Excitement is building for NFYFC’s national Pantomime final in April, where eight teams will be putting on their best performance for a chance to win the trophy.
The Pantomime competition is one of the most popular YFC competitions, attracting thousands of members and volunteers to get involved. Aside from the leading acting roles, there’s a huge team effort to get a show on the road – from set design to make up and music.
Whitley Chapel YFC, former Entertainments winners, started rehearsals back in January for their version of the Jungle Book. A complete re-write of the Disney film, Whitley Chapel promise their show will have plenty of audience participation and all the characters you’d expect from a traditional Panto.
The club has 21 cast members and four working back stage. Producer and writer Lewis Short said: “Our aim is to put on a fast-paced, entertaining pantomime that the audience have never seen before.
“The club always pulls together. We only had nine two-hour rehearsals before our first competition round because we missed out on a couple due to snow. Having been successful in Performing Arts in previous years, everyone knows what to expect and shows dedication and teamwork to bring the show together.”
This year will be the first time in 30 years that a team from East Riding of Yorkshire County Federation has taken part in a Performing Arts competition. County Chair Luke Brignall said hosting an Area final had encouraged members to put on their own show.
“We were inspired to get involved after hosting the Northern Area Performing Arts finals back in 2022. East Riding of Yorkshire FYFC have not taken part in the Performing Arts competitions for at least three decades so the small cast were excited to go to Northern Area, and elated to qualify for the national finals,” said Luke about their pantomime Jack and the Pea Vine.
Performances will take place across two days at the Spa Centre in Leamington Spa on 12-13 April 2025 – the same weekend as the Annual Meeting of Clubs and the Senior Member of the Year competition.
Performances commence at 2pm on both days and the line-up of competitors is as follows:
Seven finalists will compete in the Senior Member of the Year competition on the Saturday and will take part in stage interviews during a break in the Pantomime performances.
Tickets for the national final will go on sale on Monday 31 March and can be purchased from the Spa Centre Box Office by calling 01926 334 418.
