Maria Campbell

Fine Artist & Designer

In a loud bang, a puff of smoke and a cloud of glitter, that’s PwC Panto 2023 finished and my panto blues setting in.

I was delighted to be in the props team for Babes in the Wood making everything from bags of popcorn to old books. One of the highlights for me was being given the opportunity to make two full size horses heads. The video below shows the process, starting with a wooden frame and two sheets of Celotex to two full size horses heads.

Thanks to Sarah McNamara and Jewsons for donating the Celotex and @buckyrockz for the use of some of his amazing photos.

Of course, the most important thing in all of this is the opportunity to bring some of the delight, wonder and joy of a theatre to so many children. Every year #pwcpanto gives away over 8000 tickets to inner city schools and community groups, who otherwise would not have a chance to see live theatre. Hearing the excited screams and singing from the children as the curtain goes up on opening night is just wonderful and makes me grin from ear to ear.

Here are a few more props that I’ve made over the last year or two - books, extra large skulls, pumpkins, huge toadstools, tea party cakes and sandwiches, oversized carrots, octopus.

Please do contact me if you are looking for a specific prop.