Phoebe and Amelie now making their mark in Oldham's top panto family

Amelie Fletcher, dad Richard J Fletcher and sister Phoebe at the Coliseum

Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s nationally renowned annual pantomime is a part of Christmas traditions for families across Oldham and beyond, but none more so than the Fletcher household, where panto star dad, Richard J Fletcher, is joined on stage by his two daughters Phoebe (15) and Amelie (12) for the second year running.

Phoebe and Amelie both returned to the Coliseum pantomime chorus after successfully auditioning in September for Director Kevin Shaw and Choreographer Beverley Norris-Edmunds.

The sisters play fairy helpers and townspeople in Cinderella, having cut their teeth playing villagers and ‘ratlings’ in the chorus of 2017’s Dick Whittington.

The Coliseum’s pantomime chorus features three teams of eight talented young ladies who sing, dance and act alongside the pantomime’s professional actors.

Richard J Fletcher is a favourite amongst audiences young and old with his energetic performances and skilful enticement of audience participation.

This year is Richard’s 10th Coliseum pantomime and his performance in the role of Buttons has been highly praised by critics across the board.

Theatre and a connection to the Coliseum is very much in the blood for Phoebe and Amelie.

As well as having a panto star for a dad, their mum, Isabel Ford, is a regular actor in the Coliseum’s dramas and comedies, most recently performing multiple roles in the Coliseum’s national tour all-female production of Whisky Galore throughout Spring and Summer of this year.  

Each year the Coliseum serves up the perfect panto recipe – excellent actors, singers and dancers dishing out the very best in traditional fun that’s great for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups.

Add some music, songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration.

This year, Prince Charming is throwing a ball and everyone is invited!

But it looks like poor Cinderella will be staying home alone, thanks to her Wicked Stepmother and two Ugly Sisters, Trumpy and Pumpy.

With the help of her best friend Buttons and a magical Fairy Godmother can Cinderella make it to the party on time?

Cinderella runs until Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Oldham Coliseum.

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