Toil and trouble

The Witches of Bourne End is being staged at the Bourne End Community Centre and rehearsals are well underway for performances on Saturday, Sunday and January 26.

Director Brenda Phelps, of Telston Close, has taken a leaf out of JK Rowling’s book and penned a comical tale of three witches who are banished to Bourne End by the council of good fairies. The witches hatch a series of madcap escape plans but for all their hubble bubble toil and trouble they are eventually turned good by the wonderful people of Bourne End.

Inspired by the audience reaction to the Forum Player’s spring play The Wizard of Oz, Mrs Phelps could not wait to write a story which focused on some wicked witches.

“Everyone loved the witches last year and I enjoy writing about them,” she said.

“The audience can hiss and boo when they are bad and then cheer when they are transformed into nice characters. It seemed like a perfect scenario for a pantomime.”

The traditional pantomime story is set in the fantasy world of Bourne End, and follows the story of glamorous man-eater Dandruff, played by Sam Nicklen and fellow witches Verruca and Gangrene, played by Linda Perry and Emily Walters.

They meet a variety of oddball characters during their enforced stay including the nice but dim Earl of Telston, Dame Rhubarb Crumble, and Sir Marlow Bottom, who falls head over heals in love with Dandruff.

“There are loads of little sub plots for the audience to follow and it should be tremendous fun,” said the director.

“My husband Stephen plays the dame and he loves dressing up and playing roles which are over the top.”

While the pantomime is aimed at under 10-year-olds there is plenty for adults to enjoy. There is a large chorus, plenty of songs, and many opportunities for children to scream ‘she’s behind you’ as the plot unfolds. And before the final curtain all the children in the audience are invited on stage to sing with the cast members.

“The rehearsals have gone smoothly so far and I can’t wait for the first night.” said Mrs Phelps.

“My husband has done an excellent job organising the backstage work and promoting the play.

“I have all the crazy ideas and I rely on him to make it all possible.”

The Witches of Bourne End will be performed on Saturday, January 19 at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, Sunday, January 20 at 2.30pm, and on Saturday, January 26, there are two performances, at 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

Tickets are available from Bourne End library (next door to the community centre) or by calling 01628 523291.