Shadbolt set to make pantomine debut

Tim Shadbolt

Tim Shadbolt is set to take Tauranga theatre audiences by storm.

Tauranga-based Zenith Productions has scored a coup by signing up the irrepressible Invercargill mayor for its two-week Baycourt season of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

Mr Shadbolt will star as the villainous Baron Wasteland in the first pantomime to be performed in Tauranga for at least 20 years.

Mr Shadbolt said he was taken by the idea because he had never performed in a pantomime before.

"It is going to be fantastic -- I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Tauranga."

Mr Shadbolt said he would be very much playing himself, with everything in the Kiwi vernacular.

Jack and the Beanstalk director Dave Wilson said Tim Shadbolt was the perfect person for panto.

"He has come on board with great gusto and can't wait to get here."

He expected Mr Shadbolt to attract plenty of boos and hisses from the audience as the evil baron who wants to evict Jack and his mother from their cottage.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES