Stephen Hill Panto

27/08/2022

Good evening all, and we hope you’re all well. We would usually be posting details of the upcoming read-through, but unfortunately this year we’re sad to announce that there will *not* be a February 2023 production. We have found ourselves very short of crew members/adult volunteers and technical equipment recently.

Personally, I’ve made the very difficult decision to step away from producing and directing the pantomime, and a number of other crew members are also unable to continue this year. Thank you so much to Olivia, Issy, Jodi, Steve and some of the fantastic other volunteers who have helped the productions - your time, effort, commitment, passion and enthusiasm has been amazing and you will be missed so much.

HOWEVER, we still have a core enthusiastic and amazing crew who are very keen to keep pantomime going - but will need extra people to volunteer in join the crew next year.

If you could volunteer time to help with the 2023-2024 production in any way, including directing, producing, choreography, singing, chaperoning, costumes or have skills in sound/lighting, please do get in touch. If you send a message through this page or e-mail: [email protected], Zoe has kindly agreed to provide further information and details, and keep a list of potential leaders/volunteers.

And so, from me:

That’s it, I’m done, the end of my quest
Twenty years at the helm, it’s time for a rest.

To all of the chorus & cast, i’m SO proud
20 great shows, where you’ve smiled and sung loud.

So many young people, committed and skilled,
Your enthusiasm and presence has left me quite thrilled.

To all of the crew, thank you, from my heart,
Each show needs teamwork, we can’t work apart.

From costumes, scenery, lighting, dance
You’ve all been amazing, the shows you’ve enhanced.

The audiences, parents, all volunteers
When we’ve needed help, you offer, appear!

I’ll forever be grateful, thank you so much
And if you can join the crew, please do get in touch!

That’s it, from me, many memories I’ll hold dear,
The people, the fun, the Wednesday premieres.

My time may be over, and I’ve shed more than a tear,
But with extra helpers, it’ll could be back next year!

—-
Love always to the panto family,
Helen, Director/Producer (2002-2022) xx
—-

09/01/2022

*Postponed* We have decided to postpone this year’s production of “The Snow Queen”. There will no performances in 2022, and rehearsals will not re-start in January. Cast and Chorus should have been notified already.

With the omicron variant causing so many cases nationally, we have to act in a sensible and responsible manner. This decision to postpone the production has been made considering:
- the health of the cast, chorus, crew and audience members,
- the potential impact to the show itself,
- the remaining six weeks of rehearsals, and
- considering the financial impact if we proceed now, but later need to cancel the shows having incurred significant additional costs.

With the requirement to isolate if you test positive, and the increasing number of cases, there is significantly higher risk of key crew, cast and chorus members missing multiple rehearsals now (compared to in September, when we announced the readthrough and carried out the initial risk assessments). This could severely impact the show week itself, as well as the rehearsals between now and February. We have already been hit hard by Covid cases in the cast and chorus, and will not be ready to perform in February if there are further cases and/or the crew test positive. It is unfair to ask the young people to perform a show that is under rehearsed and under prepared.

We are so disappointed to be making this decision now - but we do feel it is the right decision. Even with the Government not introducing new restrictions, for the reasons above and the need to be responsible, we do feel that postponing the show is the right thing to do.

We will be updating this page over the summer with details of how next year’s production will run. At present, the intention is to perform The Snow Queen in 2023.

“As we wish you goodbye, we fight back a tear.
Take care and stay safe, we’ll see you next year.”

02/10/2021

ONE WEEK TO GO: Youth Pantomime auditions: E-mail us if you want to be in the cast/chorus! Full details (including required commitment and covid considerations) in the post below 🥳 very excited!

Stephen Hill Youth Pantomime, 2021-2022: *The Snow Queen* *Readthrough/auditions*: Sunday 10 October, 2pm – 5pm

If you would like to be in the cast or chorus for this production, please come along to the readthrough at Stephen Hill Methodist Church (Manchester Road, Crosspool, S10). We will be reading the script and then casting the parts.

