Leading director and playwright Guy Unsworth is renewing his links with local theatre this Christmas when his pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is performed by the Southport Dramatic Club.
It takes place at the Little Theatre Southport, the place which first ignited his interest in the theatre, from next Friday (16th December 20022) through to 2nd January 2023.
Born and bred in Southport, Guy performed as a youngster in many productions at the Hoghton Street venue for the Southport Dramatic Club.
After leaving the town, Guy studied Theatre Directing at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts since which time his career has gone from strength to strength.
Guy worked as Assistant and Associate Director on numerous productions in the West End and nationwide, working with the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart, Patricia Hodge, and Warwick Davies. He also worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company before establishing himself as an international award-winning theatre director and writer.
His career since then has seen him working with Alain Boubil (of ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Miss Saigon’ fame) on a new musical, directing Bonnie Langford’s one woman show, mounting countless productions in Singapore, and directing hit West End musicals including ‘Cool Rider’ starring Reece Shearsmith, and Lin Manuel Miranda’s ‘Bring it On’ starring Amber Davies and Louis Smith.
His career has also seen him rub shoulders with Royalty, having produced the 70th Birthday celebrations for the then Prince of Wales, and being part of the team behind the 90thBirthday celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.
Most recently, Guy wrote and directed the stage version of classic comedy ‘Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’, which enjoyed two sell-out tours starring Joe Pasquale and Susie Blake.
However, amongst all this work, Guy still retains a soft spot for panto. Not only has he written a number of professional pantomimes, each Christmas he can often be found directing for the country’s leading pantomime producer, working with the likes of Les Dennis, Gareth Gates, Craig Revel Horwood and even Sooty. Indeed this Christmas he returns to the Manchester Opera House to direct Jason Manford in ‘Peter Pan’.
However he is particularly proud of his association with the Southport Dramatic Club and is delighted that they are presenting his production of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ – a show which was first produced professionally pre-lockdown but which has been specially adapted for Southport audiences.
He said: “In many ways, I owe my career to the Little Theatre, as it was at the Southport Dramatic Club where I first developed my interest in theatre.
“Having performed various pantos for them when I was younger, I am delighted to renew my festive association with the Club this Christmas and with such a great team, I think the SDC’s audiences are in for a real treat this year.
“To have my panto on at the Little, with the director and several of the cast being those who were with me in panto all those years ago, feels extra special. Life has come full circle!”
Full of song and spectacle, comedy and chaos, this prolific extravaganza has all the classic ingredients of a fun-filled family panto but with plenty of twists and surprises too.
As Guy says: “Custard pies, a cute penguin, and a happy ending – what’s not to love?!’”
‘Sleeping Beauty’ (sponsored by KKC) runs at the Little Theatre from 16th December 20022 to 2nd January 2023, with BSL signed performances on 27th December. For tickets ring 01704 530521 or book online at www.littletheatresouthport.co.uk.
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