Viva Lewes Issue #148 January 2019

OUR LEWES: LOUISE HACKETT AND LUCY NEWTH
You’re the first women directors of a
St Mary’s Panto? And you’re directing
Cinderella together? How’s that been? We’re
loving it! We’ve worked together before –
choreographing with both St Mary’s Panto, and
with LOSMT (Lewes Operatic Society Musical
Theatre). But it’s our first time taking up the
director’s baton. We’re part of the Panto family
with a great production team, cast and crew and
to take on the director’s role is a real privilege for
us both.
What skills do you need to direct the panto?
Is it fun? Patience! Sense of humour. Ability to
drink wine! You have to deal with different issues
as they arise – and this all has to fit into your
everyday life. We both work in education and
this has proved invaluable when dealing with the
adult cast... oh and the children! But most of all
it’s about having fun.
Have you known each other for a very long
time? Forever!!
Are you both originally from Lewes? Yes,
although we’ve both had short breaks away
from the town – for university, and to get on the
property ladder. We’re both pleased we were able
to return to our home town.
What do you like about it? Being near family
and friends, the pubs, being a part of bonfire
(we’re both members of Cliffe), performing with
LOSMT, the social life and the scale of the place:
being able to go for a walk in town and know
you’ll always meet someone you know.
And about the panto? It’s been part of our life
forever and there is a real family feel with lots of
family connections.
Lucy (pictured right in first photo): I was five
when I started. My dad, mum and brother have
all appeared on stage, with my dad and brother
also having directed.
Louise: I was 11. My dad and brother have
performed, and my brother’s also directed. Mum
helps Front of House and backstage.
It’s also nice to watch the younger members
of our cast coming back year after year,
progressing through from chorus to principal
roles (hopefully). Both of us started in the tinies’
chorus, and worked our way (as we grew) up!
It’s lovely watching the little ones’ confidence
grow, and them enjoying their time on stage,
performing to their family and friends.
Have you always taken part? We’ve always
been involved in some way. BUT we have both
missed one at some point due to school exams!!!
We didn’t like it!!
Any highlights from this year’s show? Many!
But you’ll have to come and see it for yourself
to find out. It’s great for all ages from 3 to 100.
There’s a range of matinee performances – and
also early evening starts, so older children can
experience an evening of live entertainment
without too late a night.
Interview by Charlotte Gann
Cinderella runs from Saturday 12th to 19th.
Box office 01273 477733. stmaryspanto.org
Photos by Tom Freeman
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