Meet Our Music Maestro - An Interview With Kim Ball

Kim Ball is a well-known name across Island Theatre groups, performing in plays and musicals, playing in orchestras, conducting orchestras and being musical director for shows. 

Kim is also a highly-valued member of the Wight Strollers, who makes arrangements specially for us - some have no sheet music and are sometimes from a song found on YouTube, but wherever the song is from each arrangement is as gorgeous as the last!  Meet our Music Maestro! 

Starting simply - How did you first get into the Wight Strollers?

I was MDing (musical director-ing!) the musical Oliver! for the Island Savoyards, and Emily and Sarah (Scotcher) were in it. I think they had sized me up and eventually asked me to MD for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat for the Strollers. And that, as they say, is where it all starts!

And how do you find MDing pantomimes instead of musicals?

It's a completely different type of challenge, because it means finding the music and making arrangements. Usually if Emily is around, it involves doing it from a video, which is a huge challenge, but one I definitely enjoy!

Do you have a favourite arrangement or song we've done that you always go back to?

Gosh, that is just so hard! Off the top of my head, I genuinely enjoy villainous songs like the song 'Evil Like Me' (Jack and the Beanstalk 2017). I've got a soft spot for 'Happy', used for the opening of the same show. Primarily because it was the first one I taught to the Strollers and I still love it! 

Obviously I loved playing 'Spell on You' for Sleeping Beauty (2020) and I enjoyed the performance. That was one where I got to watch the dance too, so it was a win-win!

What about a favourite moment off-stage?

'I do have one...and it relates to my daughter, Becky! It was the first dress rehearsal for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert which subsequently was the first time she ever performed 'Pop Muzik', as she stepped in last minute! The band had struck up and Jamie (Woodford) decided to do it at 3 times the normal speed...! Becky came running off, poked her head round the curtain and said "what was that?!" - It's a moment I remember fondly.

Now turning the tables to difficult shows! - have you found any show you've ever done challenging?

My mind immediately goes back to one of the very first shows I did as a student. It was Kleine Mahogany and the music for that is immensely challenging. More recently, as I've gathered experience, all my memories as MD have been nice rather than challenging!

Let's talk about musicals in the future.. - is there a dream musical that you'd love to MD?

Hmm.. Priscilla was the one I've always wanted to do and I was lucky to do that with the Strollers. I also have to say, I'd love to MD Chicago, because I love the show so much!

Talking from personal experience, why is music so important?

Oh wow. Music is a language that speaks to everybody. It doesn't matter what language you speak, you can all enjoy listening to music and you can take something from it. The sharing of emotion without the need for words is so important. For me, music is just in my blood. 

Beautifully put. As a talented musician, you must have some inspirations - can you tell me some of yours? 

This is a funny one. If I go back and look at where it first came from for me, there are two people that come to mind. One of them was a friend called Jacqueline, who played the piano prodigiously. She used to sit at my house, playing our piano and I was always so impressed and so wanted to be like her. 

The other was my Grandmother, Nanny Maud, who played the piano for silent movies. She always played at family Christmases whilst singing Gilbert and Sullivan and music was always there for her. She always had life in her and the music genuinely came through my bones. She was just such an inspiration.

And to finish, why is Strollers so special?

Oh dear...wow. I'll try to put that in a sentence! I think because we know why we're there, to raise money for Island Charities, and to do that as well as we possibly can. The combination of having the drive to raise money as well as the desire to do our very best is just beautiful. I think it's the people, I really do.

Kim, you've arranged some beautiful pieces of music, as well as creating some unforgettable harmonies, and we could not be more grateful to you for that, and for being such a wonderful presence. Thank-you for everything, and for being a part of our family!

Such A Dazzling Show Of Many Colours!

Wow.

That really is the only word for it: wow. Three performances, four standing ovations - we couldn't be happier!

What a blast we had with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - to our cast, crew, band and audiences, we would like to say a huge thank-you on behalf of St. Peter's Church and The Wight Strollers.

