Meet The Team
Kevin Becken
Scriptwriter, Art Director
Kevin's first full script was Sleeping Beauty in 2024, following revision in 2023 of a previous script written by Eddie Lilley who was the scriptwriter for ALL our pantos between 1999 and 2020. The 2022 and 2024 Cabaret scripts were written by Kevin. The stories are inventive and loosely based on traditional tales, and bring in new characters and local references throughout, and Kevin loves to get the audience involved. Kevin is also responsibility for all things arty in the show - hand painted scenery designs provide visually stunning backdrops, hall decoration (with the fantastic assistance of some talented artists), posters, banners and programme production. The humble village hall is transformed by a volunteer force, pulling the scene from the stage and into the audience to invite you into the heart of the show.
Paul Steward
Director
Paul is our Stage Director. As one of the original Harlequins, acting in every panto, his wealth of experience stands and sits in good stead. With enthusiasm and energy he deserves his well-respected authority.
Richard Hedley
Musical Director
Richard is also an original cast member and director/lyric writer/composer/arranger of the music from the beginning.
"One of the benefits of pantomime is that, unlike musicals, you can change the songs to fit the production, and match the different cast, characters and storylines. The live music keep the shows fresh and exciting and enables the use of different musical styles and ideas and always boast a range of songs to suit most tastes.
Huge thanks, as ever, are due to the band for making the music come alive and to the sound desk for balance. With very little rehearsal the band always manages to produce a really cohesive sound. "
Sally Fagan, Ewa Woods
Costumes and Wardrobe
"It’s amazing what a difference costumes make to everyone’s performance. It’s like a sprinkling of fairy dust - enthusiasm, life and energy return and suddenly we have a show worth watching! Our costume stock has grown so much over the years that it is now impossible to swing the proverbial cat. We have over 1200 items stored which are all catalogued so woe betide anyone who mucks up my system. Ewa Woods is the creative genius behind the costumes. She works like a Trojan all through January to make sure everything is just right for the show – our dames have become bolder and brassier, our kings, queens and princes more glitzy and our baddies really look the part."
Helen Hubbard
Choreography
Devising choreography to challenge the cast, who mostly tend to dread singing and dancing simultaneously, is a challenge in itself. But you can’t fault the enthusiasm and Helen manages the task with rhythm, sympathy, patience and good humour. She is also a superb actress.
Mike Neale
Prompt
Tucked away in his little cubicle and watching what’s going on on stage, sits our valuable helper to get us back on track.
Jonathan Neale
Construction
"Construction starts early when the first parts of the stage are assembled, and continues every Saturday by a team of highly trained and dedicated craftsmen who give their time freely to build the stage, the scenery, the props, the sets and make running repairs to the Village Hall itself! Unfortunately, much of that training is in The Nag’s Head, so please do take note of the emergency exits and we recommend hard hats!"
Steven Wright, Justine Cline
Stage management
They drop all the scenes, pull the ropes, splice the mainbrace, draw the curtains, ensure everything is in the right place at the right time, and, with their little torches on their heads, wander about backstage and onstage too. Their roles have been developed to play out little silent sketches, and a sub-story, delighting the audience.
Judith Neale
Box Office
Judith pops up ready to oblige with a cheery word and a smile, efficiently shuffling her colour coded papers, as she takes your ticket money - but don’t call after 7pm!
Martin Fagan
Lighting, special effects and photography
The man controls the spotlights to make sure the dancing gels are in the limelight. He sets the charges on the explosives, and ensures we are clear of the danger zone. Can be seen at the back waving his arms and pointing at random moments.
Simon Griffin
Sound
Sitting at the back on the Mission Control desk, balancing and mixing up instruments and stage mikes for dialogue and singing - a complex and skilled job. Great work!
There are many other members of the Harby Harlequins who contribute to making the shows a success. There are stalwart actors who commit their insanity every year, new recruits who we encourage, Front of House, Make-up, child performance chaperones... too many to list here but each a crucial part of the team. Thanks to all!
If you wish to take part in any capacity, on-stage, off-stage, building, painting, baking cake for the team, you will be warmly welcomed. Please drop us a line for a chat.
Thank you to our regular sponsors:
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