*Can I just turn up to the readthrough?* If you are planning to attend, it would be very helpful if you can e-mail us (in advance) on: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year. This will help us plan for the readthrough.

*What if I’m not free on 10 October but want to be in the cast/chorus?* Please let us know in advance by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year, and explaining that you can’t attend but wish to be considered for the cast or chorus. We can then discuss options. It is critical that you e-mail before 10 October if you cannot attend the readthrough, but wish to be considered for a part.

If you have any covid symptoms on the day of the readthrough, please e-mail us ASAP in the morning to let us know if you would like to be considered for a part. Please do not attend if you have any covid symptoms.

*Who can take part?* Anyone aged between 9 and 18 is welcome. All cast and chorus members must have had their 9th birthday before 1 September 2021.

*What is the commitment?* Rehearsals are every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon. You MUST be able to commit to these. The cast start rehearsing on both Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons immediately following the readthrough; and the chorus will start Sunday rehearsals in November, and then will rehearse on both Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons from the beginning of January.

Please only attend the readthrough if you can commit to pantomime rehearsals on Sundays and Thursdays. We appreciate that over the past 18 months, contact with family, the chance to get away for weekends and the ability to plan activities has been severely limited. However, all the volunteer crew have committed to rehearsals for this production (and making arrangements to avoid family plans on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons) and if the production is to go ahead, we need the same commitment from the cast/chorus.

If you have plans between now and February on Thursday evenings/Sunday afternoons – or are likely to make plans, for example in the run up to Christmas - please don’t take a place in the cast or chorus.

If you would like more information about rehearsals, or have any questions/queries, please e-mail us on: [email protected]

*What experience do I need?* All you need is commitment and enthusiasm. Being part of the cast and chorus will in will involve acting/stage work, dancing and singing (but no solos, don’t worry!). Provided you’re happy to learn, can commit to being involved and will put all your energy into your performance (and hopefully have fun at the same time!), absolutely no experience is necessary!

*What is the cost?* There are no fees or financial costs associated with being part of the cast or chorus.

*When will the show be performed?* The show dates are in February half term holiday (2022).

*What about Covid?* Our planning has considered the risk of covid very carefully. We are working with the Church to keep the inside space as clean and safe as possible. We will update and revise our covid risk assessment and guidance to parents, young people and crew as and when necessary. We will also comply at all times with both Government guidance and Methodist guidance, and will ultimately make decisions on what we think the right thing to do is.

Therefore, in the event that we believe that rehearsals cannot safely take place, the production/rehearsals may need to be halted. Whilst we obviously hope this doesn’t happen, we do need everyone taking part to be aware of this risk.

It is also vital that everyone involved understands that we cannot practice social distancing when on the stage and rehearsing. Similarly, during the show week, the audience will not be socially distanced. Please consider this carefully when deciding whether to be a part of the production. If social distancing becomes mandatory – or advised – we will no longer be able rehearse.

25/09/2021

E-mail us to let us know you’re coming along to the readthrough! Two weeks to go! Super exciting, cannot wait to be back on stage again! Full details in the post below 🥳

Stephen Hill Youth Pantomime, 2021-2022: *The Snow Queen* *Readthrough/auditions*: Sunday 10 October, 2pm – 5pm

If you would like to be in the cast or chorus for this production, please come along to the readthrough at Stephen Hill Methodist Church (Manchester Road, Crosspool, S10). We will be reading the script and then casting the parts.

*Can I just turn up to the readthrough?* If you are planning to attend, it would be very helpful if you can e-mail us (in advance) on: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year. This will help us plan for the readthrough.

*What if I’m not free on 10 October but want to be in the cast/chorus?* Please let us know in advance by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year, and explaining that you can’t attend but wish to be considered for the cast or chorus. We can then discuss options. It is critical that you e-mail before 10 October if you cannot attend the readthrough, but wish to be considered for a part.

If you have any covid symptoms on the day of the readthrough, please e-mail us ASAP in the morning to let us know if you would like to be considered for a part. Please do not attend if you have any covid symptoms.

*Who can take part?* Anyone aged between 9 and 18 is welcome. All cast and chorus members must have had their 9th birthday before 1 September 2021.

