“It’s Behind You!” Get Your Tickets for the Best Pantomime in Town as Aladdin Comes to CBeebies
The nations’ children have front row seats at the most exclusive pantomime
in town as CBeebies’ much-loved presenters team up for a festive feast of thigh-slapping panto antics in CBeebies Christmas Panto 2010 : Aladdin showing 17th December . Filmed at BBC TV Centre in front of a studio audience, get ready to boo and hiss as naughty Abanazar tries to find the Magic CBeebies Lamp. Will his dastardly plans ruin Christmas or will Aladdin make the right wishes?
It’s panto pandemonium as CBeebies’ multi-talented stars breathe life into the story of Aladdin. CBeebies’ legend and double BAFTA award-winner Justin 
Fletcher pulls on his bloomers to play Nana Knickerbocker Twanky; I Can Cook’s Katy Ashworth and Mister Maker’s Phil Gallagher combine their skills to play brothers Aladdin and Wishy Washy; Cerrie Burnell twinkles in a tiara as Princess Jasmine; Andy Day skulks around as meddling magician Abanazar; CBeebies royalty Pui Fan Lee and Chris Jarvis (Show Me, Show 
Me) don their royal regalia to play the Emperor and Empress; and there are appearances from channel favourites Sidney Sloane, Alex Winters, Nisha Anil (Same Smile), Katrina Bryan (Nina and the Neurons), Jacob Scipio (Kerwizz) and comedy alpacas Nuzzle and Scratch (Neil Sterenberg and Dave Chapman).
“We have an enormous wealth of talent at CBeebies and we’re delighted to get all of our stars to twinkle together this Christmas,” says the channel’s controller Kay Benbow. “The CBeebies Christmas Panto gives us an 
opportunity to provide traditional pantomime fun for children who might not be able to get to a theatre.”
The place is CBeebies Old Town and Nana Knickerbocker Twanky runs the local laundry with the help of her sons Aladdin and Wishy Washy. They’re very, very poor but make an honest living cleaning the royal smalls from the nearby palace. But Aladdin has ideas above his station – he wants to become a famous cook and marry beautiful Princess Jasmine – much to the horror of her parents the Emperor and Empress. Then Abanazar comes to town and posing as his long lost uncle, tricks Aladdin into finding the
CBeebies Magic Lamp only to use it to kidnap Princess Jasmine. Will Aladdin prove his love for Princess Jasmine, turn nasty Abanazar into jelly and restore Christmas cheer to CBeebies Old Town?
Aladdin and the Magic CBeebies Lamp is written by Iain Lauchlan. The producer is Paul Shuttleworth and the executive producers are Alison Stewart and Ewan Vinnicombe.
JUSTIN FLETCHER PLAYS NANA KNICKERBOCKER TWANKY
CBeebies’ legend and BAFTA winner Justin Fletcher gets to take his popular Gigglebiz character Nana Knickerbocker out from the wings and right into the centre of the stage in Aladdin. Here he explains why there’s nothing like a Dame…
What can viewers expect from this year’s panto?
“Well we’ve got a huge cast this year. I think there’s about 15 people - and animals of course – Nuzzle and Scratch are making an appearance– so literally we have most of the CBeebies celebrities this year. It’s very exciting”.
What do you love most about Pantomime?
“Panto is great because quite often it’s a child’s first theatrical experience. And also we’re very much studio-based for the rest of the year so it’s quite nice to be out and involved with the audience and the people that are watching CBeebies. Also children don’t have any inhibitions at this age – they just go for it – and it’s such a buzz to ride on that adrenaline wave of the kids having a ball”.
Can you tell us about your costume?
“It’s very bright and flamboyant and it’s certainly not understated in any way! But that’s Nana Knickerbocker. We had a survey of children when we visited schools for the new series of Gigglebiz and Nana Knickerbocker was the most popular character. She’s a classic pantomime dame, she’s larger than life and kids love her!”
What is your first Panto Memory?
“ My first memory was seeing Snow White at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading which is ironic as I’m appearing there in Sleeping Beauty this year. And it starred Stu Francis is in his “ooh I could crush a grape” phase so it was very memorable for me!”
Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?
“I think it’s basically the storyline. If you’ve got a good story, it’s a fairy tale and kids are completely pulled into the story from the opening when the fairy godmother gives you the prologue. If you’ve got a lovely story and beautiful sets you can’t lose. And it’s the one thing the whole family can enjoy together from a child of one up to Gran and Grandad”.
What are you doing for Christmas?
“I’m going to be in Panto at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading playing Josh the Jester”.
What is your Best or Worst Christmas Present?
“The worst one I ever gave was to my sister and I gave her a rocking chair that I’d made out of pegs! I glued it all together but it fell apart when I gave it to her so she just received a bundle of broken pegs! And the worst present I received was from another sister who gave me a plasticine “hug” – little characters with two eyes on them. But she put it by a heater so when I received it, it was just a blob of plasticine!”
What are you getting for Christmas this year?
“I’ve already had a Christmas present – Phil (Mister Maker) bought me a Back to the Future box set on Blu-Ray – how cool is that! And my five-year-old niece Lara asked me if I wanted an I-Pod and I said “gosh, do you know what that is?” and she said “no”! She’d just heard someone else talking about it!”
What’s the best thing about Christmas?
“This is going to be the first time I’ve been at home for 10 years! To be at my actual home, with family visiting, is going to be absolutely wonderful”.
KATY ASHWORTH PLAYS ALADDIN
I Can Cook presenter Katy Ashworth is pulling on her golden leggings to play the title role of Aladdin in the CBeebies Christmas Pantomime. Here she describes the magic of pantomime and reveals her best Christmas presents ever…
Tell us about your character:
“Aladdin is a cool kid. He’s very active, he’s got loads of friends and he’s very adventurous. He’s completely in love with Princess Jasmine because he peeked over the palace wall and saw Jasmine feeding her tiger. When he finds out Jasmine is due to be wed he’s devastated and that’s how he ends up doing things for Abanazar – not for money but for love”.
Can you describe your outfit?
“My costumes are great – big high heels and golden leggings! Because I’m a girl playing Aladdin my costumes are really glamorous – very sparkly, with lovely bright metallic colours.
What do you love about Pantomime
“I love the slapstick comedy and the fact that everyone loves it and you always come out feeling good. The rules sort of go out of the window and you can tell that the people on the stage are having as much fun as the audience”.
What is your first Pantomime memory?
“My first panto memory was seeing Bobby Davro I think in Woking. He corpsed on stage and the whole audience laughed for about half an hour and he couldn’t get back to his line!”
Can you explain the magic appeal of Panto?
“I think the magic of panto comes out in the costumes and also the atmosphere. It’s so Christmassy and sparkly – it’s bright, colourful and fun – visually it’s just magical.”
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
“I’m doing Peter Pan in Panto in St Albans! But Christmas Day I will spend at my Dad’s house. All the family will be round watching the Queen’s speech and eating loads and loads of food”.
What is your best ever Christmas present?
“There are two. When I was 14 I was given a video camera and I used to make TV shows in my loft from that moment. But one year I was given a life-sized Sandy doll and she became my best friend!”
What would you like for Christmas?
“I’d like plant pots. I’ve just moved house and I’ve got a balcony and I want to grow things on it, so plant pots!”
Finally, what is your Christmas Wish?
“I just want to have a lovely, lovely day with my family.”
CERRIE BURNELL IS PRINCESS JASMINE
Cerrie Burnell fulfils a childhood dream as she gets to play Princess Jasmine in Aladdin.
What can viewers expect from the panto?
“Lots of fun! It’s a real celebration of the wonderful British tradition which is pantomine, with fabulous costumes, lots of bright colours, that special CBeebies quirkiness and lots of joy”.
Tell us about your character
“I play Princess Jasmine and she’s a very moral woman. She won’t get married for riches, jewels and palaces - or for ZingZilla island - she’ll only get married for love”.
What do you love most about Pantomime?
“I love that it’s a very bizarre tradition but it’s so much fun. It’s unique as there’s nothing much like it anywhere else in the theatre or on television. It’s a once a year theatrical treat”.
Can you tell us about your costume?
“Well Princess Jasmine is very beautiful obviously, so I have this slightly Eastern style dress in blue and lilac and a fabulous headdress and pretty little slippers”.
What is your first panto memory?
“It was going to see Mother Goose when I was 6. Danny La Rue was playing the Dame and I just thought “this is bonkers”. I loved it immediately and always wanted to be in one. I always wanted to be the girl, the princess”.
Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?
“I think the appeal is that they’re stories that don’t get told at any other time in the year. And it’s almost in the vein of Carry On films - it’s alright for men to play women, for women to play men and it’s all done with a cheeky wink!”
What are you doing for Christmas?
“I’ll be looking out for a sleigh flying through the sky and then spending the holiday with family”.
