Harby Harlequins

The Harby Harlequins are acclaimed for presenting original scripts and slick performances with talented actors and musicians. Formed in 1998 to raise funds for new village hall curtains, the first panto was performed in January 1999, and has since gone from strength to strength. Local charities and community groups benefit from our fund-raising, the community at large enjoy some madcap entertainment, and the Harlequins are rewarded with camaraderie and the pleasure of appreciative applause and laughter. The panto has run every year except for 2021 and 2022 (due to covid restrictions). 2026 will be our 26th show.

 

Scriptwriting starts in June. Actors memorise the script and rehearse their acting, visual stunts, songs and dance routines. We are privileged to benefit from a live band for musical accompaniment, and the score is chosen to fit the characters and storyline, words are adapted to the story, and new original songs are sometimes composed. The production further includes stage direction, scenery production, choreography, costume making, stage management, lighting and sound engineers, make-up, set and props construction, programme design, ticket sales, publicity, prompt, bar staff, front-of-house staff. A wide mix of talents!

 

The Harlequins voluntarily devote an immense amount of energy, dedication, creativity and commitment, and we set ourselves very high standards. This is very much a team effort. Those in the audience who regularly come to our shows will recognise names who have appeared numerous times before, who lead the way, encourage and mentor new recruits. Newbies inject fresh personality and a new dynamic to develop ideas which keeps each show different and alive.

 

The whole show is rehearsed over four months, performed over four days, and all is packed away in four hours.

 

The shows are presented in Harby Village Hall over 5 performances. Each performance seats a maximum of 143 people.