Barkingside theatre company celebrating 30 years with new panto, Dick Whittington

Jessica Earnshaw, Reporter Wednesday, January 23, 2013
4.59 PM

A Barkingside theatre company will celebrate its 30th anniversary with its latest pantomime, Dick Whittington, which promises to have audiences laughing with its comic script and unusual take on well-known characters.

The St Augustine Players, based in Mossford Green, will revive the classic panto, which they last performed in 1986.

Chairman Antonio Tempesta, 45, who will be taking on the role of Dick Whittington’s cat, said: “My friend first got me involved in the company about 25 years ago when I started helping out backstage. When I saw all the actors performing on stage, I thought, ‘I can do that’.

“The pantomime is just fantastic and it’s great to be marking such a special year. People first started the company as a laugh and it is still going strong. Our aim is to just keep entertaining audiences with our annual pantomime and play.”

The group saw its biggest change in 2008 when it moved from St Augustine Parish hall after being based there for 25 years.

Mr Tempesta said: “Our panto differs from others in that it focuses on the comedy element, rather than the music. This year we have gone all-out, and it is safe to say my role as the cat isn’t quite what is expected by audiences.”

It is at Holy Trinity Parish hall, Mossford Green, Barkingside, from Thursday (January 31) until February 2. Tickets are £8. To book, call 020 8554 7747 or email tickets.staplayers@yahoo.co.uk.