Poetry and prose in piggy pantomime

PIGS OR PRINCESSES? Cast members taking a break from practice. Back left, Erin Kingi, Alana Stewart, Kayla Joyce, Shawna Hawken. Front left, Anna Blythen, Kate Hallisey.

The Princess Piggy and her four ladies-in-waiting and the King’s assistant have been polishing up their dance moves ready for the next show opening soon at the Otamatea Repertory Theatre in Maungaturoto.

The Three Little Pigs pantomime features an eloquent pig called Hamlet who quotes Shakespeare, so it is not surprising to find a medieval dance or two – and a maypole – thrown in for good measure.

Hamlet is played by 17-year-old Alana Stewart of Waipu, her first role for ORT. Kayla Joyce, 12, of Maungaturoto plays the role of the stroppy Princess Piggy of Swine Haven. Although Kayla has many shows to her credit including Annie and Oliver, this is her first major role.

The popular pantomime was a huge hit with audiences in 2004 though this year’s production will be a little different. Writer Peter Flower has refreshed the story and many of the songs are different from the original.  

With a large cast of over forty adults and children, the pantomime is almost as complex as any major musical.  

The show opens on November 23 for a six show season and tickets are available now at www.ort.org.nz or Tony’s Lotto Shop in Maungaturoto.