belgrade Theatre Box Office on 02476 553055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk where tickets are cheaper.
