Pantomime Review: Peter Pan, Epstein Theatre, Liverpool

Image Source: Epstein Theatre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Date: December 11 2017
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool

The Epstein panto is as much an annual Christmas tradition as mince pies, work parties and the visit of the Coca-Cola truck which the usual doom-and-gloomers have been inexplicably trying to block. The formula is slightly switched up this year in a few ways, which combined with the usual big laughs and occasionally mature levels of humour (which the younger kids thankfully don't cotton onto), ensures that Peter Pan is another great festive offering.

Yes, Peter Pan; not traditionally a story which is brought to life in pantomime form, but one which perfectly adapts to the setting when performed by this experienced and talented crew. Here, Lewis Pryor takes up the title role, and quickly catches the eye of Wendy (Joanne Harper) as they travel to Neverland with a little help from Tinkerbell (Claire Simmo).

However, there are dangers ahead, not least Captain Hook (Dane Bowers), who wants to have Peter Pan killed for his own personal rewards, and is willing to go to another level (sorry) to do it. He has assistance from the daft Smee (Chris Barton) and the even dafter Dame Betty (Michael Chapman), but resistance from Tiger Lily (Georgia Austin) and the magic of Neverland ensures that the battle goes down to the wire, with Peter Pan not only needing to survive the dastardly Hook, but also slowly becoming attracted to Wendy. Will there be true love, and will Hook's evil plot be taken down?

Everyone performs to a high standard, as is the norm for the Epstein pantos. Several children were drafted into the cast as The Lost Children, and several kids had some hilarious lines, with one or two having that talent of making people laugh through simple facial expressions and mannerisms. As is often the case, there were plenty of jokes about local people and situations (the idea of a "drawn-out and depressing" situation for Peter Pan was initially assumed by Smee to be describing an Everton game), and the settings were very well-crafted in an attempt to create the most authentic Neverland backdrops possible. Top it off with some cool visual effects (such as characters flying and pyrotechnics), plenty of dance routines (though some of the dancers appeared to wish that they were somewhere else), colourful costumes, and some clever in-jokes (at one point there appeared to be production issues, only for it to be the set-up for one of the show's funnier planned scenes), and you have a really enjoyable panto experience for all the family.

Not for the first time, though, it's Michael Chapman as Dame Betty who steals the show with loads of great one-liners. The tone was set very early on with some near-the-knuckle jokes relating to certain well-known faces on television, and they continued throughout the show. At times, "risqué" would have been a generous way to describe such lines as her true name being "Betty Swallocks" and her somewhat intimate suggestion for Hook to pop around her house. Many of the attendees were in uproar laughing at Betty's remarks, and there's no doubt that her character is the one that people will most remember when seeing the show. The audience themselves contributed at times (one youngster hilariously shouted "Lewis!" to Peter Pan when he was in danger), though some attendees unfortunately tried to take over the entire show at one point, which is never a good thing. Otherwise, though, this was a lot of fun.

I would heartily recommend that you bring the family along to see Peter Pan at the Epstein over Christmas. You'll have a great time, and everyone will be feeling truly Christmassy when all is said and done. Just be prepared for some potentially awkward questions from the little 'uns afterwards!

Overall Rating: 9/10 - Outstanding

Pantomime Review: Beauty & The Beast, The Black-E, Liverpool

Image Source: Made Up

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Date: December 7 2017
Location: The Black-E, Liverpool

A modern, localised and charming retelling of the classic story Beauty & The Beast is currently being performed at the Black-E in Liverpool. Produced by Siobhan Noble and James Lacey, it brings the true spirit of Christmas along with some funky dance moves, some humorous situations and plenty of outrageous moments and one-liners to deliver a fantastic pantomime experience.

This version of Beauty & The Beast tells the story of Belle Vale (Tori Hargreaves), and her father Egbert (Alan Stocks) attempting to benefit from his next major invention, "Top Trumps" whoopie cushions. He also wants to find a rose for Belle, in the face of insults and adversity from her two sisters Toxteth (Maia Johnson) and Croxteth (Billiejo Fairclough). In the meantime, however, a spell by Fairy Rose Lane (Helen Carter) goes disastrously wrong, causing The Prince (Nick Langmead) to transform into a horrid Beast, who rules the kingdom with an iron fist and has his minions, particularly Dame Dolly (Jamie Greer) and Basic Bertie (Adam McCoy), perform his every wish.

