A DAME standing at more than 7ft tall is one of the stars of an amateur dramatic troupe’s first pantomime.

Pinner and Hatch End Operatic Society is staging The Sleeping Beauty Of Savoy at Tithe Farm Sports and Social Club in Rayners Lane, South Harrow.

The panto is based on the classic fairytale and uses the music of Arthur Sullivan – of Gilbert and Sullivan fame – with new words to create new songs.

The director, Dave Evans, said: “It’s coming together. It’s only the last week-and-a-half when everything slots into place when you get the costumers, props and scenery.”

Elise Wheatley and as the Prince and her sister Tamsyn as the Princess in 'The Sleeping Beauty of Savoy' pantomime being performed by Pinner and Hatch End Operatic Society at Tithe Farm Sports and Social Club in South Harrow

The cast of 19 includes 6ft 2in Mr Evans as charismatic pantomime dame wearing two-inch platform shoes and a 10-inch high wig.

In previous years, the company rehearsed at St Anselm’s Church in Uppingham Avenue, Harrow, and performed at The Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth.

“As a Gilbert and Sullivan company, we have gone through
quite a troubled financial situation over the last couple of years and were on the cusp of closing,” Mr Evans said.

“We decided to do something a little bit different and it’s quite a lot of fun.

“We’re rehearsing at our chairman’s house to keep the costs down and we’ve gone back to more community-based theatre in smaller venues that is more suitable for this type of show.”

“It’s a very rarely performed piece of work because not many people know about it and there’s no other pantomime with Gilbert and Sullivan references whatsoever,” he added.

Trish Lewis plays the Wicked Fairy in 'The Sleeping Beauty of Savoy' pantomime being performed by Pinner and Hatch End Operatic Society at Tithe Farm Sports and Social Club in South Harrow

The performances take place at 7.45pm each night from this evening (Thursday) to Saturday next week, complemented by matinees at 2pm on the Saturday and Sunday, March 1.

Tickets cost £14, £12 concessions and £10 for children. Call 07966 173 956 to book.