Snow White programme from 2005 is Bishop’s Stortford Museum’s Object of the Month for April

South Mill Arts operations director Paula Holland, who retires this month after over 19 years at the South Road venue, has selected the programme from her first panto there - Snow White in 2005 - as Bishop’s Stortford Museum’s Object of the Month for April.

“I look back fondly on all 20 of the pantomimes and Christmas shows I’ve been involved in here”, recalls Paula, “It’s such a special time in the theatre.”

“I’ve enjoyed helping to run all the events and performances we offer, but Christmas is a special time and the pantomime is such a team effort. I love it all, from the auditions in the summer to the opening night and the closing party.

“I joined as a duty manager, in a staff of three), in December 2005, so this panto was my first show and got me hooked.

“Everyone here reminisces about past pantos and can tell plenty of stories. We can all mark our time here by the number of pantos and ‘trade’ dates of our first or favourite ones. It’s a real group effort with everyone pulling together.

“We have seen many past cast members, who started their careers here, go on to appear in national shows, TV and film.

“Lots of the local cast come and work for us whilst training or between roles and it was fabulous to recruit our museum assistant, Emily, last year, after she had appeared in five pantomimes when she was younger.

“I’m exiting stage right - that’s the side the good fairy always uses - but look forward to coming back as a customer to see Snow White again this year and watching South Mill Arts go from strength to strength.”

To view the Snow White programme, visit the first floor of Bishop’s Stortford Museum at South Mill Arts.