Best or Worst Christmas Present
“Oh, my best present was a pink bike when I was seven or eight years old. I remember going to a shop to choose it specially”.
What’s the best thing about Christmas?
“Family. It’s lovely to be able to spend time with everyone properly. And all the decorations!”
What do you hope Santa will be bringing you this year?
“Lots of happiness”.
Who would you like to kiss under the mistletoe?
“Oh, I don’t know but I’m very different to Princess Jasmine, so anyone with jewels, a palace - and a great car....!”
What is your Christmas wish?
“Lots of beautiful snowflakes. There’s nothing to make Christmas more special than a dusting of snow!”
CHRIS JARVIS PLAYS EMPEROR SHO MEE
With 16 professional pantomimes under his belt CBeebies star Chris Jarvis (Show Me, Show Me) is no stranger to a bit of booing and hissing. As he steps into the royal robes of Emperor Sho Mee, he talks about why he loves panto so much and what’s he’s doing for Christmas 2010…
What can CBeebies’ viewers expect from this year’s panto?
“This year's CBeebies pantomime is a great chance to see everyone on CBeebies altogether in one Christmas spectacular. Like all pantos it's light-hearted and fun but we do tell the traditional panto version of the Aladdin story with good guys and a baddy; so there are plenty of opportunities to boo, hiss, laugh and cheer. This is the best yet with a fantastic set, script and performances. It's a good introduction to the bizarre world of pantomime and I also hope it encourages people to go to the theatre.”
Tell us about your character.
“I play the Emperor Sho Mee alongside Pui who is the Empress Sho Mee. We are an eccentric couple who govern CBeebies Old Town and live in a fabulous palace. We are rather overprotective of our daughter Princess Jasmine and alarmed at her choice of fiancé - Aladdin. As well as being a tad forgetful, my character does have a softer side and eventually gives in when Aladdin proves himself. And I wear a very ornate, long red, black and silver kimono with an incredibly grand head piece. Thankfully it was comfortable and not too hot!”
What do you like about Pantomime?
“I've been in pantomimes and Christmas shows since I was very young and now I cannot imagine Christmas without being in one! I enjoy being part of a talented team of people; not just the actors and dancers, but the musicians, stage crew, wardrobe department, lighting designers.... It's an amazing time for me as I'm interested in all of it!”
What is your first Pantomime memory?
“I remember being taken to the Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch to see Aladdin. I was probably only about five but I remember the genie appearing in a flash of light and smoke. I remember the incredibly funny and colourful dame and all the songs, dances and comedy. I was in heaven!”
How do you describe the magic of Panto?
“ Pantomime is something everyone can enjoy from 2 to 102. It's one of those things the whole family can go to and laugh at together - an excuse for everyone to be daft and forget their troubles. Most pantomime routines and jokes are older than all of us and it is difficult to explain why we find so much of it amusing. Meddle with it at your peril! Suffice to say it's an oasis of colour, magic and comedy at winter time when the days are short and cold.... so book now, all seats available!”
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
“I shall be appearing as Buttons in 'Cinderella' at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth with Amanda Barrie, Tim Dixon and Tom Owen. This will be my 16th big professional panto. I love it and it makes my Christmas sparkle. My family will be staying with me and putting up with my busy schedule once again. I always consult them before agreeing to do the show but they always say "do it!" - maybe it has become part of their Christmas too!”
Finally, what is your Christmas Wish?
“That everyone has a very happy Christmas. I stress 'happy' - it's been a difficult and worrying year for a lot of families”.
PUI FAN LEE PLAYS EMPRESS SHO MEE
She’s already CBeebies’ royalty and now Pui Fan Lee (Show Me, Show Me) gets to don her most regal tones as she breathes life into the Empress Sho Mee. Here she talks about the magic of pantomime and a costume that wouldn’t disgrace the Star Wars set…
What can viewers expect from the panto?
“This year I think everyone will be thrilled to see so many familiar faces dressed up in wonderful, theatrical costumes and make up. Mister Maker is here this time, and we see lots more of Nina (without her Neurons) as well as old faves like Justin aka Mr Tumble! The set is fantastic too. Like a mini movie set”.
Tell us about your character
“I play the Empress – mother to Princess Jasmine. Together with Chris as my Emperor, we begin as rather stern, old-fashioned Royals and warm up by the end. I must confess I think Chris and I enjoyed our over the top, deep, posh voices. Well, it is panto!”
What do you love most about Pantomime?
