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 find out all about Potted Panto that had it’s debut last night and is running until the 3rd January at the Wilton Music Hall.
What is the show that you are bringing to the stage in this Festive season?
Potted Panto, where we attempt to perform seven classic Pantomines in just 80 minutes!
It’s a very silly loving homage to one of the greatest British traditions (up there in my opinion with cheese rolling in the Cotswolds!)
Tell us all about the character that you play?
I play the part of ‘Dan’, alongside Gary who plays the part of ‘Gary’ , real method acting at its finest! From there, we take on the rather modest task of playing every classic panto character between us. In the space of one show, I’ll transform from Prince Charming to King Rat, from an Ugly Sister to a Wicked Fairy and even squeeze in all seven dwarfs for good measure. Now that’s what I call value for money!
Will there be a bit of festivity in your show?
Absolutely not, there’ll be a whole sleigh-load of festivity! We’ve packed in more Christmas cheer than Santa’s sack on Christmas Eve! I guarantee more festive fun and frolics in 80 minutes than you’ll find anywhere else…and if I’m wrong Gary will give you a piping hot Christmas pud!*
*there will be no Christmas puds, piping hot or otherwise.
What are your favourite things about the festive season and why?
Excuse the cliche but I really believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love the whole season. The magic in the air, the lights, the carols, the endless excuses to eat cheese and watch films you’ve already seen twenty times. It’s that rare moment when chaos feels cosy and even the grumpiest among us can’t resist ding donging merrily on high!
This time of year the venues tend to be a bit busier as well – do you find that the audience changes at all?
We’re performing at Wilton’s music hall, which is such a wonderful venue to start with, then when it’s decked out in all its Christmas glory, it’s like you’ve walked into a Dickensian Christmas card!
So there’s always such a cheery festive feel throughout the audience before we even walk on stage. Does half the job for us!
What advice would you give for people performing around the festive season?
Stock up on throat sweets, cold remedies, and all things soothing, it’s the only way to survive December with your voice intact! And remember, at this time of year, if it’s mulled its medicinal. There’s absolutely no scientific proof of that whatsoever… but wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were?
What is the best thing about a night at your show for the audience?
They don’t just get one pantomime, they get seven! It’s a chance to leave your worries at the door, join in the fun, and remember what it feels like to all laugh together. And let’s be honest , a bit of collective silliness and joy is exactly what the world needs right now!
If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?
‘Pottedpanto’ on instagram and I think that’s the same on TikTok! Showing my age here, still not quite sure how TIkTok works, is ‘MySpace’ still a thing?
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
Festive. Funny. Flamingo. ( I couldn’t think of another word beginning with F but I bet I’m the first person to mention Flamingos in a Christmas interview! It’s the small victories!)
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