*What is the commitment?* Rehearsals are every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon. You MUST be able to commit to these. The cast start rehearsing on both Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons immediately following the readthrough; and the chorus will start Sunday rehearsals in November, and then will rehearse on both Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons from the beginning of January.

Please only attend the readthrough if you can commit to pantomime rehearsals on Sundays and Thursdays. We appreciate that over the past 18 months, contact with family, the chance to get away for weekends and the ability to plan activities has been severely limited. However, all the volunteer crew have committed to rehearsals for this production (and making arrangements to avoid family plans on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons) and if the production is to go ahead, we need the same commitment from the cast/chorus.

If you have plans between now and February on Thursday evenings/Sunday afternoons – or are likely to make plans, for example in the run up to Christmas - please don’t take a place in the cast or chorus.

If you would like more information about rehearsals, or have any questions/queries, please e-mail us on: [email protected]

*What experience do I need?* All you need is commitment and enthusiasm. Being part of the cast and chorus will in will involve acting/stage work, dancing and singing (but no solos, don’t worry!). Provided you’re happy to learn, can commit to being involved and will put all your energy into your performance (and hopefully have fun at the same time!), absolutely no experience is necessary!

*What is the cost?* There are no fees or financial costs associated with being part of the cast or chorus.

*When will the show be performed?* The show dates are in February half term holiday (2022).

*What about Covid?* Our planning has considered the risk of covid very carefully. We are working with the Church to keep the inside space as clean and safe as possible. We will update and revise our covid risk assessment and guidance to parents, young people and crew as and when necessary. We will also comply at all times with both Government guidance and Methodist guidance, and will ultimately make decisions on what we think the right thing to do is.

Therefore, in the event that we believe that rehearsals cannot safely take place, the production/rehearsals may need to be halted. Whilst we obviously hope this doesn’t happen, we do need everyone taking part to be aware of this risk.

It is also vital that everyone involved understands that we cannot practice social distancing when on the stage and rehearsing. Similarly, during the show week, the audience will not be socially distanced. Please consider this carefully when deciding whether to be a part of the production. If social distancing becomes mandatory – or advised – we will no longer be able rehearse.

26/08/2021

Stephen Hill Youth Pantomime, 2021-2022: *The Snow Queen* *Readthrough/auditions*: Sunday 10 October, 2pm – 5pm

If you would like to be in the cast or chorus for this production, please come along to the readthrough at Stephen Hill Methodist Church (Manchester Road, Crosspool, S10). We will be reading the script and then casting the parts.

*Can I just turn up to the readthrough?* If you are planning to attend, it would be very helpful if you can e-mail us (in advance) on: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year. This will help us plan for the readthrough.

*What if I’m not free on 10 October but want to be in the cast/chorus?* Please let us know in advance by sending an e-mail to: [email protected] confirming your name and age/school year, and explaining that you can’t attend but wish to be considered for the cast or chorus. We can then discuss options. It is critical that you e-mail before 10 October if you cannot attend the readthrough, but wish to be considered for a part.

If you have any covid symptoms on the day of the readthrough, please e-mail us ASAP in the morning to let us know if you would like to be considered for a part. Please do not attend if you have any covid symptoms.

*Who can take part?* Anyone aged between 9 and 18 is welcome. All cast and chorus members must have had their 9th birthday before 1 September 2021.

*What is the commitment?* Rehearsals are every Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon. You MUST be able to commit to these. The cast start rehearsing on both Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons immediately following the readthrough; and the chorus will start Sunday rehearsals in November, and then will rehearse on both Thursday evening and Sunday afternoons from the beginning of January.

Please only attend the readthrough if you can commit to pantomime rehearsals on Sundays and Thursdays. We appreciate that over the past 18 months, contact with family, the chance to get away for weekends and the ability to plan activities has been severely limited. However, all the volunteer crew have committed to rehearsals for this production (and making arrangements to avoid family plans on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons) and if the production is to go ahead, we need the same commitment from the cast/chorus.

