OLD KING COLE –The Panto!
By Geoff Buckingham

Believed to be the very first full length Pantomime based upon this much-loved
character. And this imaginative and original script gets the audience on its feet applauding and cheering from the very first minute!

There is great joy in the kingdom of Jellytopia when Old King Cole announces that his
daughter Selina has come of age and will take on some of the ceremonial duties, and that a huge national celebration will be held.
But not everyone is happy! The King’s equerry, Grumblestiltskin, is livid
that he has been overlooked, and is persuaded by the jealous and wicked Green
Witch to assist her in taking over the country. There follows a series of incidents to bring
Jellytopia to the verge of ruin, to kidnap Princess Selina, and to persuade the King to
sign over the country to the Green Witch.  Undaunted, the King enlists a motley crew of
helpers to rescue Princess Selina, and thwart the green Witch and Grumblestiltskin.
After a number of adventures, all eventually ends up well, and some moral lessons are
learnt!
This panto is packed with laughter and originality, and can be performed by large or
not so large drama groups.  Some great principal roles, a number of character support roles that can be doubled up if required, wonderful songs, optional
opportunities for young chorus members and dancers, a bit of hilarious slapstick plus lots of audience engagement and banter!
And the use of much rhyming dialogue adds to the fun, whilst making it a bit easier for the cast to memorise!