The award-winning Plested Brown and Wilsher are back with another #NewburyPanto extravaganza, with the enchanting and dazzling Dick Whittington.
Join Dick on a pantomime adventure as he journeys from Newburyshire to London with his loyal, furry friend on a quest to seek fame and fortune. But will the streets really be paved with gold?
Can Dick conquer the evil King Rat? And will he save the city of London? You’ll have to find out for yourselves!
Ahead of the run we sat down with cast members Kai Harris who will play Dick Whittington and Shannon Bourne as Alice Fitzwarren.
How have you been preparing ahead of the run?
Kai: Ahead of the rehearsals, I like to be as prepared as I can and really have my idea of the character down! Since receiving the script, I’ve been reading through it as much as I can and finding creative ways of delivering lines, changing my intentions and overall, just having fun with it!
Shannon: It’s been an exciting time prepping for this run. Learning all of the wonderful vocal arrangements and getting to know this crazy and hilarious script. I’ve been in Becoming Nancy in Birmingham prior to coming to the Corn Exchange so I’ve been making the most of quiet times in my dressing room where I can put the tracks on my speaker and have a sing along while I get ready for shows.
What are you most looking forward to about the run?
Kai: I think I’m most looking forward to working with the amazing team and cast we have, to put on a great show for everyone! I think the rehearsals are what I’m most looking forward to as that’s where it all comes together before bringing it to the stage.
Shannon: I’ve never done a pantomime before so I’m most looking forward to the audience interaction, especially the children because their joy is unmatched in the festive season!
How much of you do you see in your character?
Kai: Ahead of the rehearsals, I like to be as prepared as I can and really have my idea of the character down! Since receiving the script, I’ve been reading through it as much as I can and finding creative ways of delivering lines, changing my intentions and overall, just having fun with it!
Shannon: It’s been an exciting time prepping for this run. Learning all of the wonderful vocal arrangements and getting to know this crazy and hilarious script. I’ve been in Becoming Nancy in Birmingham prior to coming to the Corn Exchange so I’ve been making the most of quiet times in my dressing room where I can put the tracks on my speaker and have a sing along while I get ready for shows.
What are you most looking forward to about the run?
Kai: I think I’m most looking forward to working with the amazing team and cast we have, to put on a great show for everyone! I think the rehearsals are what I’m most looking forward to as that’s where it all comes together before bringing it to the stage.
Shannon: I’ve never done a pantomime before so I’m most looking forward to the audience interaction, especially the children because their joy is unmatched in the festive season!
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| Kai Harris |
Kai: Since graduating drama school and moving to London myself, the idea that Dick also wants to go there where “all the streets are paved with gold” couldn't be better. He’s full of energy and I can’t wait to show that side of me on the stage!
What are your own pantomime memories?
Kai: My best pantomime memory is when we had to make our own pantomime at college through COVID. Due to the restrictions, we couldn’t perform on stage and had to adhere to the “bubbles” we were in. Despite this, we managed to film it all just before lockdown and I played Captain Hook! It was great to play around with the character and find creative ways of doing a Panto whilst social distancing!
Shannon: I remember mostly experiencing pantomimes at primary school. I always remember being so excited for the theatre to come to school, it was so magical for me. I really hope to bring all the fun, vibrant energy that I felt when I watched panto as a kid to all the children that see our show.
When did you know you wanted to perform and how did you approach doing so?
Kai: I first knew I wanted to perform when I did my first ever performance playing Gavroche in Les Miserables. It was actually my drama teacher, Tracey Bell, who pushed me to do it and I’d have no idea where I would be today if it wasn’t for her believing in me! Growing up I took dance classes and played Billy in Billy Elliott which is when I knew I wanted to peruse it as my career, which leads me to today - making my professional debut as Dick!
Shannon: Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to sing and dance. I started going to a performing arts Saturday school when I was 4 and I’ve loved it ever since. I decided to pursue performing professionally and so I applied for drama schools and got a place at Trinity Laban. From there I fell even more in love with theatre as a form of expression and entertainment. So now, with the help of my wonderful agent EJC Management I am lucky enough to do what I love.
What gives you inspiration?
Kai: I think the fact that I love what I do is always a constant inspiration and the privilege I have to be in such a good industry is always a bonus! I like being creative whether it’s studying new roles, learning new songs, playing the piano, taking classes or meeting like minded people that all share the same passion.
Shannon: I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with. Forming connections is a huge point of inspiration for me. Listening, watching and sharing with other performers is a great way for me to feel inspired and excited about my own journey.
What are your own pantomime memories?
Kai: My best pantomime memory is when we had to make our own pantomime at college through COVID. Due to the restrictions, we couldn’t perform on stage and had to adhere to the “bubbles” we were in. Despite this, we managed to film it all just before lockdown and I played Captain Hook! It was great to play around with the character and find creative ways of doing a Panto whilst social distancing!
Shannon: I remember mostly experiencing pantomimes at primary school. I always remember being so excited for the theatre to come to school, it was so magical for me. I really hope to bring all the fun, vibrant energy that I felt when I watched panto as a kid to all the children that see our show.
When did you know you wanted to perform and how did you approach doing so?
Kai: I first knew I wanted to perform when I did my first ever performance playing Gavroche in Les Miserables. It was actually my drama teacher, Tracey Bell, who pushed me to do it and I’d have no idea where I would be today if it wasn’t for her believing in me! Growing up I took dance classes and played Billy in Billy Elliott which is when I knew I wanted to peruse it as my career, which leads me to today - making my professional debut as Dick!
Shannon: Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to sing and dance. I started going to a performing arts Saturday school when I was 4 and I’ve loved it ever since. I decided to pursue performing professionally and so I applied for drama schools and got a place at Trinity Laban. From there I fell even more in love with theatre as a form of expression and entertainment. So now, with the help of my wonderful agent EJC Management I am lucky enough to do what I love.
What gives you inspiration?
Kai: I think the fact that I love what I do is always a constant inspiration and the privilege I have to be in such a good industry is always a bonus! I like being creative whether it’s studying new roles, learning new songs, playing the piano, taking classes or meeting like minded people that all share the same passion.
Shannon: I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with. Forming connections is a huge point of inspiration for me. Listening, watching and sharing with other performers is a great way for me to feel inspired and excited about my own journey.
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| Shannon Bourne |
What do you hope an audience feels while watching Dick Whittington?
Shannon: hope the audience feels uplifted and joyous whilst watching Dick Whittington.
Kai: I hope the audience just come and have a great time! Christmas is all about spending time with those you love, your family and giving to those who need it most. I hope Dick Whittington brings your family together, even if it’s just for a few hours. You can sit down, have a laugh and feel all festive.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Shannon: Hilarious, energetic and heartfelt
Kai: Chucklesome, festive and fun.
Where and when can audiences see the show?
Audiences can come and watch the show at the Corn Exchange Newbury from Friday 29th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025. You can purchase tickets at www.cornexchangenew.com or call the Box Office on 01635 522733.
Shannon: If you’d like to follow my journey I post mostly on Instagram @shannonbourne_ , TikTok and YouTube both @theshannonlife
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