Page 32 - Phonebox Magazine December 2014

The Buzz speaks to... your pantomime stars
It’s that time of year – oh yes it is! Christmas Day is closer than you think, and for many families that means heading to the theatre to boo, hiss and
laugh at a traditional pantomime.
Actor, comedian and TV presenter Bradley Walsh made his way to Milton Keynes to launch this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, after appearing at the venue seven years ago. Playing the mischievous Smee, he will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent favourites Flawless as the pirate crew and Olivier- award winning actor David Bedella as the master of villains, Captain Hook.
Joining them on the decks is Wicked and West End star George Ure as the boy who doesn’t want to grow up and Victoria Tyrell as Wendy Darling.
Running from December 5 until January 11, the theatre’s traditional pantomime is sure to be full of the booes, hisses and swashbuckling adventures, as well as some flying.
George said: “It’s every boy’s dream to play Peter Pan. You get to fly, flight and have fun, and look after the kids. It’s a nice departure from serious roles. I came to Milton Keynes when I was performing with Wicked and it’s a really happy face. I’m thrilled to be back.” Victoria, who played Wendy last year at another theatre, added: “I’m very excited to be donning my nightie again! It’s a big role and a bigger stage this year. The theatre can be a scary place for children, but pantomime is a safe place for them. It’s a perfect introduction.”
Street dance troupe Flawless added: “When you have a good cast like this, you know it will work. We’ll all have fun with it, and to act as part of it too.”
The full cast arrive in Milton Keynes in November to get rehearsals under way, but you’ll have to wait for our December edition to see the full cast interviews.
Tickets available to now from atgtickets. com or (0844) 871 7652.
The cast of MK Theatre’s Peter Pan
Spotlight on... Bradley Walsh
Milton Keynes Theatre were so happy to have a certain actor and TV Presenter in this year’s pantomime, he even got his
very own hashtag trending on Twitter – #BradleysBack. And, returning for the first time in seven years, the popular pantomime star Bradley Walsh will be leading the all-star cast in Peter Pan.
Box office records were smashed in 2006 and 2007 when he starred in Cinderella and Aladdin, and his presence as the ever- faithful Smee has already drummed up a lot of interest.
Speaking at the launch in Milton Keynes, he said: “I can’t wait to get started! Smee is the baddy that everyone loves. He’s a simple chap, but he’s down trodden.
“I just love pantomime. You can do in five weeks what you could probably never achieve in nine months in the West End.” Having finished his run in Law & Order UK this year, Bradley will be starring in the family favourite pantomime until January 11, before heading back into the TV studios to film another 150 episodes of The Chase. The popular ITV quiz show is hosted by Bradley, who’s well known for giggling at unusual answers to the questions (one particular moment has been watched three and a half million times on YouTube).
He added: “I go straight back into filming after the pantomime, so it’s a busy time, but I’m excited. Pantomimes are excellent for families and it’s great to get the children involved in the show. “I can’t wait to come back to Milton Keynes.”
Jo Pasquale at the Peter Pan Launch
TV presenter and comedy star makes Northampton debut
T
Bradley Walsh as Smee
elevision presenter and all-round
entertainer Joe Pasquale leads the cast in Northampton’s premier pantomime Peter Pan this year, in the role of Smee.
Joining him are Alex Giannini and cabaret artist Ceri Dupree in the swashbuckling production, which runs from December 5 until January 4 at the Royal & Derngate. Joe Pasquale has been delighting audiences for more than 20 years with his live stand-up tours and TV Presenting. Along the way he has voiced characters for Hollywood movies Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties and Horton Hears A Who!, and this year Joe played King Arthur in the West End.
Making his glamorous debut this month is international cabaret artist and variety legend Ceri Dupree in the role of Ms Smee,
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