The festive period is here and there are so many shows that are available for audiences to go and watch! Over the next few weeks, we will be talking to lots of different shows and performers about what they have in store for this time of year! Today we speak to Robbie who plays Batty in the show Beauty and the Beast that is being performed at the Corn Exchange Newbury between now and the 31st December. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Hello, tell us a little bit about yourself!

Hi, my name is Robbie Noonan! I’m a working-class actor from London. I have been working, mainly in Musical Theatre, for the past 6 years and have played roles such as Princeton in Avenue Q and Tigger in Winnie the Pooh! In my spare time I teach acting and singing to youngsters and have just qualified as a professional Personal Trainer! It is my lifetime goal to become a Kids TV presenter and I have always secretly wanted to dance on Strictly Come Dancing!!

Last year I was very lucky to be in the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk at Newbury playing the big, bad (and misunderstood) Giant, and if you were lucky, you may have seen me play the role of Jack one weekend! I cannot wait to get stuck into another Newbury panto!

Tell us all about the character that you play?

I play a Bat… Called Batty…genius if you ask me! He is the very ‘enthusiastic’ servant to the Beast. He is known to be extremely energetic, optimistic and a little bit silly, but don’t be fooled, he is a lot smarter than you think. His devotion to the Beast, along with his best friend Ratty… she’s a Rat… (again, genius) is something to behold! You’re in for a giggle with him for sure!

Will there be a bit of festivity in your show?

If you have been to a Newbury Corn Exchange panto before, you will know there is never a shortage of festivity in the shows. This year you may even hear some of your favourite Christmas classics … paired with some silliness of course!

What are your favourite things about the festive season and why?

The colours! The lights! The food! The smells! The movies! The music! But mostly the community. I know that Christmas these days can be seen as overindulgent and materialistic, but it’s also a time for generosity and hospitality! Christmas is honestly my favourite time of year, whether it’s the imagination of our younger ones and excitement for Santa or the final pint you have with a friend, almost to say ‘Well done mate, we’ve made it through another year. Here’s to you! I’m proud of us!’

This time of year the venues tend to be a bit busier as well – do you find that the audience changes at all?

Like in most venues, audiences tend to be busier, but also down for a laugh. That’s what is nice about the tongue in cheek nature of panto, audiences don’t feel the separation between the action on stage and with themselves. We are all enjoying the experience together!

What advice would you give for people performing around the festive season?

Take care of yourself! Panto contracts can have some gruelling schedules, 3 show days with high energy performances.  Fuel your body properly, allow time for rest and drink LOTS of water!

Most importantly, remember who you’re doing this for. You may be on your third consecutive 10am school show, still waking up, but these kids (and adults) are so invested in what you’re doing. You’re superstars to them.  Also bear in mind that this could be an escape from the pressures of the Christmas period. For some, this time of year is tough, and others may have spent their last £15 to bring their little one to see your show! Try to put your stresses to the side and enjoy yourself!

What is the best thing about a night at your show for the audience?

The fun! The writing every year is not only Newbury specific but also just silly and fun! Whether you’re an adult or a child, there’s something for everyone!

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

If you want to find out more about us then you can get all the behind the scenes fun and games on:

Instagram: @cornexchange

X (formerly Twitter): @CornExchange

TikTok: @cornexchangenewbury

They’ll be tagging the cast, creatives and crew on their posts as well so you can get a peek of our work too! Make sure to check it out through the year as the team at Newbury Corn Exchange are always putting on fantastic events for everyone to get involved in!

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Laughs! Silliness! Christmas!