School holiday panto fun asks: which witch is which?

Roleystone Theatre director Linda Roads doesn’t believe in the saying “never work with children or animals”. As part of writing and directing the pantomime Grumblebum and the Tricky Witch this July, she’s managed to include both. The story follows Violet and a prince who have fallen in love – but Violet gets banished from the village, accused of being a witch. She goes on a quest to find the evil witch of the forest, meeting trees, fairies and animals along the way, to discover if she is also a witch. Roads was inspired to write another pantomime after the success of her last one, Fairytale and Witch. “I've never directed a standard play,” she said. “I stick to what I know and I love pantomimes. They’re fun and everyone can get involved.” Starting out with Opera Viva, Roads went on to perform with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of WA before working extensively with Roleystone and Acorn Theatres. She has also worked for the production company Waiting in the Wings, where she originally began writing Grumblebum and the Tricky Witch. The show plays at 8pm, July 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 22 and 23 with 2pm matinees on July 17 and 23. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 children – book on 9399 4016 or tickets@roleystonetheatre.com.au. Roleystone Theatre is located at 587 Brookton Highway, Roleystone, opposite the Croyden Road junction. More information is also available at www.roleystonetheatre.com.au.