Consequently, conflict is created when Egbert gets lost in the woods and finds himself trapped in the Beast's lair. Fairy Rose tries to help but to no avail, partly because of a huge rose hanging in the forest, whereby every petal lost is one step closer to near-apocalypse for the village (it also leads to Dolly and Bertie's costumes changing regularly, from a Coke machine to a superlambanana to a giant cake). Belle learns of her father's plight and rushes to help, only to attract the wrath of the Beast. Over time, however, a romance develops, unbeknownst to the villagers who believe they are helping by trying to free Belle and kill the Beast. They are led by Garston (Ciaran Kellgren), a self-proclaimed and delusional ladies' man who believes that Belle is madly in love with her, and influenced by his similarly-stupid friends Norris (Brandon Incles) and Zak (Kai Grosscurth).

The show is a little long, coming close to 2 ½ hours, and it takes a bit of time to find its groove, but it's more than made up by the general enthusiasm of the cast and the increasingly-humorous situations which come up. The use of local areas as character names is clever, particularly Belle Vale for the Princess and Norris for a character who more often than not dons green attire. Dame Dolly and Basic Bertie deliver plenty of laughs during their interplay, occasionally of the risqué variety, and it's also funny to see Garston try and convince himself that he's the fittest lad around when no lady around seems truly interested in him.

The Black-E setting was also interesting, as it meant that the cast were performing to all four sides as opposed to one. This meant that there was no true backdrop for the location, but the use of such props as the hanging rose and dinner tables, along with the physical activity of the performers themselves overcame this. It also led to increased audience interaction, occasionally of the unplanned kind, as several parents and kids needed to walk by the stage when going to get refreshments or visit the restrooms, along with some kids shouting out humorous remarks during certain scenes. There was also comedy during the kids-sing-along scene towards the end, with several children delivering some of the night's funnier quips.

Elsewhere, the singing was very good, especially by Tori Hargeaves and Helen Carter, both of whom showed star potential both in their acting and their musical renditions. The use of lighting effects was clever considering the surroundings, and for the audience themselves, being so close to the performers worked well as it got everybody involved in some way, as well as ensuring that you were focusing on every area of the stage as opposed to just one central spot. The costumes were very good, if a little recycled at times, and the final scene had the audience up on their feet dancing and singing along. Minor downsides were some audio difficulties near the beginning, and other slight technical hitches with the rose petals (which Fairy Rose dealt with very well, using comedy to acknowledge the situations), along with some songs being used several times rather than having a larger range of popular numbers. However, the positives outweighed the negatives by far for this show.

There are many pantomimes set to be held across Merseyside this Christmas, but I would definitely suggest that you take the family along to attend this version of Beauty & The Beast. It's something different yet reassuringly familiar at the same time, it delivers a lot of laughs and a fair amount of unpredictability, and it allows the audience to all walk away with smiles on their faces. It's a real credit to the producers and the performers, and it earns my recommendation as a panto that people young and old will truly enjoy.

Overall Rating: 8/10 - Very Good

Theatre Interview: Lucy-Jo Hudson - "Snow White Is Going To Be A Lot Of Fun"

Written By: Mark Armstrong

HI-HO! Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs is coming to St. Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas, where a combination of hilarious jokes, classic songs, eye-catching dance moves and colourful costumes, along with one of the most familiar stories ever told, all come together for one fantastic pantomime experience. Plus, Johnny Vegas will star as The Magic Mirror, one who is not afraid to speak the truth! Also appearing in the role of Snow White will be Lucy-Jo Hudson, who has built quite the career in acting, dancing and singing, from the cobbles of Coronation Street to the wildlife of South Africa! We spoke to Lucy-Jo about her forthcoming appearance in Snow White, as well as her career highlights so far and her future ambitions. We also ask Lucy-Jo: what's the worst Christmas present that you've ever had?

First of all, tell us about your role in Snow White.

