Panto stars learn their lines on the Wharfedale Line (From Wharfedale Observer)

Panto stars learn their lines on the Wharfedale Line

3:10pm Thursday 21st January 2010

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Travellers on the Wharfedale Line have had a bit of a shock as they have boarded their train from Guiseley to Ilkley.

They have seen two local amateur thespians all dressed up for their pantomime parts.

The actors have been doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprints by travelling together on the train to rehearsals.

Paul Nowland, who plays Dame Donna Kebab, and Ian White, who plays his son Shish in Ilkley Upstagers panto Dick Whittington - which opens on Friday- both come from Guiseley.

They have been hopping on the train to Ilkley several times a week.

Paul said: “This week we decided to go all out by travelling in full costume and make up!

“We certainly raised a few eyebrows I can tell you.”

Paul, who works as a bank manager for Barclays, and Ian, who is a sign maker, use the train time to learn their lines and plan their comedy stage antics.

“It’'s great to put the journey to good use and have a laugh at the same time,” said Ian, who has been Paul’s panto sidekick for four years.

Tickets are still available for Dick Whittington which runs at Ilkley’s King’s Hall from January 22-30.

Call 01943 607944/604792 or go in person to the Upstagers’ Barn at the rear of the Midland Hotel, daily from 11am to 1pm.

p This year’s Addingham pantomime is Beauty and the Beast and rehearsals are in full swing with Lauren Ellis as Belle and Richard Vaughan as the Beast.

The Group are hoping to repeat their successes of last year when they won seven awards at the Wharfedale Festival, including Best Musical Director and Best Comedy Duo.

The pantomime runs from Friday, February 12, until Saturday, February 20. To book tickets contact Jane Gregory on 01943 831007.

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