Rehearsals underway for what may be Doncaster's first post lockdown panto

The Black Cat Reborn theatre company gathered for the first time this weekend to start what they hope will lead to a festive show early in January.

Organiser of the group, Helen Evans, revealed they met up for their first rehearsal on Sunday at Auckley Parish Centre, where they are basing themselves as they start work on what they hope will be their first show post-lockdown.

Helen was delighted to see members of the group.

She said: “Everyone had a lovely time. We rehearsed in the gardens as the weather was warm. It was difficult not running up to each other for hugs but social distance was maintained.”

The group, originally based in Armthorpe, do not yet know for certain whether they will be able to stage their production of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves.

But they have said that if things don’t work out in terms of the lockdown rules, they will stream it online.

They ran online reading and auditions on a video conferencing service.

If all goes well, they hope to perform in front of an audience at the Parklands Club on Wheatley Hall Road, with tickets sold to families who can share tables at the venue. Helen says that because it is a big venue, they would be able to spread tables out. The audience would be limited to 100.

They are hoping to be able to put on their show in the first week of January 2021, and have written social distancing into their script, with jokes on the subject, so they believe it will work well on stage. Helen believes the group’s lack of overheads may help them stage the panto as there would be few financial issues.

They are also currently appealing for costumes and props, with anything that may help give an Arabian theme wanted, along with suitable costume jewellery.

Anyone who can help with Arabian, One Thousand and One Nights – themed costumes and props, email [email protected].

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