So, I play Snow White, and having read the script, I've noticed that Snow White has got a bit of banter about her. It's really funny, and she tries herself to be funny but she's not. She's also got her best friend Muddles, and they're really cute together. Obviously, Snow White also meets the Seven Dwarfs, she leaves the Kingdom because her step-mum is trying to kill her. When you think about it, it is a dark storyline, but the show is very light, with it being a panto. Then she meets the Prince and falls in love, and they live happily ever after!

Have you always been a fan of pantomime?

Yeah, I used to go and see pantos when I was a kid, and I would sometimes be one of the dancers when I was a toddler. And after I left Corrie I did Cinderella, which was the first proper panto that I did at the Lowry Theatre. I've not done anything in panto since then so I'm a bit nervous about getting into singing and full-on dancing again, but it'll be good fun, and everybody seems to love panto, so I'm excited.

I understand you have a fair amount of theatre experience yourself?

Yeah, I used to perform in theatre before I got into acting. I was mainly a dancer in theatre, so I did the dancing, a little bit of singing, and then it was straight onto acting. My career sort of changed once I got onto telly quite quickly.

You really made your name as Katy Harris on Coronation Street. What were the highlights of your time on the soap, and were there any scenes or storylines which you found difficult to perform?

It was so long ago now! The most difficult storyline was actually the one which led to me leaving, when Katy had to kill her dad and then she overdosed on sugar because she was diabetic, which led to her going into a coma, and then she passed away. They were pretty dark scenes, and they took quite a toll on me personally. I was crying 24/7 on set, so it's hard to leave that at work, and you end up taking it home. So, towards the end of my career at Corrie, I think that was the hardest bit, just because it was quite a heavy storyline for me. It was brilliant, amazing and challenging, so I did love it, but I was sort of ready for it to end as well. I loved my time there, though: my mates are still there, I met my hubby (Alan Halsall) when doing Corrie and he's still there. So, I still have a lot of love for Corrie; it's like family.

From there, you moved onto Wild At Heart, where you became a regular character as Rosie Trevanion. Are there any interesting stories you can tell from filming in South Africa?

Oh, there's so many! The animals never played ball. We'd be waiting for an hour for an elephant to turn up, and then it would decide that it didn't want to and it'd storm off set, so we'd be like "Okay, we're not doing that scene!" Giraffes would fall into the water, and this one day we had to finish by helping to dig this giraffe out of a pool that it had fallen into. Lions were escaping on-set (laughs) ... it was chaos! It looked magical and really easy on telly, but it was one of the hardest jobs that I've done, because the heat was intense, but we had to work around the animals, and they just didn't want to be on-set a lot of the time! So, it was brilliant, and it was amazing to be working up close and personal with the animals, but if they didn't want to do it, they'd let you know about it!

Earlier this year, you appeared on Dance Dance Dance, where you finished 2nd. How was that experience?

It was amazing! Harder than I thought; I thought I'd get in there and be like "Yeah, I can do it!" Oh my God, I was dying; by the end of the first week, I was done! I genuinely loved that; I started off in dancing, and I still have a passion for dance, even though I hadn't done it for over 18 years. So I wanted to do it. I had to push myself to some limits, but I really, really enjoyed it. That also got me back in panto, because being on stage made me want to do panto.

What are your future ambitions within your career?

I've just filmed a BBC drama which is out next spring with Robson Green. So, that opened a door for me getting into dramas that are quite serious, which I really want to do more of, things like the short six-parters. So, I loved that and I'd like that to continue.

Of course, this panto will be taking place over the run-up to Christmas. Can you tell us what the worst Christmas present is that you've ever received?

I can't wait for Christmas; if I could have my Christmas tree up all year round, then it would be up all year round. I love the lights, I love the songs; I love everything about Christmas! So, panto is perfect for me. As for my worst Christmas present ... I think I got a bangle from one of the markets, and it ended up going green after like one day. That was from an in-law, I won't say who, and I obviously don't have that anymore! (Laughs)

Finally, why should the St. Helens audience come to see Snow White?

For a start, it's got Johnny Vegas in it as the Magic Mirror. The cast are lovely, the script is very funny, and St. Helens Theatre Royal is a very intimate theatre, so you're gonna feel like you're a part of it. The songs are mega for all the kids, and it's gonna be a lot of fun. So, I think it will be magical, and it's the lead-up to Christmas where you'll want to see a panto, so you must come down!

