Dunmow Pantomime Group’s Peter Pan a “spectacular” success

A “spectacular” pantomime at Foakes Hall was a sell-out every night of its run – with people even having to be turned away.

The Dunmow Pantomime Group was able to tell the story of the boy who never grew up after securing a grant from the Stansted Airport Community Trust and Great Dunmow Town Council.

The money enabled them to buy new costumes and scenery to perform Peter Pan for the first time in the group’s history.

After spending around £9,500 – and with a little bit of fairy dust, of course! – the story was able to come alive.

Co-director Belinda Savill said: “Right up until the first performance I was still incredibly nervous because it was something so different.

“But the audience reaction afterwards was absolutely brilliant.

“It is such a wonderful sense of achievement and I can’t thank the cast, and all those involved who the audience don’t see, enough.”

The show ran from January 1-4. Organisers were still receiving calls between the two final performances on the Saturday for tickets.

“It was brilliant for us because it showed people enjoyed it but we did feel bad for those who could not come,” Mrs Savill added.

“Without the money we could not have made it such a spectacular show and we have been absolutely bowled over by the support.”

Kate Flynn loved the panto so much she went to see it twice.

She said: “The acting, costumes, singing and dancers were excellent.

“My in-laws came to watch and were very impressed – they had been to see a panto in Liverpool but felt the Dunmow one was so much better, and a fraction of the cost.”