Archive
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Why Jason Manford is happy to be back in panto this Christmas
As a youngster growing up in Whalley Range, comedian Jason Manford admits Christmas ‘was everything’. 'It was the biggest thing when I was a kid,' says the star of the region’s biggest pantomime this festive season – Jack and the Beanstalk at Manchester
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Red Rose Chain’s Christmas Show in Ipswich returns
For the past 24 years thousands of people have enjoyed Red Rose Chain’s Theatre in the Forest, magical outdoor Shakespeare productions in settings such as Sutton Hoo, Rendlesham Forest and Jimmy’s Farm. But how many of them know about the company's
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Is the panto dame a thing of the past?
Pantomime has given generations of theatre-goers their first taste of the magic of live performance. The bright colours, madcap characters, slapstick humour and audience participation are a key part of the festive period for many families and theatres
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Christopher Biggins: 'I can't play an ugly sister because I'm far too pretty'
Best described as panto royalty, Christopher Biggins himself chats to Hampshire Life ahead of his ‘joyous’ appearance as in Snow White at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre. (Oh yes he does!) What does doing pantomime mean to you? ‘It means a
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Kevin Clifton on why he couldn’t say no to this year’s panto in Kent
The man who partnered Stacey Dooley to victory on Strictly in 2018 (and who now partners her in real life), Kevin talks parenthood, showbiz and why he couldn’t say no to the chance to star this year’s Marlowe Theatre panto, Aladdin Kevin – it’s
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Writer tells fans what to expect ahead of A Christmas Carol at Taunton Brewhouse
The opening night of A Christmas Carol at Taunton Brewhouse is fast approaching, so one of the brains behind it has given fans a peak behind the curtain. Helena Payne, writer of the show, and also a Taunton local, reveals that attendees to the
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From Romanian Orphan to Panto Princess
Every year, thousands of families engage in the annual tradition of going to the pantomime as a special Christmas treat. This year, one of the stars lighting up the stage in Dorset will be the Romanian-born actor, Ionica Adriana. She’s playing Princess
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Joe Pasquale to play Mr Smee in Peter Pan at Cliffs Pavilion
Born and raised in Grays, Joe has been touring the country for over three decades with his unique blend of squeaky stand-up, leading to an array of madcap television and stage appearances. Since becoming king of the jungle on I’m a Celebrity… in
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Five minutes with Aidan O’Neill, Stevenage Panto favourite
Five minutes with ... Aidan O’Neill, 42, Stevenage Panto favourite Have you always loved the theatre? To be honest. I wasn’t subjected to the theatre as a kid. But when I was 15, I got a phone call from the local am-dram (amateur dramatics
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Coronation Street star to appear in Derby Theatre's panto
The actor has starred in blockbuster films and series including The Crown (Netflix), Sherlock (BBC), Beaver Falls (Channel 4), Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as well as numerous stage performances. He is currently portraying the now infamous
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Matt Freeman of Le Navet Bete on his favourite things about Devon
The self-styled professional idiot loves to explore Devon on foot - and loathes the M5 in summer Tell about yourself and what you do. I am an actor, writer and professional idiot. Company director of Devon-based theatre company Le Navet Bete
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Actress Anna's moo-ving panto part
Anna Soden grew up in York and went to York Youth Theatre for a decade. She’s back in the city this Christmas as Dave the cow You're back in York - in 2020 you played the Fairy in York Theatre Royal’s Travelling Pantomime which toured around the
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Meet the pantomime stars ready to entertain the whole family this Christmas
Christmas isn’t Christmas without taking the family along to see a pantomime and this year we’re being treated to theatres full of West End stars, Children’s TV favourites and seasoned comedians to entertain us over the festive season. Treading
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How a Blackpool venue has embodied the town’s motto
Blackpool is a town like no other. While other Lancashire towns grew after the discovery of coal or the boom of the Industrial Revolution, Blackpool was built on fun, entertainment and the promise of laughter. This is a town that has never done