The feedback has been overwhelming. It's flooded in and it's been absolutely spectacular, so we thought we'd share just a few of the comments with you, our wonderful blog readers.

The show was reviewed in the July 15th edition of the Isle of Wight County Press, and it was a glowing review of the show! Sadly it's not available online, but there were three other reviews written that are online for you to check out: one from Sardines Magazine, one from Mitch Hamer and another from Fern Alexander.

Meanwhile, our audiences took to social media to express how much they loved the show. Here are just a fraction of their many wonderful comments:

"What a way to spend a Saturday night, absolutely amazing from start to finish. Incredible costumes and scenery and so much talent. Well done everyone. Can't wait to see the next production."
- Lynda Waddams

"You were all brilliant...I much preferred your show to the West End one I saw some years ago. So proud of you all!"
- Scott Goddard

"Congratulations on an incredible show! Still singing the songs - proud of your amazing vision, Sarah , and the fantastic cast and crew for bringing it to life. I am a convert!"
- Jo Shannon

"The best musical I have seen outside of the West End."
- Peter Knowles

"Amazing performance...the effect you had on my autistic son was amazing, we were front row and he was spellbound - I came home emotional and humbled that he thoroughly enjoyed every second, so thank you."
- Michaela White

"What a brilliant show this evening. Amazing performers, every single one of you. Well deserved standing ovation."
- Vikki Roberts

"Had a fantastic time at the show this afternoon- thank you for making it so enjoyable. I know only too well how much hard work, energy and commitment goes into something to make it look that effortless! It was joyous, and that came from the sheer passion and enjoyment every single person on stage clearly felt. Well done. The best 'amateur ' (hate that word) I have ever seen on the Island. Sat there wishing I could have been a part of it! Special mention to my fabulous former students - Nick Weightman, Michael Mullin and Brad Barnley - but massive congrats to all!"
- Liz Segal

"A truly wonderful performance. Costumes, singing, everything was top notch...every single person taking part looked as if they were having the time of their lives.Well done and roll on the next pantomime."
- Sandra Davies

"It was a brilliant show. So professional. Anyone that didn't enjoy it, there must be something wrong with them. Well done everyone! What's next?"
- Jean Tayler

"Wow, oh wow! Think you should rename your latest production 'Sarah and her Technicolor Cast of many Talents!' Absolutely stunning show! What a spectacular production! Huge congratulations to everyone!"
- Stella Rogers

"A triumph for the whole company - Emily [was] by far the best the Narrator I have ever seen...A truly memorable and fabulous afternoon, thank you all so much."
- Howard Wilkie

There are dozens more comments like this and we wish we could share them all, we're so proud of everyone who was involved - what an absolute triumph!

Thank-you so much to everyone who came and supported the show, and watch this space to find out how much we'll be donating to our chosen charities!

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If you enjoyed Joseph, don't miss out on The Wight Strollers' annual pantomime. Our next production will be Jack and the Beanstalk at Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight, on February 18th, 19th and 25th. Tickets will be on sale from the Medina Theatre Box Office in January 2017.

Notes from the Narrator...

Yesterday we had our band call, and last night I was listening to the recordings, over and over again. And then I had to stop and take a moment to breathe. This is really happening.

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog post from my own, personal point of view as a cast member - it hasn't happened since 2015, in fact, when we did Aladdin. 

But today, for this particular show, I'm making an exception.

Joseph has been one of my favourite musicals since I was eight years old and performed it at Brighstone Primary School. Back then, I was a sheaf of corn, a member of Potiphar's household and one of the Narrator's backing singers. I remember it so vividly, right down to the dance moves - in fact, I could probably still perform those routines now!

And I remember watching the Narrator and memorising every single one of their lines, desperately hoping that one day I'd have the chance to play the role.

Who'd have thought that a dream that started when I was eight years old would come to fruition eighteen years later?

I certainly didn't!

But then again, isn't Joseph all about dreams coming true?

So who is the Narrator? What is she? Why does she exist?

The Narrator is a strange part, and a challenging one, largely because she doesn't leave the stage for the duration of the show and there are few numbers in which she doesn't sing - four, to be exact.

