AN AMATEUR live theatre group with members from Hook, Basingstoke and surrounding villages is getting ready with its upcoming autumn production called PantoMania.

With four shows running from November 30 to December 2, Hook Players' show comprises an entertaining and hilarious selection of panto-themed skits, plays, a live band, and even a panto cow. 

Produced by Jane Bonnin and Elizabeth Knight, PantoMania has three directors.

READ MORE: Kingsclere Players to perform Peter Pan the Pantomime

Basingstoke Gazette: Hook Players are getting ready for PantoMania

Hazel Bonnin-Barkham, the overall director, is mentoring and guiding Lily Ebsworth and Sam Elliot, in their directorial debut.

Hazel is full of praise for Lily and Sam, who have been onstage in many of Hook Players' past productions.

Lily, a second-year student at Queen Mary's College in Basingstoke, will be directing Every Panto That Ever There Was in Under Fifteen Minutes, a play written by Tony Domaille.

Lily described the play with an all-child cast as hilarious, and full of chaos and carnage.

Sam, who wrote the script for Cinderella On Its Head, said he enjoyed creating and developing the play with Hazel.

In this fun version set in PantoVille, Cinderella is the Dame, there are two beautiful stepsisters, lots of cow puns, and of course the panto cow.

Sam expressed his pride in the cast and invited the audience to witness the unique spectacle, even dropping a playful mention of the Basingstoke Gazette within the script.

The excitement is palpable as Hook Players eagerly anticipate welcoming audiences of all ages to the Elizabeth Hall for the four scheduled performances:

  • Thursday, November 30, at 7.45 pm

  • Friday, December 1, at 7.45 pm

  • Saturday, December 2, at 1.45 pm

  • Saturday, December 2, at 7.45 pm

Doors will open 30 minutes before each show, providing ample time for theatregoers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

SEE ALSO: Jan Jack hosting her final Basingstoke Laughter House Comedy Club

Ticket prices are set at £15 for adults and children aged 12 and above, with a special rate of £10 for children under 12.

For show and ticket information, visit hookplayers.co.uk/box-office/

To buy tickets online, visit ticketsource.co.uk/hookplayers

Tickets will also be available at the door before the show. 

If you have any special needs, such as problems with mobility, or needing space for a wheelchair, please contact the Box Office in advance so that they can make special arrangements for you. 

You can phone 07709 214679 or email boxoffice@hookplayers.co.uk.

There will be a licensed bar at all performances. Tea and coffee will also be available.