Cochrane is set to host the world premiere of a new pantomime.

The show, entitled Knight Fever, is being produced by members of the Vision Theatre Group, with casting for the huge production starting next month.

Director Lucy Mills, who moved to Cochrane from England where pantomimes are popular, said after performing in Vision’s Blythe Spirit last year, members of the group found out she’d directed in the U.K., and said they were interested in bringing a pantomime to Cochrane.

Pantomimes are generally comedic slapstick productions with a great deal of audience participation.

“They’re for the whole family and usually based around a fairy tale,” explained Mills. “There’s always good versus bad and the good always wins in the end.”

Mills added they’re also musical productions with song sheets for the audience to join in, and spectators even dragged up onto the stage sometimes.

“Knight Fever is based on the story of King Arthur,” she said. “So we have wizards, fairies and dragons.”

Mills said that since this is a brand new manuscript, and because traditionally British pantomimes start immediately after Christmas, the play has not yet been performed anywhere else.

“The writers have contacted me and they’re very interested to see what the Cochrane audience reaction to their script will be,” she said of Damian Trasler, David Lovesy and Steve Clark.

She’s already had some interest from actors in Calgary, but Mills said she hopes Cochrane will get on board too.

“I want this to be a real community thing,” she said.

Auditions will take place in August, but times are flexible because Mills said she doesn’t want anyone to miss out because of vacations.

There are 10 main acting parts, but anyone who is unsuccessful in attaining a lead part will almost certainly be able to join the chorus which could have up to 50 performers.

“It can be as big as we want it,” said Mills. “And having been in a chorus myself many times, I can tell you it’s as much fun as anything else.”

One three-year-old has already signed up and the group is hoping to attract some high school singers and actors.

The cast will also participate in the Labour Day parade.

“We need front and backstage helpers and people to help with costumes as well,” Mills said.

To arrange for an audition, or for more information call 403-932-2459.

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