🎭✨ A FOND FAREWELL TO A PANTO LEGEND… AND A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS ✨🎭

After almost two decades of unforgettable festive magic, John Dowell — the creative force behind so many of our cherished pantomimes — has decided to hang up his director’s hat this year. 💫

For anyone who’s ever laughed, cheered, booed the villain or joined in with a “He’s behind you!”, you’ve been part of something extraordinary — a Dreams’n’Wishes pantomime directed by John. 💜

The Dreams’n’Wishes story began back in 2007, when Milton Keynes Amateur Operatic Society (MKAOS) found itself in need of a new team to take on their pantomime. Up stepped John, a true pantomime virtuoso, and Kevin Amies, a long-time supporter of the arts and a brilliant businessman. Together, they presented a bold proposal: give us creative control, and we’ll deliver something spectacular. ✨

The result? A magical, award-winning production of Cinderella — and the birth of Dreams’n’Wishes, a name that has since become synonymous with high-quality, family-friendly festive entertainment across Milton Keynes and beyond. 🏆👑

Over the years, John’s direction has brought to life everything from glass slippers to poisoned apples, enchanted forests to underwater kingdoms. His pantomimes have been packed with heart, humour, colour, music, and the unmistakable warmth that only true community theatre can offer. He’s entertained thousands, inspired hundreds, and supported countless performers, creatives and crew along the way. 🌟

But as with all great stories, a new chapter must begin.

This year, John is stepping back from directing to enjoy a well-earned break, and to watch as we enter an exciting new era of Dreams’n’Wishes. The company he helped create will continue to thrive, evolve, and sparkle — thanks in no small part to the foundation he built. 🏗🌈

So to John — from all of us at Dreams’n’Wishes, past and present — thank you. For your imagination. Your dedication. Your hours and hours (and hours) of work behind the scenes. For your jokes, your notes, your endless energy. For your kindness. And for believing that every panto season could be bigger, brighter, and even more magical than the last. 💖

We will miss you at the helm, but your legacy is woven into the very fabric of Dreams’n’Wishes and always will be.

Here’s to new beginnings, continued magic, and the brightest of futures, because after all…. we have to do it again, don’t we?! ….. wooo! 🌟

With love and thanks,
The entire Dreams’n’Wishes family – past & present.

#DreamsnWishes #ThankYouJohn #PantoLegend #MKTheatre #NewChapter #PantomimeMagic #BehindYouSince2007