7 December 2012

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EAST Grinstead Town Council staff and councillors joined Meridian FM at the Old Court House in November to record a panto production of Dick Whittington which will be broadcast on the town radio station over Christmas.

An invited audience saw the mayor, Liz Bennett, as the eponymous hero, Council leader Norman Webster as the Alderman, Meridian FM’s Krys O’Brien playing his daughter and Town Promotions officer Simon Kerr as the evil King Rat.

“The play was based loosely on Dick Whittington, who became the Lord Mayor of London,” said Simon, “but in our version he goes on to become mayor of East Grinstead. The recording was part of Meridian FM’s Christmas celebrations and it was great fun to be involved.”

The audience were encouraged to take part by producer Colin Holden who held up signs reading “Boo” and “Hiss” at the appropriate moments in the plot.

“There was not a single fluff-up, and we had live music and sound effects to go along with the script,” said Simon. “It was great fun to be involved and we hope everyone enjoys the show when it goes out on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.”

Clockwise from left – Town Clerk Julie Holden, Town Promotions officer Simon Kerr, Town Mayor Liz Bennett and Council Leader Norman Webster give Dick Whittington an airing

Photo courtesy of the East Grinstead Observer