The pantomime circuit can be a cruel mistress; there’s competition for places – after all, there’s only so many genies needed up and down the country.
And there is the battle not to end up in a city hundreds of miles from home for three solid weeks.
Once all that’s sorted, there’s actually making sure the production itself is up to standard.
Sadly for Denise Welsh, it’s been reported that her panto choice this year was a mistake – which has apparently caused her to walk out on it!
The former Coronation Street actress had been due to play Mother Nature in a run of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Times Square Pantodrome in Newcastle.
But due to “chaotic” rehearsals, and the small matter of not being paid, it’s said that Denise has been forced to pull out.
Insiders on the production have spoken out about the shambolic production, which caused the opening night to be delayed.
A source told The Sun: “It was a total shambles backstage – the panto wasn’t ready to open when it was due to this Monday, so the first two days of shows were cancelled.
“Sets weren’t finished, a technical rehearsal set for last Friday couldn’t go ahead because the production was running so behind.”
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“Another rehearsal was a total disaster, and then cast weren’t being paid on time or at all. At one point, an Equity rep had to be called in to mediate.”
And according to sources, Denise sensed something was amiss with the production just a few days into rehearsals.
She released a statement that read: “I am so terribly upset and hugely disappointed that I will no longer be appearing in the Times Square Pantomime in Newcastle.
“Those who know me and have supported me during my 40 year career will know how passionate I am about my job, Newcastle and its people.”
“All I ever wanted was to star in a fabulous, spectacular pantomime that I have been proudly publicising since February. If there was anything I could do to change this highly regrettable situation I would.
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“Legally, I can say no more but I write this with a heavy heart.”
The panto has gone ahead without Denise and features Emmerdale fave Adam Thomas, Helen Slade and Daniel Mawston.