She's removed from the story, but at the same time is very much a part of it, interacting with every single character and weaving her way through the plot, acting as a story-teller, instigator, adviser, friend and conscience all in one.

She introduces, she engineers, she antagonises, she influences - in short, she doesn't stop!

It's story-telling with a difference, and I love it. There's something to be said for telling a story through song, and what a privilege it is to be able to tell such a wonderful story as Joseph.

The Narrator's songs aren't the big hits, they're not the iconic numbers of Joseph or the globe-trotting songs of the Brothers...

In fact, with the exception of  'Prologue' and 'Pharaoh Story', she doesn't really have songs at all!

Hers are the little riffs you hum as you leave the theatre; the single lines you can't get out of your head for days on end, the split-second moments you remember even if you can't recall what came before or after!

She's there from the start of Joseph's journey to the end of it...which is really rather apt.

The Joseph journey, for me, began in January 2015, when I began looking into the possibility of performing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - now, nineteen months on and less than a week from curtain up, I can hardly believe it's really happening.

Some days, I legitimately have to pinch myself. And if you glance at me during the very first rendition of 'Any Dream Will Do', you will see me welling up every time, without fail.

Because this, to me, is perfect.

How can it not be?

Standing on stage, surrounded by some of the best and funniest and most talented people I know, when those opening chords sound I feel a sense of pride so overwhelming that it catches me off guard at every single rehearsal.

Joseph is, by far and away, the best and most wonderful show I have ever done. It's been a nineteen month rollercoaster from Canaan to Egypt and back, and I - along with the rest of the cast, I'm sure - can't quite get my head around the fact that it's almost over.

All that's left to do now is share the experience with an audience...

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Make sure you're a member of our audience this weekend by booking your tickets! Either phone 01983 823884 between 10am and 2pm or visit the Medina Theatre website to book online at any time!

Snow White: A Sneak Peek...

Rehearsals so far have been a blast and, with ticket sales through the roof, we've stepped up a gear this month to ensure that our production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is our most magical pantomime to date.

Our cast are rehearsing twice weekly, smaller groups are meeting for extra rehearsals in their free time, our dancers have extended their hours at Sunday rehearsals, our backstage team are putting the finishing touches to the scenery, our publicity team are working their socks off, our wardrobe department are sewing in their every spare minute, and Panto HQ is littered with paperwork as we enter the final countdown to showtime - it's all systems go in PantoLand!

So we thought we'd treat you to a few pictures from behind the scenes and a few words from our 50-strong cast...

"The rehearsals for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs this year have been funny - and challenging at times! The cast are amazing! And yet again, this year new members have joined our ever-increasing team. I cannot wait to see the cast in costume, as this will truly bring the characters to life...pantomime fun, songs and dance - a great show, not to be missed!"
Stuart Egan - Justice Quill

"I am hugely proud of our talented cast and crew.  Snow White is my favourite pantomime and I am thrilled to be directing again.  I always maintain panto is often a child's first experience of live theatre, and in a world filled with screens and technology it is even more important that children get a chance to see real people on stage....you can't pause or rewind us! Directing is hard work but bringing the vision together is truly rewarding, especially when you work alongside such a talented team. I love The Wight Strollers."
Sarah Scotcher - The 'Grumbly' Director

"I always love the Strollers' panto rehearsals but this stage in the game is certainly the best; it's great watching all the individual sections coming together and seeing all of our hard work starting to take shape."
Nicola Chastney - Chorus

"Who do you know who has a fabulous dressing up wardrobe? . . . A member of the Wight Strollers, thats who! Come along for a couple of hours of panto fun and see the costumes our amazing team of 'our very own costume-makers' have created this year to make our cast 'feel the part!'"
Karen Cassford - Our 'Snoozy' Head of Wardrobe