“It’s one of the few genres that cater for the entire family and is still steeped in tradition yet it is open to a bit of anarchy and silliness. There are lots of formulas and rules to follow in panto to get it right. I like that.”
Can you tell us about your costume?
“Our outfits are amazing – my garb could easily have come from Princess Amidala’s wardrobe in Star Wars! Fabulous and completely uncomfortable. That’s showbiz!”
Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?
“It’s a Christmas treat. The entire year is almost over. Christmas is around the corner and Panto means it’s time to sit down, be entertained and enjoy the fun. You know what you’re getting – singing, dancing, jokes, slapstick, glitz, special effects and good old fashioned laugh. All those who work in panto slog their guts out over the holidays and I take my hat off to every one of them!”
What is the best thing about Christmas?
“Preparing for Santa on Christmas Eve- like putting out the carrot for his reindeer - and then the magic the following morning; the joy on my son’s face is priceless”.
What is your Christmas wish?
“A fairy godmother to sprinkle magic dust over the CHAMPS unit at St Mary’s Hospital in London where there are lots of brave children less fortunate than most. My Christmas wish is for their wishes to come true.”
ANDY DAY PLAYS ABANAZER
Get ready to boo and hiss. CBeebies’ presenter Andy Day is pulling on his baddie cloak to play evil Abanazar in the CBeebies Christmas Pantomime. Here he talks about his first panto experience and why his Mum cooks the best Christmas dinner in the world…
What can CBeebies’ viewers expect from this year’s panto?
“A great laugh, a Christmassy feel, amazing costumes and a fantastic set”
Tell us about your character:
“Abanazar is the greedy one and all he wants is power. He just wants to get hold of the lamp so he can have his wishes and become the most powerful magician in the universe. So he uses Aladdin to get the lamp for him and attempts to take over the world. He’s really not a very nice character”.
Can you describe your outfit?
“My costume is very big and very cloaky. It’s dark, mysterious and greedy – a big symbol of my character…”
What do you love about Pantomime
“Panto caters for everyone – kids, adults and stuff for people who don’t normally come to the theatre. There’s a magical story there but it’s very spontaneous and you never know what’s going to happen next”.
What is your first Pantomime memory?
“My first panto experience was playing the Genie in Aladdin at the age of 19. I had to come up from the stage on one of those hydraulic lifts so I had to wait in the pit for about 10 minutes and then come out to a sea of people – I was quite nervous!”
Can you explain the magic appeal of Panto?
“I believe that Panto originated from Italy and there were always the two sides – good and bad. And there’s always a history behind it – there’s always a love story and it covers all areas”.
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
“I’m going to be in Panto in Mansfield but for Christmas Day I’ll go back to my parent’s home in Essex. And my Mum makes THE most amazing Christmas dinner. She’s from Belgium and she’s makes these amazing croquette potatoes. And no-one else in the world can make croquettes like my Mum!”
What is your best ever Christmas present?
“When I was a kid I was given this robotic truck and you keyed in numbers and it had different codes for where the truck would go. But I never knew the codes so I’d just key in random numbers and see what would happen. It was brilliant!”
Finally, what is your Christmas wish?
“Ooh - I hope it snows on Christmas Day!”
ALEX WINTERS PLAYS PC PING
South Wales born CBeebies presenter Alex Winters is climbing into uniform this Christmas, playing the officious and jobsworth PC Ping in the CBeebies Panto. The world’s biggest fan of Christmas, Alex talks about his first panto experience and why he loves the festive season so much…
What can viewers expect from the panto?
“Their favourite CBeebies friends, colour, music and lots of laughs and silliness!”
Tell us about your character
“I play PC Ping who is as Welsh as anyone can be in pantomime. He’s been a policeman in Old CBeebies town for many years, he knows how to do his job and he’s at a very important time of his career because he’s now got PC Pong to work with, who’s a little inexperienced to be honest”.
What do you love most about Pantomime?
“I love the predictability. We all know what panto is, we know when the songs are coming, we know when to join in. It’s the atmosphere and the fun. It’s just daft and you couldn’t do it at any other time of year!”
Can you tell us about your costume?
“Oh it’s beautiful. It’s a lovely number, befitting his job. It’s something comfortable that he can ride around on his scooter on and chase scallywags around the market place. But the highlight has to be the light on top of his very tall hat which is very important because people need to see when he’s around – he’s an important crimefighter you see!”
What’s your first panto memory?
“It was Ted Rogers and Dusty Bin at the New Theatre Cardiff in, ironically, Aladdin. What I remember was one of the funny characters was squashed through a mangle and came out flat and I thought it was the most frightening and amazing thing I ever saw in my life!”
Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?
“The appeal of panto is the magic. It’s the lights, the effects, the characters – they’re so over the top and larger than life – and for children it’s just the massive rush of sound, noise, colour and music and it’s just magical”
What are you doing for Christmas?
“For Christmas I’m doing Panto in Worthing but I’ll be spending Christmas Day at home with my family, probably with me being Wishy Washy and washing the dishes. It’ll just be my wife and I playing charades with our two and four year old. At least I’ll win!”
What is your best or worst Christmas present?
“My best Christmas present was probably the scalextric I was given when I was 8 or 9. I was obsessed with that scalextric. Then when I was in my twenties my Dad gave it away without consulting me and I was devastated. But then on my wedding day I was given a new one!”
“My worst Christmas present was actually a good present but it had bad consequences. One Christmas my sister and I were given a giant Christmas cracker which was full of mars bars. And we thought that because we had them we had to eat them. So we ate about 16 mars bars and we were as sick as dogs. And to this day I cannot look at a mars bar!”
What is the best thing about Christmas?
I’m not sure that there is anyone that enjoys Christmas more than me. I love the lights, I love the shopping, I love the Radio Times! I like the spirit of Christmas –you walk around, even in London, and everyone smiles. Father Christmas is around and there’s just a wonderful feeling. If ever you want anything from me, ask me at Christmas because I am in such a brilliant mood! I just love everything about Christmas, in fact your question should be “what don’t I like about Christmas!””
Who would you most like to kiss under the Mistletoe?
“My wife, of course. Oh and Flavia from Strictly Come Dancing!”
PHIL GALLAGHER PLAYS WISHY WASHY
He’s multi-talented and perhaps the handiest man on CBeebies. Phil Gallagher (aka Mister Maker) turns his considerable skills to playing Aladdin’s put-upon sibling Wishy Washy.
What do you love most about Pantomime?
“For me it’s the audience participation and the fact that there’s nothing else like it that we do. It’s lovely to see the reaction of the audience and of course the audience can get involved and boo and hiss and cheer to their heart’s content.”
Tell us about your character
“I’m playing Wishy Washy who is Aladdin’s brother and probably the more loveable of Nana Knickerbocker’s sons. He’s the audience’s friend”.
Can you tell us about your costume?
“I’m very pleased with my costume but of course the one to look out for is Nana Knickerbocker’s – it’s quite spectacular. Wishy Washy wears very plain clothes at the start of the panto but if Aladdin’s fortunes change he could get something grander to wear at the end of the show – I couldn’t possibly tell you!”
What is your first Panto Memory?
“My first panto memory was with my local amateur dramatic society when I was 7 and it was Aladdin. I played a golden chicken and I had to come on stage and lay a golden egg. I’m not quite sure how that fitted into the storyline but it was my first experience of panto. I absolutely loved it and I’ve loved performing ever since.”
Can you explain the magic appeal of panto?
“It’s good old-fashioned variety . It’s got laughs, great songs, great costumes, audience participation. It’s got everything – it’s a real family treat.”
What are you doing for Christmas?
“I’m going to be in my hometown doing Panto. I’m going to be in Chatham in Kent playing Jack in Jack in the Beanstalk which is the same town I made my debut as a chicken all those years ago! I’m really proud to be back home and my whole family is coming to watch me in panto.”
Best or Worst Christmas Present?
“ When I was a very small child I was given a box of 1,000 drinking straws by my Aunty. At the time I was very disappointed but actually now I can think of hundreds of things I could make with those! And one of my first Christmas memories is being given panto tickets by my Nan and Grandad and now they’re coming to watch me in panto!”
What’s the best thing about Christmas?
“For me the best thing about Christmas will be spending it at home with my family.”
What is your Christmas wish?
“My Christmas wish is to see as much of my friends and family as possible and I wish that for everybody else as well, that they have a really happy Christmas and have a wonderful time”.
KATRINA BRYAN PLAYS SO SHI
CBeebies’ favourite Katrina Bryan takes centre stage as Royal aide So Shi in the CBeebies Christmas Panto. Here the Nina and the Neurons star talks about the magic of Christmas, spending the festive season in Scotland and giving Dermot O’Leary a peck under the mistletoe…
What can CBeebies’ viewers expect from this year’s panto?
“Well there’s lots of laughter and lots of fun. It’s very colourful with brilliant songs. And viewers will get to see all their favourite characters from CBeebies. It’s great fun for all us CBeebies presenters to get together and the boys and girls at home will get to see us playing together and having fun too!”
