Leading Lady - An Interview With Sarah Scotcher

As one of our founding members, Sarah Scotcher is undeniably passionate about the Wight Strollers. In fact, most of her time is spent writing the script, directing rehearsals, casting, producing shows, making lighting plots… the list goes on. 

Sarah is a true Island theatre legend, playing glamorous princesses, wicked baddies, mullet-wearing Aussies, grumpy dwarfs, and even a tree! 

I’ve chatted with Sarah to find out a bit more about her thoughts and feelings, on and off stage… 

Let’s start simple - how did you first get into The Wight Strollers?

I was very badly bullied at the age of 8, so my Mum took me to see one of Nesta Meech’s pantomimes, as a treat. I turned to her and said “I want to do this.”
I went along, and absolutely loved it. As time went on, I found that I was very natural on the stage and, as they say, the rest is history. 

In 2008, you took on the mammoth role of directing. How did you feel going into it?

I ended up making a few changes, which weren’t necessarily popular with everyone, and to start with there was some uncertainty. But I felt the company needed it - we needed to start growing. And the show that came out of it was excellent! It’s slightly bittersweet, because my Mum died in the January… which made it tricky for myself, Emily and Ed. But we performed. And it was a brilliant show. 

I do know the answer to this question… but I’m going to ask it anyway!! What was the most difficult show for you?

It was, without a doubt, Priscilla. But… it was my idea to do it! I had to pitch it to the committee, and of course they thought I knew what I was doing. I genuinely had no idea how big a project it was going to be. And how much work it would be, particularly for my friend Gerry (Tulloch). It was huge for costumes. I will never forgive myself for that! 

And what about your proudest moments?

Joseph, for sure. It was the first time the Strollers had done a musical. I was just so immensely proud of it. I have never been involved in a show that had quite so much of a feel-good factor for it. Off stage, on stage, backstage. It was purely joyful. 

Another one has to be the time I got my first ‘real’ laughs. I was playing Willie, in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (1999). 

I mentioned earlier that you write the scripts - why did you start to do that?

I started doing it originally with Mike Sutcliffe because I was simply bored of most pantomime scripts. Of course, it saves money too, which means more for our charities! It eventually evolved to Emily and I writing them, which is just lovely. We’re in the same location, which is easier, and she brings different things to the table. It comes out pretty good! 

Another hard question - but what do you love about performing? 

Oh gosh… I’m stumped for words! I suppose it’s mostly the camaraderie. I don’t know, I just know that I love it. I just know that it makes me feel uplifted - it's a bit like a drug, I suppose. Because I’m always full of self doubt, putting it to the audience for the first time is always hard. But the reaction afterwards is pure happiness. 

Why is the Strollers so important for young people?

Just seeing my own children going through it and becoming confident people with all age groups is testament to the Strollers. It sounds corny, and I know others have said it, but it’s all about family. When The Wight Strollers first formed, it was all about family and it still is now. It’s a huge confidence booster for kids. It's rare for a company to give all of their junior members as many chances as we do. It’s because we love it. 

Do you have any advice for young people in theatre? 

No-one is bigger than the whole show. Whether you are sweeping the stage or top of the bill, everyone is important. And I truly believe that. Also, never stop learning. 

Brilliant advice. Lastly, if you can tell me, why is the Strollers so special?

I absolutely adore it. I love the people, I love the values behind it, I love that I can be with friends doing what I love. There’s a whole load of love! That’s it in a nutshell. I’m passionate about it. 

From myself, and the company, a huge thank you for your dedication, passion and talents to the Wight Strollers. We really wouldn’t be where we are without you. 

You really are the woman that makes the Wight Strollers tagline true - ‘Professional quality at amateur prices’! Thank you. 

The Babes in the Wood: Meeting Madeline and Miley...

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is our 2019 pantomime, and rehearsals are going brilliantly!

Everyone has surely heard of Robin Hood - and we'll hear more about him in another post! - but who are the Babes and how do their paths cross with that of Robin?

