The cast of <i>Robin Hood and the Merry Men of the Redwood Forest</i>. Photo/Supplied
Those who are planning on checking out the local theatre companies' shows of 2018 are in for a treat, with a packed year ahead.
The first show for Rotorua Little Theatre is pantomime Robin Hood and the Merry Men of the Redwood Forest.
It is being held from January 19 to January 27 at Shambles Theatre.
Most sessions are in the evening, barring two matinees at 2pm on January 20 and January 21.
Director Steve English says since it is a pantomime he is hoping to get a lot of families along.
He says, though it is the story of Robin Hood, it has been reset and has a local flavour - the Redwood Forest.
"It has got lots of good goodies and bad baddies, songs, music, and a wonderful little story line. We've got very good actors in it.
"It should be an enjoyable show for the whole family."
Steve says pantomime is a bit of "a tongue-in-cheek drama".
He says a lot of the actors are playing the opposite gender and compared to a normal play there is a lot of audience participation.
People can cheer for the goodies and boo for the baddies, and join in with the songs - "that's all part of it".
Steve says since it is the story of Robin Hood people are welcome to come dressed in green, but do not have to.
"The children will enjoy the sites, the music and all the action taking place on stage. The adults will enjoy the dialogue and the subtle and not so subtle jokes."
There are 18 actors in the cast and rehearsals started in mid-November.
Steve says he is looking forward to seeing the faces and reactions of the audiences.
He says he hopes to see people smiling, laughing and cringing in some parts at the corny jokes and children getting excited.
"It's got to the point where I want to see it in front of a live audience."
Steve says he has a great team to work with, including backstage and lighting, and the way they are pulling together as a team makes it so much easier.
"I just think there is something there for all members of the family, whatever their ages. I just encourage as many people to come along as possible."
Tickets are available at the Shambles Theatre Box Office.
Other shows coming up this year with the Rotorua Little Theatre are - a Roger Hall play with the title to be confirmed, May 2 to 12, Vicar Of Dibley, July 27 to August 11, Teechers, October 24 to November 3, and in December a Drama Kids Production.
The Rotorua Musical Theatre's first show of the year will be a supercalifragilistic one, Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical, with show dates confirmed for March 11 to 24.
Join Mary Poppins, Jane, Michael, Bert, Mr and Mrs Banks and the many other beloved characters as the Energy Events Centre is transformed into Cherry Tree Lane.
The director is Dean McKerras who is joined by local Elisha Hulton as vocal director.
The theatre is working in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council on the show.
Energy Events Centre manager Joelene Elliott says staff are working extremely hard, alongside the theatre, to enable the show to be staged in Rotorua.
"Mary Poppins was originally booked for the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre which recently had to close for earthquake strengthening.
"The technical equipment needed, including specialist rigs needed for Mary Poppins to fly across the stage will need to be built at the Energy Events Centre, but it's an exciting challenge and one we're keen to take on."
Rotorua Musical Theatre president Natasha Benfell says rehearsals are going amazing - "I think Rotorua is going to be in for such a treat".
She says the directors always do a great job and they have a talented cast who are working hard and dancing their socks off.
Other shows the theatre has coming up this year are Dreamgirls in July and Rock of Ages in October at Casa Blanca Theatre.
She says they are also hoping to do another children's show sometime between the middle and end of the year.
Tickets for Mary Poppins – The Broadway Musical are on sale at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.
Lakes Performing Arts Centre owner Rebecca Brake says they have students taking part in Mary Poppins.
The centre is also doing the choreography for Rotorua Boy's High School's Footloose show later this year, as well as its own end-of-term shows.
For more information visit the theatres' Facebook pages.