If you have plans between now and February on Thursday evenings/Sunday afternoons – or are likely to make plans, for example in the run up to Christmas - please don’t take a place in the cast or chorus.

If you would like more information about rehearsals, or have any questions/queries, please e-mail us on: [email protected]

*What experience do I need?* All you need is commitment and enthusiasm. Being part of the cast and chorus will in will involve acting/stage work, dancing and singing (but no solos, don’t worry!). Provided you’re happy to learn, can commit to being involved and will put all your energy into your performance (and hopefully have fun at the same time!), absolutely no experience is necessary!

*What is the cost?* There are no fees or financial costs associated with being part of the cast or chorus.

*When will the show be performed?* The show dates are in February half term holiday (2022).

*What about Covid?* Our planning has considered the risk of covid very carefully. We are working with the Church to keep the inside space as clean and safe as possible. We will update and revise our covid risk assessment and guidance to parents, young people and crew as and when necessary. We will also comply at all times with both Government guidance and Methodist guidance, and will ultimately make decisions on what we think the right thing to do is.

Therefore, in the event that we believe that rehearsals cannot safely take place, the production/rehearsals may need to be halted. Whilst we obviously hope this doesn’t happen, we do need everyone taking part to be aware of this risk.

It is also vital that everyone involved understands that we cannot practice social distancing when on the stage and rehearsing. Similarly, during the show week, the audience will not be socially distanced. Please consider this carefully when deciding whether to be a part of the production. If social distancing becomes mandatory – or advised – we will no longer be able rehearse.

10/08/2021

Exciting news about panto 2021/2022 coming soon!

14/02/2021

On what would have been the day of the dress rehearsal, we’re all missing panto so much: the young people, the crew, the traditions and the amazing feeling that the dress rehearsal gives us. Months and months of hard work come together at the dress rehearsal - and we see the result of everyone’s effort with singing, costumes, scenery, lighting, choreography and stage work all coming together. Luckily, we have lovely memories of how fantastic everyone was last year!!

We hope you’re all staying safe and well.... and cannot wait to start planning for next year’s show. Covid permitting, we’ll be having the readthrough early October and will be able to welcome the audience back next February.

Take care everyone - and hopefully see you soon. Helen, Ian and all the crew xx

08/12/2020

❄️❄️ A massive “thank you” to everyone who donated to the Children’s Hospital Snowflake challenge!! Our snowflake is now up and lit... and we also won the community award 🥰 Huge thanks to Julie Edwards for all her organisation and fundraising efforts so that we could support the Children’s Hospital Charity. Christmas love and best wishes to all, take care and hopefully see you all soon ❄️❄️

08/10/2020

To mark the 2021 Stephen Hill Youth Pantomime season, and raise the final £140 needed to sponsor a snowflake on the side of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, some of the crew will attempt the Sheffield 100 mile Greenway walk.

During the 5 months leading up to the show, the crew normally clock up many miles climbing ladders and walking round the Oxford Hall, teaching choreography, painting and scenery building and we would like to mark this unusual year with an event done by the crew and share this event with you all on FB. We hope you may like to sponsor our efforts and helps us complete the fund raising and hang a snowflake for the young people of Stephen Hill.

**Information will be posted on this page shortly on how you can donate**

Today is our first day and Julie and the team will be starting at Sheffield Station. The weather suggests it will be a little wet, so it is quite fitting that they are heading to Norton Water Tower🤪

Spread the word about our challenge and wish us luck on our quest🤞😄 Stay Covid safe, and we can’t wait to see you all soon 😊 x

14/09/2020

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we now confirm that there will be no Stephen Hill Youth Pantomime in February 2021. Given the current Government guidance, Church requirements and the heightened risks of both local lockdown and changing restrictions over the next few months, we do not think that we can responsibly start rehearsals in the near future. Nor do we have any certainty that performances will be able to go ahead as normal in February.

The crew are gutted - but we are already looking forward to (and planning for!) the read-through in October 2021. Please keep watching this page for details!

This is absolutely not the end of pantomime - just an extended interval. Until we see you all again, stay healthy and look after each other. X