Following the recent exciting panto news announcing that Kent’s winner of Britain’s Got Talent Sydnie Christmas will star in annual family panto Sleeping Beauty, Dartford’s Orchard West today confirms that much loved comedy pairing, Dartford’s own Simmons and Simmons will join Sydnie on stage this festive season.
The celebrated father and son duo – often called ‘Panto Legends’ – have a shared experience of nearly 80 years in Pantomime with Keith making his debut in 1968. Living locally Keith has never performed in Pantomime at the Orchard Theatre but has been seen ‘treading the boards’ in a variety of other productions even appearing in the Gala Opening Night of The Orchard Theatre back in 1983, whilst son Ben made his own Pantomime debut there as one of the babes in ‘Babes in the Wood’ in 1986.
Simmons and Simmons have been performing in pantomime together since 2005 alongside some of the biggest names in show biz. Masters of the variety show. They continue to tour across the UK to critical acclaim.
Keith Simmons says “This place is amazing and after all these years I’m so pleased to be making my debut in panto in my hometown! I fell in love with pantomime back in the sixties and I am still in love with pantomime today and introducing youngsters to live theatre for the first time themselves. We can’t wait to bring all the pantomime silliness to the people of Dartford and Kent.”
Ben adds “I’m so excited to be on home turf to mark the year which brings together so many panto anniversaries for both of us. This will be our 20th panto together with Dad celebrating his 55th year and me my 25th. It will be our combined 80th pantomime! We have such a laugh together on stage and love to share that with the audience. This is going to be bright colourful and magical and, of course, with Sydnie we know musically our audiences are in for a real treat !”
When the wicked fairy Carabosse’s evil curse causes the princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from the magical slumber before it is too late?
Tickets are on sale now for the perfect family treat. Join in the panto fun and book now at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk and watch this space for exciting casting news!