Kibworth pantomime will hit the stage this month - in memory of a very special person

A leading amateur dramatic group is set to stage an especially poignant pantomime to raise the curtain on 2020.
Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERRehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

The Last Minute Theatre of Kibworth is showing ever-popular Sleeping Beauty later this month to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

And the locally-renowned am dram entertainers will dedicate the timeless fairytale classic to Last Minute stalwart Mig Rawnsley.

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Founder member Mary Orton said: “Mig sadly died last August aged 71 of pancreatic cancer.

Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERRehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“He was a true legend here and we all miss him so much.

“We are performing the first script he wrote for us seven years ago as a very fitting tribute to him.”

She said multi-talented Kibworth man Mig had written, directed, costumed, starred in and produced sets for their pantos since 2013.

“The Last Minute Theatre played a massive role in his life.

Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTERRehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER
Rehearsals during Last Minute Theatre panto Sleeping Beauty. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“His death left a huge hole because he put so much work and know how into our shows,” said Mary, who’s also directing Sleeping Beauty.

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“Mig just loved our group, he came alive on stage and he was almost irreplaceable.

“We put on a special show to celebrate his life last September.

“And we’d like to dedicate this production of Sleeping Beauty to Mig because he was right at the heart of what we did and he’ll never be forgotten.”

Mig RawnsleyMig Rawnsley
Mig Rawnsley

She said about 40 enthusiasts from Kibworth and beyond were treading the boards in the landmark showstopper.

“Everyone taking part belongs to our theatre.

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“We have some very good singers in the group and members range from three to just about 83,” said Mary, whose daughter Helen’s in the line-up.

“It’s hard work but we all help each other, we have a lot of fun and we have a real feelgood spirit so bring it on!”

Sleeping Beauty, which is being staged at Kibworth Grammar School, starts on Saturday January 18 at 2.30pm before being performed later that night at 7.30pm.

You can also pop along to see it at 2.30pm on Sunday January 19, 7.30pm on Friday January 24 and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday January 25.

Tickets cost just £5 for matinees and £6 for evenings.

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You can snap them up at Market Harborough Building Society, Station Road, Kibworth, Kibworth Grammar School Hall and ReSpectacle in Manor Walk, Market Harborough.

Or you can email Mary at [email protected] or text or call 07710 112346.