The Babes, in this instance, are Eleanor and Edith of London, nieces to King Richard (poetic licence abounds in Panto Land!) and heirs to the throne of England.

And so it is our great pleasure to introduce to you Madeline (aged 13) and Miley (aged 8), who are taking on their first speaking roles within the company.

Madeline's first show with The Wight Strollers was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in July 2016 and Miley's first show was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in 2014, so neither are newcomers to the company and both are going to absolutely knock your socks off!

So let's get to know them a little...

How did you feel when you were offered the part?
Madeline: Overjoyed, because I felt as if I could really become the character of Eleanor.
Miley: I was really excited and a bit nervous, but when I started rehearsing I felt really happy and I was excited to do the show. I can't wait to perform in front of a real audience.

What's your favourite bit of the pantomime to perform?

Miley: When I have to say to Willie 'it needs practice', because I can be sassy! And also the part when I get to sing with Madeline, who is a fabulous pretend sister.
Madeline: 'Hushabye Mountain' because I get to sing, and it's also a really sweet moment for me and Miley together - and I love that.

And what about your favourite scene to watch?
Madeline: The jail scene with the Merry Men. Because it's just hilarious, and it's so clever...and all of their facial expressions are amazing!
Miley:  'Are You In Or Out?' because it's very funky and I like dancing to it, and I bet everybody else will love it as much as I do!

What do you like about performing with The Wight Strollers?
Miley: I love singing and dancing and performing with the friends I have made in the Strollers. I love being on stage with my family, too, as my Mum and my sister are also in the panto.
Madeline: The Wight Strollers are like a second family - everyone is so caring, and they give so much to charity.

Why do you think theatre is such a great hobby for young people?
Madeline: You get to just be yourself. And you also get to meet and perform with lots of great and different people.
Miley: Because you get to act and find your passion whilst making friends and having fun. It's hard work at times and can be exhausting but also very exciting.

Why should people buy tickets to see Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood?

Miley: There's lots of jokes and funny bits, and you get to join in with boos and hisses. It's a show the whole family can enjoy - there's some jokes my Dad finds funny but I don't understand!
Madeline: And because the show can make you cry and laugh at the same time!
Miley: Make sure you buy your tickets or you'll miss out!

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Get your tickets to see this wonderful duo in action this February Half Term at Medina Theatre - all you have to do is phone 01983 823884 or visit the Medina Theatre website...or pop into the Box Office/1Leisure Reception in person! See you in the audience!

The Sweetest Fairy Of All

We are delighted to introduce Shannon Crouch in her debut speaking role with The Wight Strollers. 

She will be appearing in our February production of Jack and the Beanstalk as Fairy Sugardust, the sweet and magical fairy who watches over the village of Old Windy Bottom and saves the day when things turn sour!

So, Shannon, how did you feel when you were asked to play Fairy Sugardust?
Nervous but also very excited!

What's been the biggest challenge so far?
All the words rhyming - if you get something wrong, it's much scarier!

And what are you most looking forward to about the show?
Everything...and the sparkly dress!

Experience tells us that everyone has their own little ways to get into their roles - how have you been getting into character?
Channeling my inner girlies and finding random kitchen utensils to be me wand - a wooden spoon wrapped in Xmas paper with a tin foil star...and now a flowery spatula! It's Cath Kidston!

Well, that's the most important thing, obviously! Let's rewind for a second, Shannon - what was your first pantomime with us?
It was Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood in February 2012 - that feels like a long time ago now!

And what about before joining The Wight Strollers? Did you come to us bursting with stage experience or were you a relative newbie?
In Year 2, I was a Little Red Hen in a primary school production - but that's it! I was a newbie!

Wow! Well, you're not a newbie anymore - this is your seventh pantomime with us! Out of all the pantos you've done so far, which has been your favourite?
Ooh, that's hard! Probably Robinson Crusoe (2014)...apart from the mermaid wigs!

