It’s time to get ready to let your hair down and party, as although it may be July, plans are already underway for one of the biggest and brightest shows of the year, as the cast for the Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll panto Rapunzel is unveiled. An ensemble of exceptional performers, features familiar friends returning and welcomes new faces too, who will be singing, playing, dancing and sparkling their way through the festive season, with Rapunzel, written by Jude Christian, running at the Liverpool Everyman from 16 November to 18 January.
Panto favourite Adam Keast returns with his full fairy wings, as the Fairy Fixer-Upper, as well as Script Consultant. Zoe West once again plays the baddie as Danny Rough and Rebecca Levy takes the role of Laurie, as well as Choreographer for the show. With celebrations continuing for the Everyman 60th Birthday, it’s great to welcome back Michael Starke as Dame, Debbie Updo, having played in many Everyman pantos back in the late 1980s. Emma Bispham, who has previously appeared at the Everyman in Paint Your Wagon and The Big I Am plays Goop and Hairy McFairy, and Tomi Ogbaro, last seen at the Playhouse in Alice in Wonderland, plays Trevor. Joining the ensemble are Ben Boskovic as Prince Timotei and Ai Kumar is Rapunzel. The cast also includes understudies Alice Merivale and the return of Adam Scott Pringle.
Rapunzel is written by Jude Christian, who as a writer has created pantomimes for Lyric Hammersmith and as a director, recently directed The Legend of Ned Ludd at the Everyman. Directing will be Francesca Goodridge, who has directed numerous pantos for Theatr Clwyd and has been Associate Director for Boys from the Blackstuff (Liverpool’s Royal Court) and Nye (National Theatre). Jamie Noar returns as Arranger and Musical Supervisor, having won Best Musical Director at the UK Pantomime Awards 2022. Set and Costume Design is by Janet Bird, who previously designed Our Lady of Blundellsands at the Everyman, Gillian Tan is Lighting Designer and the theatres’ resident sound team sees Ian Davies as Sound Designer and Rob Newman as Associate Sound Designer. Playing MD is Dylan Townley, the Assistant Director is Dena Davies and casting has been by Olivia Barr.
Nathan Powell, incoming Creative Director for the Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse said:
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is iconic in this city and captures the essence of the Everyman, re-imagining brilliant stories for new generations, celebrating and nurturing talent, and ensuring everyone is invited to the party. The team have brought together the most incredible cast and company, I can’t wait for the building to be filled with joy and music, as we welcome our audiences for all the sparkle and silliness of the season.”
Rapunzel will have a number of access supported shows, including British Sign Language (21 November and 17 December at 7.00pm), a Relaxed performance (7 January at 5.30pm), Audio Description (16 January at 1.30pm) and a Captioned performance (18 Jan at 7.00pm). Tickets are priced from £16 to £46 and with some performances already sold out, so do book soon to be sure of your seats. For full details of Rapunzel, visit everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/the-rock-n-roll-panto-rapunzel
