Simon:  Why has TFT decided to perform a new panto this year?

Sassy: Titchfield Festival Theatre have always created original pantomimes from our Hansel and Gretel to Pinocchio and the Nutcracker; we have always had our local playwrights write and direct their own versions of these popular stories. This year, we wanted to find our own originality by picking a Brother’s Grimm story and adapting it into our very own original fairy tale pantomime.

Simon: It says that it is based on a Grimm's story - is it mostly a new script? 

Sassy: The Goose Girl is a Brother’s Grimm story originally. I have taken the storyline, the characters and most of the characters names and created my own pantomime version. The script itself is a brand new, never seen before script and the story is full of enchantment, excitement and good old pantomime traditions and fun.

Simon:  What is going to be special about the show?

Sassy: What show do you know with a talking horse, a magical Dame, an Elvis impersonator King and the love triangle of Prince Conrad, Princess Talianna and the Evil Sorceress Abigail. Throw in our 2 comedic Guard THIS & THAT and you have one hell of a show. This year we have a fantastic chorus ranging from the ages 4 – 84, bringing a real community theatre aspect to this family show.

Simon: Why will all the family love this show - including the children?

Sassy: It is full of all the tradition of pantomime, so much laughter, audience interaction, Baddies vs Goodies and the romantic love story of our Prince and Princess set to marry. Christmas time is full of traditions and pantomime for many families is one of them. It was important to me to create a show that will bring families together, let them boo, cheer and laugh together and leave with a warm Christmas feeling that a pantomime should bring. And I think TFT’s panto does just that.

Simon: Will Prince Conrad get to marry his Princess?

Sassy: Ooo that would be telling. Evil Sorceress Abigail (which means lady’s maid - paying homage to the original story where the servant trades places with the princess) places a spell over Princess Talianna, swapping places with her and meaning Prince Conrad is set to marry the evil sorceress. I can’t tell you what happens, but I can tell you “True Love Conquers All”.

Simon:   Why do you love pantos so much, Sassy?

Sassy: I have always watched pantomime every year with my family since I was a little girl, and it’s a tradition we still uphold today with my family and son. Therefore, I have a real fondness and excitement when writing and directing the panto.  Last year, I wrote and directed Sleeping Beauty, here at TFT. This year with my co-director Kate Burrows, we created this brand new show The Goose Girl. For me, it has been extra special as both my Mum and my son are performing within the cast. And it has been wonderful for me personally to see the community really come together with such an array of performers, young and old, experienced and new to the stage all perform together. It has made the last 6 weeks of rehearsals a truly rememberable one.

Simon: A final question!  What has it been like rehearsing ?

Sassy: It has been hilariously good fun. I forgot how funny it was working with the unpredictable Kevin Fraser as he takes on the role of the Dame, Queen Goldie. Watching the chorus try to stay in character, when all they want to do is giggle and seeing all the scenes come alive by the talented cast. This year we have the students of Titchfield Youth Musical Theatre performing as the chorus; which entailed 120 children rehearsing and will all be performing two shows each. It has been a challenge in itself, but seeing it all come together on stage and the performers singing, dancing and performing as they do; it makes me so proud and ever so excited to see the audiences reactions. This show is set to be a new family favourite to end the year at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

Thank you, Sassy!

Sassy Harvey, TFT Deputy Artistic Director was in discussion with Simon Frost.

Book your tickets for The Goose Girl today! 8th December until 18th December 2021.