Disabled puppy wins over audience at New Theatre Royal’s panto
A disabled puppy from Lincoln[1] with a massive social media following won over the hearts of the audience after starring in Lincoln’s New Theatre Royal 2023 show. Pumpkin[2], the small west highland terrier puppy who is disabled in both her back legs and has 78k followers on Facebook, played Toto during the charming Easter performance of Wizard of Oz.
Unphased by the lights or noises around her, Pumpkin played Toto with ease and even came on stage at one point in her wheels, a great platform to represent disabled dogs. Often held by debut Lincoln performer Leah Appleyard, a charming Dorothy with a beautiful voice who opened the show, she was amid other exciting stars including Gogglebox star Sandi Bogle and even a surprise appearance from Look North’s Peter Levy[3].
The show was a fun and colourful Easter performance with several great personalities, with the added treat of Peter Levy appearing on a big screen as the Wizard of Oz surrounded by green smoke and telling Dorothy “there’s no place like home.” Gogglebox and Celebrity Big Brother star Sandi Bogle made a funny and loveable Glindora the Good Witch of the North, after previously appearing as Sultana Tangine in the 2017 Christmas panto, Aladdin.
Poll – Should Paul O’Grady have been knighted?[4]
L to R Glindora (Sandi Bogle), Lion (Camilia O’Grady), Dorothy (Leah Appleyard), Scarecrow (Dan Badrick), Tin Man (Charles M Duke), Wicked Witch of the West (Arran Wilson) (Image: Caroline Keyworth)
The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion came to life both with energetic acting as well as brilliantly detailed costumes. Dan Badrick showed his acting range as The Scarecrow from his previous performance in an entirely different role as Dandini in the 2022 Christmas panto, Cinderella.
The Easter show began on Wednesday, April 5 and is showing until Wednesday, April 12. Tickets start from £20 (adults), £14 (child), £18 (over 65s), £62 (family – max. 2 adults).
Aladdin will be returning as the 2023/2024 Christmas pantomime, with dates from December 5 until January 7. You can already book tickets with the option of a Panto Payment Plan over four separate payments.
You can book tickets by calling the Box Office on 01522 519999 or online at. www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk
References
- ^ Lincoln (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Pumpkin (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Peter Levy (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Poll – Should Paul O’Grady have been knighted? (xd.wayin.com)