"So is pantomime just for Christmas? No, not at all, you can enjoy it at any time of the year - and wow, wait 'til you see what The Wight Strollers have in store for you! Comedy, tragedy, suspense, fun, love and even death, all rolled together in a musical bubble which will have you leaving the theatre with a warm glow (even better than a Disney film). Hope to see you there!"
Amanda Gregory - Brainy

"What better way to spend Valentine's weekend than with a timeless tale of True Love?! You will laugh, cry, and above all be completely lost in the magic and excitement of Snow White."
Beth Batchelor - Chorus

"This year, the Strollers have completely outdone themselves. Not only in keeping spirits high through cold rehearsal halls, but in finding that quintessential magic that a classic tale quite like this one certainly requires. For everyone, being part of this has been a roller coaster ride of fun and laughs from the very beginning. I hope you can all come join us and see for yourself, a fantastic retelling of this perfect tale to kick your winter blues away."
Harley Hodgson-Tuck - Prince Ferdinand

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Experience the magic, fun and friendship of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for yourself by booking tickets for one of our five performances - February 13th, 14th and 20th - at the Medina Theatre Box Office either in person, online or by phoning 01983 823884.

Aladdin 2015: The Feedback, Part 2

It's been one week since we finished our run of Aladdin, and the post-panto blues have hit us hard! But making us feel better every day is the feedback that is still flooding in...and it's nothing short of glowing. Here's a selection of the feedback we've received for our final two performances:

"Fantastic show yesterday, my daughter and I loved it - thank you!"
- Kathryn Marie Mitchell

"Thank you, Strollers, for a fantastic show, lots of laughs and fab costumes - and also for letting Kimberley Ritchie be part of this year's panto, she loved it...all of you well done!"
- Caroline B Ritchie

"That was a fabulous show, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done to all!"
- Clare Barnes

"Just got back from watching Aladdin performed by The Wight Strollers. Awesome as always."
- Julie Anne Harris

"Thank you soooo [sic] much for another epically funny and entertaining show! I had to wipe tears of laughter off my cheeks more than once. We never fail to leave with a smile and eager to buy next year's tickets. My hands are sore from applauding but [it] still doesn't seem enough to show how much we love your shows. Well done to every single Stroller - both on the stage and behind it!!"
- Lou Hewison

"Great evening, many thanks!"
- Robert Plumb

"After seeing the dress rehearsal we just had to watch again and boy you never disappointed! Absolutely enjoyable for the whole family, we never stopped laughing, You all certainly made my daughter's half term...thank you, all."
- Heidi Banks

"What a great performance, we laughed the whole way through, already looking forward to next year - well done guys, especially 'nugget.'"
- Graham Harrison

"Always love your shows, but this one was amazing - costumes were outstanding. Well done to all."
- Steph Ratje

"Loved it! Totally professional show. Look forward to next year's."
- Vicki Sampson

"It was fab this evening. Well done to everyone. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I was sooo [sic] happy with the way it all looked in action. Very proud to have played a part in that."
- Angela Sowden (scenery artist extraordinaire!)

"Thank you from the 8th Ryde Brownies for a fantastic afternoon - it was brilliant, funny and [we] just loved the 'Razzle Dazzle'. We can't wait to see you all next year."
- Caroline Seaward

"It was fabulous!"
- Amanda Lewis

"Another amazing pantomime. The costumes were quite something this year. Can't wait for next year's."
- Heather Woodfield

"Massive well done to all of the cast and crew of Aladdin. Comical entrances, flying carpets scenes, genie rubbing innuendos, daft policemen and some wonderful costumes!"
- Fern Alexander

"I really enjoyed myself yesterday. I saw the matinee show with 1st Shanklin Rainbows. Really can't wait for the next show!"
- JackieStar Fearn

"Amazing show, loved it!"
- Bayliss and Booth

"Roll on next year! You all get better and better every year. We came twice this year...fabulous!"
- Ann Potts

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Once again, thank-you so much to everyone who came to support our production of Aladdin - we're thrilled that our audiences seemed to love watching it as much as we loved performing it!

Watch this space for our charity donations, more Aladdin after-show gossip and the latest Wight Strollers news throughout the year.

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!

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!