Peter Pan is coming to New Victoria Theatre, Woking this winter bringing you a swashbuckling pantomime adventure.
How did you get into panto?
Well, life changed when I became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always wanted to do it because it’s a massive tradition in the UK. Panto is a major part of the festive season but when I was dancing on Strictly Come Dancing, of course I wasn’t able to do it because of the production schedules but the lovely Craig Revel Horwood has always done. Since I’ve become a judge I’ve been able to do it as Craig does, so when the opportunity opened up and they asked if I’d like to, I jumped at it.
How do you feel about your costume?
Good! I like it. I’ve got a long sock. I’m in two minds whether to wear a tight or a hold-up stocking-long sock affair. At the moment I’m at the long sock-stocking affair, which makes me feel sort of somehow provocative yet pantomime all at the same time.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Well, I sort of do but not massively. I like to be ready in costume on the half and I like to have – if I have a costume change – everything to be set. I’m quite a stickler for costume and prep in that regard but other than that, nothing major. A decent tea, plenty of water and the love of a good woman – a mantra for life.
What is the secret to a great pantomime?
We were just chatting about this – everybody being brilliant and doing their bit properly. With pantomimes, certainly with Crossroads pantomimes, you get these wonderful scenery sets, fabulous costumes and great characters, so as long as everybody is doing their bit properly looking amazing and the Dame looks fantastic – our Dame is just legendary – I think a lot revolves around the Dame in pantomime actually. In the couple that I’ve done, I think the Dames and the Ugly Sisters are such a major part of the show and our Dame is amazing. The expression ‘Don’t build your part up, it’s already written for you’ is quite important. Although it’s a panto, it’s still a play with often songs and music.
What are you most looking forward to about spending Christmas in Woking?
It’s lovely and the great thing is it’s not far from home so I’ve got the best of both worlds. I’ve got a lovely place to come to every day because the New Victoria Theatre is a lovely theatre. It’s not far from home, which means my children can come more often. I know they’re looking forward to seeing the show and I can spend time with the family around Christmas because it is quite a commitment of time, pantomime, and when you have young children like I do – they’re 6 – the time can impinge on the festive season but we’re going to have it covered this year.
What is Smee buying Mrs Smee for Christmas?
Ohhh, pieces of eight. Probably gold-encrusted pieces of eight.
What is your favourite part about being in pantomime?
Well, I just love being out on stage in front of everybody. That’s my favourite thing. You’ve always got two audiences at a pantomime, you’ve got the children and you’ve got the adults. Often a lot of the gags don’t work with the children but do work with the adults and visa versa but it’s lovely when it all comes together. It’s such a wonderful atmosphere in a pantomime. It’s just exciting and fun and it’s the festive period – I love Christmas. It’s just gorgeous.
And finally, can we expect any dancing in the performance?
I will be doing a number, this is for sure. Just try and stop me.
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About Peter Pan Panto in Woking
Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love this Christmas in this swashbuckling pantomime adventure.
Starring the King of Ballroom Anton Du Beke as Smee and comedian Paul Chuckle as Starkey, this family treat will include all your favourites! Starring Nigel Ellacott as Mrs. Smee, Bob Harms as Captain Hook, Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink and Chloe Riley as Wendy.
With amazing special effects, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, Peter Pan will take your whole family on a magical trip to Neverland like never before!
Be part of the panto magic and hook your tickets today!
