Buttons' Dream: A New Pantomime
17-19 Jan
Panto time is coming… Oh yes it is!
Hot on the heels of their autumn production Entertaining Angels, industrious Twyford Drama are already hard at work dreaming up magical sets, enchanting dances, sensational costumes and creative performances for their annual January pantomime spectacular. Only question is: have you booked your tickets yet?
This pantomime season sees Twyford Drama take to the stage with a brand new panto that really is like no other: “Buttons’ Dream”… When Buttons has a bad dream one night, he doesn’t begin to imagine that this could be the start of the end! With Pantoland crumbling into a downward spiral of never-ending baddy badness, will the goodies be able to save the day?
Traditional pantomime meets the present day with all the best time-honoured panto elements and a good dash of originality. Jam-packed with characters from all your favourite pantomimes, a delightful medley of music to entertain all ages, comedy capers, creepy caves, a big red button, thigh slaps galore and of course the odd custard pie or two, “Buttons’ Dream” is a real pantomime for our time with something for everyone and all the usual Twyford magic. You don’t want to miss it!
This wonderful new fable was conceived by Twyford Drama’s Emma Cianchi, who will also be directing the pantomime, having previously co-directed the group’s production of “The Jungle Book” in 2020. After treading the boards numerous times in past Twyford pantomimes, Emma brings all of her panto experience to bear to create an uplifting, fun-filled story for modern audiences.
This ambitious and lively production makes its world premiere in January 2025, with performances at 7.45pm on Friday 17th, 2pm and 7pm on Saturday 18th, and 2pm on Sunday 19th.
Update from the director
As the Christmas season approaches, Twyford Drama’s panto preparations are coming along like a dream! The whole “Buttons’ Dream” team is diving into this brand new pantomime with gusto, working hard to bring writer and director Emma Cianchi’s exciting vision to life.
With a plethora of traditional pantomime characters and fun modern additions, the enthusiastic and experienced cast is masterfully getting to grips with their varied roles, from princesses to life coaches, baddies to living statues, injecting their own personalities along with a whole lot of typical panto overacting!
The chorus are busy singing their hearts out and dancing their socks off to a host of creatively choreographed upbeat numbers, while the terrific costume team is labouring away cutting and sewing, crafting incredible outfits for our merry band of performers.
Tasked with creating ‘Pantoland’ on the Loddon Hall stage, the behind-the-scenes experts are also hard at work; Twyford Drama’s Sunday morning set building sessions are seeing a flurry of activity with beautiful backdrops being painted, impressive set pieces carefully constructed and vital props styled and gathered.
There’s no rest for the sound and lighting technicians either, with sound effects being expertly edited and lighting schemes deftly designed for each scene.
All that’s left is for you to book your tickets, get practising your boos and hisses and join us on this enchanting adventure!
- Emma Cianchi (director and script writer)
