A THRIVING theatre company in Kingsley is kicking off its golden anniversary year with an original panto by its very own musical director.
Kingsley Players are celebrating a remarkable 50 years of community theatre, launching its 2026 season with a fantastic, traditional pantomime, The Magic Wishing Well, by the group’s own musical director, Arnold Ashbrook.
Incompetent witch, Grizelda Graddlestick, is joined in a mad plot by a host of eccentric characters, including three lost children, two naughty gangsters, a couple of ugly sisters, elves, and Old King Cole, who sings remarkably like Elvis Presley.
Thankfully, three young heroes save the day through the magic of song and dance.
The Kingsley stage will once again be filled with enthusiastic, talented adults and children, taking the audience on a magical journey to Fairyland for five performances at the end of January.
Jo Oultram, panto director and chair of Kingsley Players, said: “A panto by our very own musical director gives us the perfect start to a wonderful golden year of special celebrations.
“Over the last half century, our award-winning theatre group has staged dozens of top plays, musicals and pantos, as well as many much-loved, fund-raising tours of the BBC hit comedy, Allo Allo.
“Ten years ago, we launched our own successful youth theatre to provide more drama opportunities for local youngsters, and they will be playing an active role this year, staging three productions, including Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Matilda the Musical.
“And for adults, we have a special treat in store as we head to the World War One trenches and a special stage version of the hit BBC comedy Blackadder Goes Forth in May.
“Please come and support us.”
The Magic Wishing Well, by William Arnold Ashbrook, will be on stage at Kingsley Theatre in Kingsley Community Centre, from Wednesday, January 28, to Saturday, January 31, at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.
Tickets cost £12, with £8 tickets available for students/children.
These can be booked online at www.kingsleyplayers.co.uk or by ringing the box office on 07724 892154.
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