Local children win Chelmsford Theatre competition with witty Snow White lines
Three children have been selected as the ‘Voice of Panto’ this winter following a competition run by Chelmsford Theatre.
The competition asked children aged 5-11 to have a go at rewriting Chelmsford Theatre’s pre-show announcement lines that will welcome visitors to this year’s panto, Snow White.
Childrens’ clever winning lines recorded in their voices
Buddy, aged five; Poppy, aged six; and Lara, aged eight were the winners of the competition. Their creative Snow White lines stood out among all the entries thanks to their clever panto puns and witty remarks about bad apples!
Chelmsford Theatre’s Creative Engagement Officer, Megan Crisp, says the winning entries were particularly impressive:
““I’ve been so impressed by the creative and clever entries for this competition from children across Chelmsford. The winning lines are particularly special – they really made me chuckle and they’re bound to get our audiences buzzing with enthusiasm before each show. We’re so thankful to everyone who entered for taking the time to show their creative side, and I hope our talented winners are proud of their role in this year’s panto.”
Megan Crisp, Creative Engagement Officer, Chelmsford Theatre
Buddy, Poppy and Lara record their panto welcome announcements.
This week, Buddy, Poppy and Lara each recorded their winning lines in a special session at Chelmsford Theatre with the team’s sound technicians. The team were impressed with the childrens’ delivery, with all three only requiring a couple of takes each. After the recording session, the lucky winners then met with some of the talented cast of this year’s panto, sharing their comical lines, and they even enjoyed a sneak peek of rehearsals taking place.
Each winner also received tickets to see Snow White alongside a parent or guardian on a date of their choice, where they’ll be able to listen to their own welcome announcements!
Providing creative opportunities to engage with local theatre
The Voice of Panto competition is part of the theatre’s efforts to provide opportunities for children and young people to express their creativity and engage with their local theatre.
Theatre Director, Rhys Thomas says the competition has given children the chance to see what it’s like ‘behind the scenes’ in local theatre:
““Voice of Panto is part of our Discover Programme, which aims to connect local people – and especially young people – with their local theatre and to show them how varied and exciting the arts industry can be.
Rhys Thomas, Theatre Director, Chelmsford Theatre
“This competition has been a fun and creative way to ignite curiosity in our younger visitors, while providing some brilliantly funny new announcements for our audiences to enjoy this panto season. I hope that the process has inspired our young winners by showing them what it’s like ‘behind the scenes’ at a local theatre, and all the work that’s involved in the messages they hear when they go to the theatre.”
Snow White tickets selling fast
Visitors to this year’s panto will get to hear Buddy, Poppy and Lara's recorded messages played in the theatre’s bars and foyer before each performance of Snow White from Friday 29 November until Sunday 5 January 2025.
If you haven’t yet booked your tickets, then act fast! With doors yet to open to audiences, this year’s panto is already 85% sold out, so secure your seats now to avoid disappointment.
Cherelle writes about Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford Museum, the Mayor of Chelmsford and culture and events in the city.