15 September 2019
Newsdesk
It may feel incongruous to attend a press launch for Panto on a warm ‘Indian Summer’ day in September – especially when it’s Friday 13th! However, Panto is the biggest focus of any regional theatre’s calendar and the season starts early.
The cast is a mix of excited newcomers and traditional favourites slipping into their roles as if they were putting on a pair of old shoes (albeit sparkling pointy toed ones).
Just Good Friend’s star Paul Nicholas says he loves spending the Christmas season in the magical town of Windsor - a short hop away from his North London home. He’s looking forward to playing the baddest baddie, Abanazzar in Aladdin, “It’s always fun playing the bad guy” he quips with a twinkle in his eye. Paul’s long career started with him as a youngster, dancing nude on stage in the London stage musical ‘Hair’.
He’s enjoyed a 50 year career acting, dancing and singing on screen and stage in a range of thrillers, pantos, musicals and comedies. He’s also just been himself in the BBC documentary “The Real Marigold Hotel”.
He tells me how his musical ambition to make a hit record led him to meet various song writers until he finally chose the upbeat dance track “Reggae Like it used to be” which got him his first chart hit. “Dancing with the Captain” and “Grandma’s Party” followed and were great fun. Paul played it up in a jaunty hat and waistcoat while cavorting with dance troupe Legs & Co on ‘Top of the Pops’ when the show was in its heyday.
Marti Webb is another Panto veteran who loves Windsor, from the Christmas lights and displays on the ancient castle walls to the warm and engaging audiences who bring the shows to life with their lively participation. She is clothed in red and gold regal attire as the topically named Empress Huawei.
I clearly recall Marti’s emotionally powerful vocals in the 1980 UK No.3 hit song "Take That Look Off Your Face" by Andrew Lloyd Webber. She assures me that audiences at Windsor’s Aladdin this year will be treated to some well-loved tunes. She really enjoys delivering the numbers that have everyone singing along.
The Panto Dame, Steven Blakeley bustles into view in his Widow Twankey dress, a dazzling pink and blue number that barely fits through the door. Steven is also the key writer of this year’s Panto. Whilst Pantomime audiences come to see the traditional stories and lines they know and love so well, he ensures the gags are fresh and relevant. Steven and the Theatre Royal Windsor audience are old friends and he knows just what to deliver to delight them. He loves seeing their familiar faces in the auditorium, the crowd participation is essential to bringing Panto alive.
He tells me how moved he was last year when co-star Kevin Cruise, announced to the audience that it was Steven’s 10th anniversary performing in the Windsor Panto. Live on stage there was a celebration, impromptu song and Steven was presented with a tribute book full of photos and signed by the cast and crew he’d worked with over his decade. He said it was all kept a secret, he was so surprised and had no idea it was coming. Part of the never ending charm and camaraderie of Panto-world!
Martin Cabble -Reid launched into our consciousness as head of entertainment, Kevin Cruise, on the luxury liner, The Fishy Rose in Britain’s Got Talent in 2010. He says he wasn’t fazed by performing in front of a scowling Simon Cowell, it was a laugh! The opening night of Panto - or any show for that matter, is far more nerve-racking. A view probably shared by Theatre Royal Windsor’s impresario Manager, Bill Kenwright, who has confided that Kevin Cruise is his ‘guilty pleasure’. Kevin chuckles when I ask him to divulge what Bill meant by that. “I’m sure I don’t know” is his cheeky response. Martin has recently been at the Edinburgh Fringe performing as Basil Brush’s Manager in their ‘adult’ show “Unleashed”. They’ll clean up the act for the family audiences coming to see them in Aladdin but don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of laughs.
The nation’s favourite fox, Basil Brush, along with Steven and Kevin is another veteran of Windsor Pantos. He’s looking forward to returning to the home turf of the Windsor stage. With over 50 years in entertainment, he’s as bright eyed and bushy tailed as ever. His smooth ‘Terry Thomas’ delivery never misses a beat as he calls the rest of the cast to order for the photo shoots.
The love struck duo, Aladdin and Princess Jasmine will be played by Windsor stage newcomers and recent graduates Joe Thompson-Oubari and Rhiannon Bacchus. Both youngsters are thrilled to be joining such an illustrious cast and keen to get on stage to perform with energy and vigour in this year’s exciting show.
The Panto launch wraps up with a photoshoot out on Windsor High Street between the Edwardian pillars of the Theatre entrance. That’s certainly a crowd drawer! Don’t miss Aladdin at Theatre Royal Windsor, it’s chock-full of delight and eastern promise.
Accessible Performances
A Relaxed Performance for ALADDIN will take place on Thursday 5th December at 1.30pm.
Relaxed performances are adapted for families with children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, individuals with sensory and communication disorders, those with learning disabilities and anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment. A Relaxed Performance relaxes some of the traditional ‘rules’ and format of theatre-going, for example: lighting levels are adjusted, sound levels are reduced, audience members are free to come and go as they wish. Additional staff will also be on hand. The whole experience is designed to reduce anxiety, promote freedom of expression, and ensure a safe and enjoyable time.
Theatre Royal Windsor is also working with the Windsor Theatre Describers Association to schedule an Audio Described performance. Audio Described performances are for patrons who are visually impaired. The Describer will explain what is happening, visually, on stage throughout the performance and this is relayed through a headset.
For further information regarding Accessible Performances, visit https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/whats-on/accessible-performances or contact the Box Office Team on 01753 853 888.
Extra week
Due to popular demand, this year’s pantomime is being extended for an extra week making ALADDIN Theatre Royal Windsor’s biggest panto ever.
The show will now run from Fri 29th Nov – Sun 12th Jan
Book on theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/aladdin
Or box office 01753 853 888