Tell us about So Shi
“So Shi is the best friend and companion of Princess Jasmine. She helps her choose all her pretty dresses and they tell each other everything. So Shi has a good heart and she can tell when someone’s a good person. She sticks up for Aladdin because she can see he truly loves the Princess”.
Can you describe your outfit?
“Well, I wear fantastic shiny red leggings under a luxurious, blue wrapover dress and lovely glittery gold pumps. Of course I’m a member of the Royal party so my outfit has to be gorgeous. So Shi is very girly. I imagine she and the Princess sit around braiding each other’s hair and talking about boy bands all day long!”
What do you like about Pantomime?
“I love panto, I’ve been involved with panto since the start of my career. It’s the element of it that’s pure joy. You’re there to totally interact with the audience. They know that you’re enjoying it and that makes it better for them. It’s really unadulterated, unapologetic fun!“
What is your first Pantomime memory?
“I remember seeing Cinderella at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow. I was about eight and I took one look at the principle girl – Cinderella – and I was just mesmerised by her gorgeous dresses and how beautiful she was! I was a little girl and I was watching panto and I was just her!”
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
“I’m not in panto this year, for the first time since my career started. My sister has young children and soon my niece is going to be beyond the age when she still finds Christmas magic and I just want to spend time with her and my little nephew. So I’m going to my home town of Gatehouse-in-Fleet in Scotland and I’ll be spending Christmas with my family and catching up with all my old friends. I’m not doing the cooking and I can’t wait!”
What is your best ever Christmas present?
“Ooh, it must have been when I was just 12 or 13 and my Mum and Dad got me Take That tickets. And I was so excited because I hadn’t thought I would be allowed to go”
Who would you most like to kiss under the mistletoe?
“Hmmm, well it since we’ve been talking about Take That it might have to be Robbie Williams. No Dermot O’Leary – I’d like to kiss Dermot O’Leary under the mistletoe!”
Finally, what is your Christmas Wish?
“I wish that 2011 is as much fun as the last and that each year I get to try new and exciting things. And I wish that that all my family and friends are well and happy!”
JACOB SCIPIO PLAYS THE GENIE
CBeebies’ resident brain box The Kerwizzitor (aka Jacob Scipio) takes to the stage as The Genie in the CBeebies Christmas Pantomime. Here he talks a about the magic of panto, why he loves his genie costume and his best ever Christmas present…
What can CBeebies’ viewers expect from this year’s panto?
“They’re going to have a lot of fun like I think with all pantos. I reckon they’re in for a big laugh. Personally I love pantomimes they’re the best aren’t they?!”
Tell us about your character.
“I play the genie which is a great role because obviously we’re doing Aladdin. It’s a lot of fun because he’s like my CBeebies character the Kerwhizzitor – he’s very wise and omnipotent. It’s a really cool role to play especially as I remember the classic Disney Aladdin with Robin Williams as the genie. I’ve summoned the spirit of Robin Williams for this role!”
Can you describe your outfit?
“I love it. I just want to stay in it all the time. I’ve got pointy shoes, a waistcoat, a belt and bangles and a big genie hat. It’s wicked!”
What do you like about Pantomime?
“I just like the fact that you don’t have to take it seriously. It’s so light-hearted and charming. You’re here to do a job but it’s so much fun – it’s not work really! It’s everything bundled into one great package – the sequins, the songs, the dance, the staging. Everyone’s involved in it – the whole family – no-one’s left out. It’s got it all!”
What is your first Pantomime memory?
“I was a bit of a latecomer to Panto. My first real Panto memory is only about three or four years ago at the Hackney Empire. We watched Peter Pan and it was so much fun – just the way you can bring the audience into it – the jeering, booing and hissing. It’s just so much fun for the performers and even more for the audience!”
What are you doing for Christmas this year?
“It’s going to be family and close friends. Christmas is about family, friends, food and being warm inside. It’s my favourite holiday of the year by far!”
What is your best ever Christmas present?
“It was definitely when the film Toy Story had just came out. My Aunty had left two presents under the tree for me and they were the most beautifully-wrapped, archetypal presents ever. I sneaked in and scratched open the paper and there was Major Chip Hazzard and Archer leader of the Gormonites from Toy Story and they were just the most perfect presents I’ve ever had!”
Finally, what is your Christmas Wish?
“I’d quite like an Audi R8 Spyder but I’m going to go for the unselfish one – world peace and love to all!”