I have a picture of those (see right!)
Oh, good!

Blue hair suits you! So if it's not the wigs, then what is your favourite thing about being part of The Wight Strollers?
Being able to do something that I love with basically a massive group of friends.

And the big question: Why should people book tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk?
Because it's a family friendly fun show and supporting amazing Island charities

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You heard it here, from our very own Fairy Sugardust - tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are worth every penny! And they're selling fast, so make sure you book in advance to ensure you have seats!

Tickets are available in person from the Medina Theatre Box Office (open weekdays 7am-9pm and weekends 9am-5pm) or by phone on 01983 823884 or online at www.medinatheatre.co.uk.

See you in the audience!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Feedback, Round 2!

Well, what a second weekend we had! Completely sold out and the positive feedback has once more been flooding in since this time last week - so we thought we'd share a few more of the wonderful things people have been saying about our production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

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"It was the first time we'd seen a performance by you all and it was truly unique. My son hasn't stopped talking about it, [we] can't wait for July!"
- Laura Smith

"Fantastic show - well done."
- Susan Coquio

"Thank-you so much for a fantastic show tonight, we loved it."
- Caroline B Ritchie

"Thank-you so much to cast and crew for another brilliant performance last night! It was hilarious and entertaining as always, and even the two 14-year-olds that I had with me loved it and yelled and clapped along with the rest of us. We absolutely love the Strollers shows, we always leave with a big grin and dried tears of laughter on our cheeks. We will be back for next year's panto and we will see you all in July for Joseph."
- Lou Hewison

"A great show again, I came on Saturday afternoon. Def[initely] didn't disappoint, [it] was great. Loved it and so did my nieces, who are still talking about it now - great job, guys!"
- Samantha Stean

"Thank-you for our magical afternoon from 8th Ryde Brownies, we had a fantastic time and hope you like our photos - see you next year!"
- Caroline Seaward

"Another bloody amazing production. They just get better and better. Love the adult humour. Nice to see some new faces, which means it is still going to be the best panto on the Island for a good few years. What can you say about Sarah's performance apart from 'brilliant as usual!' - can't wait to see Joseph in July. Well done to you all!"
- Lynda Waddams

"Every year, me and my fiance come down to support The Wight Strollers. Having taken part in many shows before moving to London, I must say I truly miss it. A cheeky little shout out to my mummy, Karen Cassford, who somehow manages to work full time, organise, design and create endless number of incredible costumes. And Cheryl Rudd, absolutely incredible choreography! It is just such a pleasure to watch all the beautiful dancers as well - watching them grow into lovely young ladies! An incredible cast and an incredible director - well done, Wight Strollers! Standing ovation!"
- Hannah Cassford

"Thank-you for a wonderful pantomime!"
- Sandra Ma Davies

"The Wight Strollers put on an awesome performance this evening...laughed so much! Well done, all! Very well done!"
- Julie Anne Harris

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We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us - whether that was by liking one of our Facebook posts, sharing our event, putting up a poster or, of course, coming to the show itself - we couldn't have done this without every single one of you!

We will be announcing our charity totals in April, so watch this space!

In the meantime, if you enjoyed Snow White - or if you missed out and want another chance to see us in action - then visit the Medina Theatre website and book tickets for Joseph - they're already selling fast!

As always, please visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to keep up to date on the everyday happenings of The Wight Strollers.

A Princess' Perspective...

I don't usually write these blogs from my own perspective, but this year I thought it would be nice to take a look at a character type that may not bring the biggest laughs or cheers, but is a crucial and beloved part of pantomime nonetheless: the Princess.

I first stepped onto Medina Theatre stage for the first time in Prince Crispian and the Magic Sword, dressed as a snowflake, in February 1995. Far from being frightened, I was so desperate to get on stage that I pushed the terrified snowflake ahead of me on, just so I could  get out in front of an audience that little bit faster.

Not much has changed.

In the twenty-one years I've been with The Wight Strollers, I've been lucky enough to have some wonderful experiences as a dancer, a chorus member and as a principal.

With every year, I've loved it a little more, and anyone who knows me will know how much I love the company, and the people in it.

I always struggle to put into words just how I feel about them - 'family' is about as close as I can get. No matter how long the day, there's always a smile to be found in the company of these wonderful people.

This year, I am thrilled to be able to step into the role of principal girl, and I have to confess...there is nothing quite like the feeling of shaking off reality and becoming a princess for a few hours a week!

Alright, so it's true that princesses aren't always the brightest characters on the bill...

They ignore all the best audience advice, engaging in many a fairytale faux-pas, from swapping magic lamps to eating poison apples: memorably, when playing Snow White, I had a little girl shout 'Don't eat the apple, Snow White - you'll die!' from the audience, but the script, sadly, forbade me to listen.

They usually don't think beyond first impressions: Princess Mandarin in this year's Aladdin, for example, conveniently runs into a peddler man exchanging 'new lamps for old', mere moments after Aladdin has handed her a battered, old lamp and told her to guard it with her life...

And they often find themselves in mortal danger: so far, in my panto princess experience, I've eaten two poisoned apples, pricked my finger once, almost been eaten by a wolf and been captured twice. Not a great track record.

But those are minor details. I, for one, adore every second I spend in a princess dress!

Over the years, though, I've come to realise that there is so much more to playing a princess than just a pretty dress (although that is a major perk!) - so, for a bit of fun, I've come up with five top tips for any Panto Princess in the making...

1. Know what makes your princess tick...
Princess Mandarin is in equal parts sweet and feisty, and she will settle for nothing less than what her heart wants...and that's something to be admired, I think. It makes her easy to love, and even easier to play.

2. Embrace the Princess Persona
Most of the audience will associate the word 'princess' with the Disney Princess franchise...and with those expectations come faraway looks, wishful sighs and plenty of flowery hand gestures!

Just try not to smack the other cast members with your hair, hands or billowy sleeves while you're twirling and prancing around from dawn 'til dusk!

3. Get the Look!
When you play a princess, you just know that dozens of little girls in the audience, who have all come dressed up, are waiting to see what you look like...

Your make-up has to be perfect, your dress has to be pristine and you have to be prepared for your feet to suffer in many an itchy, glittery shoe. Sometimes it hurts, but it's so worth it!

4. Find the right prince!
The perfect panto prince depends on the panto - he can be anything from charming gentleman to cheeky chappy, as long as he's believable from the first moment you meet to the final curtain call.

I've been so incredibly lucky to have played opposite some super talented actors and some of my very best friends over the years, and often they wind up being one in the same. This year is no exception, though don't tell him I said it!

5. Wishes, Dreams and Happy Endings
For me, the most important part of being a princess is what you represent. In a world where children are encouraged too soon, at least in my opinion, to abandon the fairytale role models of their childhood, it's a thrill to be able to inject a little magic into their imaginations as a real, live person.

After all, in PantoLand, the princesses aren't animated, airbrushed or photo-shopped; they are real girls, with real lives and real bodies. Real people who have probably once sat in an auditorium wishing they could wear a Snow White dress, or sing like Sleeping Beauty or dance like Cinderella.

For all those children that sit and watch you get your happy ending, whatever the trials that come before, you are a reminder that happy endings exist and dreams can come true. And that you can grow up, at least in some way, to be a princess.

And sometimes, for a little girl doubting herself, that little glimmer of hope can go a long way...

See Princess Mandarin in action at Medina Theatre this half term by booking tickets for The Wight Strollers' fun-filled family pantomime, 'Aladdin'. Visit the Medina Theatre website or phone 01983 823884 to book your tickets today!

Behind every great hero...

...There is a rather nasty villain!

And this year it's the wicked Abanazer, an Egyptian sorcerer with plans to take over the world. If he can get his hands on a certain magic lamp, that is!

