EPT have 65 years of panto behind them

FOR the last 65 years, members of Edinburgh People's Theatre have been entertaining the good folk of Edinburgh every Christmas.

This week, they continue the tradition at the Church Hill Theatre, where Goldilocks comes calling on Baby Bear, Mummy Bear and Mister Bear.

Performed in the time honoured tradition where men play women and girls play boys, EPT’s 2016 panto is written by Ron Hall and directed by Colin Peter who says, “Comedy characters to admire, a dastardly henchman and his side kick to despise, a dame to laugh at and a forest fairy to bring good spirit.

“And with villagers and dancers to carry the storyline, you are in for a treat.

“When Goldilocks runs away from the nasty henchmen she ends up in the Bears’ cottage. With porridge, chairs and beds all tested, she falls asleep until the Bears return.

“They look after poor Goldilocks until the gruesome henchmen find them snatch Baby Bear. Can Goldilocks and her pals rescue Baby Bear?

“Come and cheer the heroes, boo the baddies, laugh at the dame and applaud the villagers and dancers, as they try to rescue Baby Bear and bring a happy ending to this fairy tale.”

Flying the flag for EPT this year are Carol Bryce as Goldilocks, Helen Hammond as Mummy Bear and Gordon Braidwood as Mister Bear.

Also in the cast are Stephanie Hammond as Rory McRory, Euan McIntyre as Dame Trott, Alix Spinks as the Forest Fairy, Peter Morrison as Simple Simon, Kirsty Boyle as Marigold, Mike Brownsell as The Squire and Cameron Kirby as Igor.

Playing Baby Bear are Charlie Verity from Bonaly Primary School and Martha Thomson from Bruntsfield Primary School.

Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Thursday-18 December, various times, £12, 0333-666 3366