Break a Leg – with our Panto director
So, tricky time for you, broken leg and Panto. Why are you get again committing to direct panto for the KLP?
It’s called being under the influence of alcohol when asked- no only joking. Seriously I enjoy Directing and especially the challenges big shows like pantomimes bring. I enjoyed Wizard of Oz last year, and this will be the first year we have done a pantomime pre-Christmas, so I’m very curious how this will work with our audiences……… and I thought maybe I have got at least one panto left in me!
Dick Whittington, what’s special about yet another Chris Jordan script?
They are always very current, fast paced, well written, and the gags are always laugh-out-loud and can be bordering on adult humour, which luckily go over our younger audiences’ heads.
Music is all important in Pantoland, so tell us about the songs and of course your collaboration with Clive Swan.
This script has a lot of good song choices, and musical arrangements have been provided which always makes Uncle Clive happy. I don’t want to give too much away, revealing what songs we have, but you won’t be disappointed. It is a very clever score, and features songs everyone will know and will still be singing as they leave the auditorium, it will definitely have that “feel good feeling”. Working with Clive is always a pleasure and effortless, as we both want the best for the show, and always strive to achieve that.
Who have you cast and why? Is it a cast of millions?
There are 9 children this year, who are already after one music rehearsal, singing well. Sean Lovell is playing Idle Jack, – Sean always has that great rapport with the audience and has excellent comic timing and energy. I am delighted again to be working with Leanne Alan- I last worked with Leanne in Little shop of horrors, back in 2015, Leanne is playing Alice Fitzwarren. Neil Revens will be giving us King Rat, he does evil and slimy very well. Valerie Gale will be giving us a lovely fairy, keeping a watchful eye over proceedings. Roger Saper ( The Wizard from last year) will be giving us his Alderman Fitzwarren and Sultan of Morocco I have had to have some cast changes. Our lovely Sophie Dowling was to be my Dick Whittington, and I was looking forward to working with Sophie again, but unfortunately she decided to upstage the director and had a work accident, however it is lovely to have her daughter .Bea in the show. So we are now changing from tradition slightly. Jamie Yates is now playing Dick Whittington and Eleanor Ludlow ( Munchkin farmer- from last year’s Wizard of oz) is now playing Dick’s feline friend the cat. Have I missed anyone? Oh yes Mr Mike Crow is back as Dame, this time It’s Sarah the Cook, who I know will be bringing a lot of fun and added energy and comedy to the production ( oh and he sells lots of tickets as well!) Always nice to have a celebrity in the show, ( as seen on Antiques Road Trip)
All pantos need a reliable crew behind the scenes, who have you asked?
Ros Swallow is back as my SM, as well as a great friend, she is the best SM in the business, and as she insists on the very best for the production and she has made sure she has a great crew behind her. Colin Chamberlain is my lighting designer I have known Colin for many years, and he designed a production of the Pillowman at the Pump House which I directed, so I know we will be in good hands. Ron Balmforth, is going to be working his magic and will be designing and operating the Sound. Luke Brinkworth who did an excellent job operating lighting on last year’s Wizard of Oz, is operating again this year. Alan Yates once again has designed an excellent set for me.
Teaching KLP members to dance has always been amusing! Who is the unfortunate choreographer?
I am delighted to welcome back Julie Edgar as my choreographer, there are certainly some great numbers for Julie to get her teeth into.
Why should we all but tickets to see your production?
It’s going to be a fun, energetic, toe tapping, extravaganza from start to finish. Need I say more? and the best local panto in the area.