Playing the malicious magician is none other than Tim Smith, who won an Isle of Wight Amateur Theatre Award last November for his portrayal of Precious the pirate in last year's pantomime, Robinson Crusoe.

Funnily enough, Tim's first appearance on stage with The Wight Strollers was in Aladdin, back in February 2009...but last time he was very much on the side of good, playing the Genie of the Lamp.

Since then, he has played Captain Jack in Dick Whittington, an Ugly Sister in Cinderella, Will Scarlett in Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, Filch the Henchman in Sleeping Beauty and, of course, Precious in Robinson Crusoe.

Tim, that's quite the array of parts - which has been your favourite?

"I think my favourite would have to be last year, when we were the pirates and I was Precious - mostly because of the Titanic synchronised swimming bit, that was fantastic."

You won an Isle of Wight Amateur Theatre Award for that performance - how did you feel when you won?

"Overwhelmed, actually - I never expected to win it! It was a wonderful surprise just to be nominated, so to win it was amazing."

It was a well-deserved win, Tim! It's quite a change for you this year, being a baddie - what's the biggest challenge about playing Abanazer?

"The biggest challenge for me has been getting out of the performance I did last year and getting into being a real villain and being nasty...and keeping that nasty up all the time! But it's coming now and I'm pleased with it - I'm really enjoying it."

Final question, Tim - what's your favourite thing about being in The Wight Strollers?

"The family atmosphere, definitely - everybody is so lovely."

That's what we like to hear! Thanks for answering our questions, Tim, and we're sure you'll be an absolutely terrifying villain!

You can witness Tim's villainous turn as Abanazer in this year's pantomime, Aladdin, at Medina Theatre on February 14th, 15th and 21st. Book your tickets by visiting the Medina Theatre website or by phoning 01983 823884, or simply by popping into the box office in person - see you there!

Not Just For Kids: Pantomimes Are For Everyone!

So many people - too many people - dismiss pantomime as being solely for children or as being somehow lesser as an art form than, say, a Shakespearean tragedy or a high-brow comedy or even a musical. 

But here at The Wight Strollers, we firmly believe that pantomime is no less valuable than any other form of theatre - it's just different!

There is more to pantomime than meets the eye, and we're going to give you our top ten reasons why we believe that pantomime is for everyone - enjoy!

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1. It's Got It All!
Singing, acting, dancing, the humble pantomime has everything! An extravaganza of music, laughter and dance, it's a variety show with a storyline! What's not to like?

2. It's Timeless
The stories chosen for pantomimes are often age-old tales that people the world over hold dear, adults and children alike. From Aladdin to Cinderella, the difference between right and wrong is nowhere better illustrated than in these classic fairytales.

3. Panto Humour
There is barely a joke in Pantoland that cannot be perceived as an innuendo! Double entendre is the name of the game in any panto worth its salt, and script writers are only too aware that for every child in the audience there is at least one corresponding adult to keep entertained!

4. The Dame
A character that both adults and children can appreciate; whilst the children laugh at a dame's silly outfits, the adults will often find themselves on the receiving end of the dame's flirtatious humour!

5. Audience Participation
It's not a panto without audience participation, and there are no rules about how loud you can shout! Get involved and have a bit of fun: warn the princess of impending danger, argue with the villain...and heckle the dame. We dare you.

6. It's A Visual Feast
Costumes, scenery, pyrotechnics, lighting. Pantomimes, no matter what their size, can be a visual treat for audience members of any age. From the glitz and glamour of the wardrobe to the stunning backdrops, pantomimes give artists, seamstresses and technicians a chance to really let rip with their talents. It's a real labour of love for the behind-the-scenes team, and it shows in every sequin.

7. Family Bonding
Whether you visit with your children, your other half, your parents or your friends, a good old-fashioned pantomime is the perfect way to bring the family together. There's something for everyone and, as with any good show or film, each person will come away remembering and feeling something different...

