BOLTON'S Christmas pantomime in the Town Hall has a deserved reputation as family entertainment.

And local families are represented as much on stage as off.

Every year, scores of young would-be stars excitedly try out their talents at the auditions for the many young performers the show needs.

Since 1988, Fame Factory Presentations has been responsible for staging this popular panto, and this year, they found their open auditions at the Bolton Excel Centre just as much of a draw.

But, of course, they are bound to disappoint as many as they delight. As Fame Factory's Gerry Graham explains:

"I feel I have to pay tribute to the hundreds of young hopeful who, by their character and talent, very nearly reduced us to tears at the very thought of having to reject some of them.

"There were precisely 205 of them, and the standard was so high, the presentation was so polished, that we really do need to go into print to thank them all."

Some instances particularly stay with Gerry and the Fame Factory team: "The tiny toddler of two who wanted to dance with her big sister who must have been all of five. (We obviously couldn't use either of them, but who's to say they aren't going to be stars of the future?)

"The girl sitting sitting with her fingers crossed, and mouthing the words 'Please, please, please' when we called out the numbers of the successful auditionees.

"Sadly, she wasn't among them, and we both had to turn away, conscious that we could have broken her heart even as she was breaking ours. The group of boys who hadn't had a dance lesson in their lives, but who tried SO hard, and really deserved the applause they received at the end of their audition.

"The senior girl who found the going just that bit too tough, and burst into tears when she found it was beyond her. The girl who auditioned with a broken arm, and the girl who delayed her flight to Germany in order not to miss her chance.

"The father in tears when his daughter was successful; the mother in tears when her daughter wasn't. And the army of parents who were all far more nervous than their children appeared to be.

"On our part, we did try to keep what could be a pressure cooker situation good humoured and friendly. The unsuccessfuls were given a complimentary ticket to see the pantomime, and a letter which we hope let them down lightly, and encouraged their continued efforts."

Adds Gerry: "Remember, our job is to entertain as many young people and families as possible, and the thought of spreading disappointment is anathema to us. As it was, the standard meant that the 18 juniors and 18 seniors required became 21 juniors and 24 seniors, because decision-making was SO difficult."

Now it's full-speed ahead for "Dick Whittington" from December 4 to January 4. But the auditions have certainly left their impression.

As Gerry concludes: "We have no doubt whatsoever that our chorus in Bolton this year will be superb, and the future of dance in the North-west is assured - if the young people we saw at these auditions is anything to go by."

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