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20/03/2018

Preview: Peter Plank’s Magical Mystical Egg at South Shields Westovian


Theatre Company Created in Parent’s Memory

Peter Plank’s Magical Mystical Egg
South Shields Westovian Theatre
Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th April 2018

A newly formed South Shields based theatre company is about to produce its first show and it wouldn’t be happening without two very important people. Walton-Gunn Productions was set up to honour the memory of company creator and producer Stacy Walton’s parent’s. Peter Planks Magical Mystical Egg will open at seaside venue The Westovian Theatre this Easter and it hopes to be the start of a long successful legacy for the well loved and dearly missed Anthony and Maureen Walton.

Peter Planks Magical Mystical Egg has been written by well known panto actor and writer Wayne Miller. A name and face many will know as Santa’s Naughty Elf, The Customs House Theatres hugely popular character from it Under 7’s Christmas smash hit. Wayne will also play the title character Peter Plank, someone last seen in the children’s show A Rabbits Tail.

Walton-Gunn hopes to capitalise on the North Easts love of pantomime as the perfect way to launch itself as a new producing company. What better place to begin its journey than in their home town, well known for its entertainment history. A lot of that history coming from the chosen venue which is also known as The Pier Pavilion. A theatre that has seen a lot over the years and Walton-Gunn are hoping to build on that. Producer Stacy says  “We looked at many venues but, being born and bread in South Shields I knew that’s where we had to have the first show. Knowing The Westovians and knowing the history it has for providing well loved panto in it’s beautiful theatre, I couldn’t resist it and the decision was made.”

Maureen and Stacy
A home town venue has become the perfect place to begin Stacy’s dream to have a company that produces theatre that her parents will be forever proud of. Theatre was such a big part of life in the Walton house, leading to Anthony and Maureen sending their daughter to theatre school in London.  “This company was created out of the love of two parents, my parents who were both my best friends and cheer leaders in all that I achieved. Growing up the support and love I received throughout my life was unmeasurable. Their dedication to my love of dance, which any dance mam or dad can relate to, was relentless and I will be forever thankful and proud to have had the best parents any girl could wish for. This company is dedicated to that love and support and I am so very proud to be creating theatre pieces in their memory.” explains former dancer Stacy.

After a dance injury she was forced to leave the dancing career, but she has never let that injury get in the way of her love of dance and theatre. She began choregraphing dance and judging dance competitions, so was never too far away from her first love. It was her choreography skills that ignited the idea and passion to create her own company. After working for Customs House productions Wendy The Witch, Santa’s Naughty Elf and a conversation with the shows director, the idea of Walton-Gunn was born.

Peter Plank
As a new company they have assembled a stellar cast for their first production which includes star of South and North Shields panto Craig Richardson, former Tyne Theatre panto and radio presenter Jo Jo Hatfield and Times Square panto villain Stephen Sullivan. Supporting the cast are the dance team of Lori Smedley and Loren Robson both former South Tyneside Dance Workshop dancers.

After each performance of Peter Planks Magical Mystical Egg a bucket collection will be held to raise money for a very worthy cause and organisation. All money will go toward the support of Jarrow based charity St Clare’s Hospice. Stacy adds,  “Sadly, I lost both my mam and dad to cancer in the last two years and as a family we could not have got through it without the help of St Clare's Hospice, so I would like raise money in my parents honour to help the hospice so that they can continue providing outstanding care to other families in their most difficult moments.”

Tickets:
Peter Plank’s Magical Mystical Egg comes to the Westovian Theatre, South Shields from Wed 4th to Friday 6th April with performances at 12:00 & 3:30pm
Tickets £6, Group Ticket £20 (admits 4)

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