8. Introducing Live Theatre
Do you love the arts? Are you a fan of theatre? Would you love for your children to grow up with the same appreciation of live entertainment? Well then, take an afternoon away from the realms of pause, rewind and skip, and step into a world of wonder where it's all about live-action and anything can happen! Who knows - it may even inspire a budding performer to take those first crucial steps onto a stage...

9. A Touch Of Magic
As we grow older, we can often lose sight of the magic that filled the world when we were children, but in Pantoland reality is suspended and the impossible becomes possible. We have magic in abundance, and we love nothing better than to share it with our audiences!

10. Happily Ever After
In a world growing weary of bad news, despair and disaster, there is something to be said for escaping for a few hours into a world where dreams come true and a happy ending is a given.

After all, everyone deserves the chance to believe in 'happily ever after'...at least for a little while.

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Convinced? We are, too! So check your diaries and buy your tickets for Aladdin at Medina Theatre on February 14th, 15th and 21st. You don't want to miss it!

Sleeping Beauty: The Debrief, Part Two!

10:30pm on February 23rd. Pantomime was over and the post-panto blues had hit with a vengeance. In fact, several of the cast were moping for weeks, and a few were even spotted sitting in their cars outside Medina Theatre, costume in hand, gazing woefully at the doors and wishing the show was still going...

Alright, that's a slight exaggeration – but everyone was pretty gloomy!

The reviews were out and they were fantastic. A full-page spread in the Isle of Wight County Press and a spot on their website had everyone smiling, and an extra giggle came from Sara Bryce, the reviewer, when she revealed that her boyfriend had got so into the production that he'd hit her in the face in his hurry to snatch flying sweets from the air.

We also received a review from Fern Alexander, one of the contributors on the Island's website for under-25s, yoppul.co.uk. Another glowing report.

The show had been hailed as our 'best panto yet' and that felt good. For all the people who had put so much hard work into the production, both on stage and behind the scenes, it was just the response we had been hoping for.

An after-show night out for some of the younger cast members and an after-show lunch at the Ponda Rosa the day after the final performance seemed to lift everyone's spirits, and the highest honour the Strollers have to offer was awarded to its unsuspecting recipient...

The Orchestra's Accolade.

More commonly known as the 'Cock-Up Cup', this is a trophy that has been passed on from year to year to the cast or crew member who makes the biggest, most embarrassing cock-up of the show run.

Last year, it was awarded to fabulous fairy Nicola Steedman, whose skirt made a dramatic drop from her waist, leaving her in a bodice and granny pants, in the opening scene of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.

This year, the nominees were plenty, but the winner was unanimous:Step forward Patrick Barry, our Prince Rupert, with a hideous case of gender confusion.

Whilst engaging with the audience (beautifully), he found himself ad-libbing and in conversation with one of the audience's youngest members in the front row. As they shouted a response, he turned back to check he'd heard right:

"What did you say, little boy?" he asked.

"I'm a girl!"

Whoops. Bad luck, Patrick, in that moment you were crowned the cock-up champion for 2013. Better luck next time!

Next stop: the AGM in April, where Princess Aurora and Prince Rupert presented the cheques to our chosen charities for this year.

We pride ourselves on making sure our money never leaves the Island and goes to local charities, to make a difference to local people. This year, the causes were as worthwhile as ever, and we were thrilled to give away a grand total of £6000.

£500 went to the 1st East Cowes Guides, £500 to the Isle of Wight Synchronised Skating Team, £1,000 to the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, £2,000 to the Isle of Wight branch of Parkinsons UK and £2,000 to Layla's Trust.

Three new committee members were elected, and the carnival theme was announced. It was decided, as we did last year, to keep the theme a secret until the big reveal at Newport Carnival on Saturday, July 20, 2013 – it's become quite the popular guessing game!

Another lovely article in the Isle of Wight County Press followed the AGM, and pantomime was deemed truly over for another year, which could mean only one thing: it was time to start planning for the carnival season!