Micheal Harrison keeps us up to date on the Panto
May 13, 2008
Whatsonstage.com North East caught up with Michael Harrison (MD of Qdos Pantomimes) for the second of our monthly updates on this years pantomime at the Theatre Royal Newcastle, just as he finished discussing the choreography for the show.
Michael , who is writing, producing and directing the Newcastle pantomime, sounded relaxed as he told us everything was on schedule for Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the Caribbean to open in December.
Since we last talked Chris Hayward has been confirmed as Mrs Crusoe (returning after being Dame in last years show) and he is already working on some spectacular costumes. While the original score for the show is nearing completion, we do know that Chris will have a fun number called Ship Shape, reminiscent of his Twanky Boogie Woogie routine in last years Aladdin.
3D will also return this year with a friendly “seahorse character” guiding Robinson Crusoe to safety after the shipwreck and guiding our hero to the Temple of Treasure.
Even though its only May sets are already being constructed and Michael has visited the Qdos wardrobe department to pick out the costumes. Meanwhile cast members are keen to see the final scripts so they can start and work on routines.
With over 40,000 tickets already sold, this pantomime is already on target to be another record breaker and already the Theatre Royal are keen to discuss the 2009/10 pantomime with Michael.
This year Qdos are producing twenty one pantomimes, with Michael being personally responsible for six and directing two, Newcastle and Plymouth. Unusually the dates mean that once Robinson Crusoe opens, Michael will have time to move to Plymouth and prepare Cinderella for opening the following week.
With the launch of national tour of the Witches of Eastwick in the next few days, which Michael is producing, there is no doubting he has his hands full but it all seem perfectly under control.
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