Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) and The Huntsville Theatre Company
(HTC) are thrilled to announce a brand-new production Grinched! The
Holiday Panto, a laugh-out-loud twist on Dr. Seuss’s classic tale coming
to the Algonquin Theatre for three performances on December 20 & 21, 2025.
Following the sold-out success of A Christmas Carol in 2023, this year’s
holiday show will once again be directed by local theatre artist Robin
Clipsham and will feature HfA Executive Director Dan Watson in the role
of the Grinch.
The production is currently seeking expressions of interest from local
actors. There are 20–25 roles available, including chorus parts.
Community members ages 10 and up are encouraged to apply. Rehearsals
will take place on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons starting
October 15. Please note that these are volunteer roles. Interested
participants can apply by visiting huntsvillefestival.ca and completing
the online form. The deadline to submit is September 24, 2025.
Staged in the tradition of a British Pantomime (or “panto”), this
family-friendly form of musical comedy is a beloved holiday tradition in
the U.K. and beyond. Panto productions mix songs, slapstick comedy,
dancing, gender-crossing roles, topical humour, and audience
participation—where cheers, boos, and singalongs are all part of the fun.
“We’re thrilled to be returning with another holiday show,” says Dan
Watson, Executive Director of Huntsville Festival of the Arts. “The
holiday panto is a well-loved tradition that brings our community
together to celebrate the season, see friends and family on stage, and
share in the fun. Robin has so many brilliant ideas for this year’s
show—we can’t wait to bring some holiday magic to Downtown Huntsville.”
“Bringing pantomime to the Algonquin Theatre stage for the holidays will
be sure to delight many local families! We’re so happy to once again
partner with Huntsville Festival of the Arts to create theatrical magic
for our community,” adds Lauren Rodrigues, President of the Huntsville
Theatre Company.
For more information or to submit an expression of interest, please
contact:
Dan Watson, Executive Director
dan@huntsvillefestival.ca
705-788-2787