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs runs at St. Helens Theatre Royal from Saturday December 2 to Sunday January 7 2018. To book your tickets, click here.

Dane Bowers: "Peter Pan Is Going To Be Special"

Image Source: Twitter

Written By: Mark Armstrong

There aren't many things that Dane Bowers hasn't done, from singing to DJ'ing to starring in television programmes. But pantomime is a world that he is about to place a great focus upon as he performs in the role of Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the Epstein Theatre for the Christmas and New Year season. We spoke to Dane about the show, his career so far and why this production will take pantomime to - yes! - Another Level.

Firstly, tell us about your character in Peter Pan.

I'm playing Captain Hook, which I'm looking forward to. I haven't decided what kind of Hook I'm going to be yet, as there have been loads of Peter Pan films. With me, you can't really beat Hook, which starred Dustin Hoffman as Hook. So, I think that's where I'm going to get my inspiration from.

Will this mark your debut in pantomime?

No, I've done one before. I did a panto in Northwich a few years ago, where I was Prince Charming in Cinderella. So, I'm really looking forward to being a baddie, as you can have a lot of fun with it.

You're best known for being a part of the band Another Level. How did the formation of the group come about?

We actually went to a performing art's school. Two of us did, anyway; I went to The Brit School. And I didn't really sing; drama was what I did. Singing was something that I knew I could do, but it wasn't something that I really concentrated on. So I was lucky that I fell into it with another guy, Wayne (Williams), who had already met up with record labels. They asked me to be a part of this project, and it was the greatest choice that I ever made, I guess (laughs).

What would you consider to have been your favourite songs from Another Level?

Freak Me was obviously a big one because it was #1, and it was the song that people would look at now. But people forget that Be Alone No More was our first ever single. Jay-Z was on that tune, which at the time was phenomenal. We worked with Wu-Tang; I did a really good song which I loved with Calised, which was for Phil Collins' album that everybody did. It was us, Brandy and Lil Kim, so that was a good song. There's been some good ones, but Freak Me is hard to top.

Another Level reunited for The Big Reunion, but you chose not to participate, later becoming part of the 5th Story group which brought together multiple soloists. Tell us why you chose to go down this route rather than reforming the original band?

We were going to do Another Level, but two of the guys were um'ing and ah'ing about it anyway. At the time, Mark (Baron) was married to Louise Sugar, and worked for Alan Sugar, so for him to get that amount of time off would have been difficult, and one of the other guys lived in New York. They'd been asking us to do it for years, and we were close, but we just couldn't do it. So then the show (producers) asked me to be involved in this other group (5th Story). I'd done something like that before, but I knew the other people in it so I thought it'd be good fun, so I just said "Yes, let's do it".

Do you still keep in touch with the band members now?

I haven't for a while, actually. We're all pretty good friends, though. I saw Bradley not too long ago, though I don't think he was in that one (laughs). As I say, I'd been in another one for MTV before 5th Story. I'm still good friends with Gareth Gates; he's a good lad, and funnily enough he's the biggest p*ss-head on the whole show, so that's always fun! I haven't seen the others in a while, to be honest. We do get on, though; I'm in Dubai a lot at the moment so it's hard to catch up with them at the moment.

What plans do you have for the future?

As I say, I'm in Dubai; I have a TV production that I'm working on there. It's a show called Come Dine Dubai which is me going to different restaurants there and cooking with the head chefs, so that's looking good. I still DJ too; I'm gonna get some DJ gigs while I'm up here in Liverpool to keep that going. Apart from that, though, I can never decide what I want to do!

Finally, tell us why people should see Peter Pan.

I was saying before that for me, pantomime is a great institution in England; I think that every kid should go and watch panto. You need to get them away from the computer and to come and watch it. It's great for the adults too as well; Michael Chapman, who is writing the script, is very close to the lines so there'll be a lot of adult humour. So if you bring your kids, you're still going to enjoy it. Plus it's Peter Pan, which is going to be very different for a panto. We've all seen Cinderella and Snow White shows which are amazing, but Peter Pan is going to be special.

Peter Pan will head into the Epstein Theatre from Friday December 8 to Monday January 1 2018. To book your tickets, click here.

Claire Simmo: "Peter Pan Is The One Panto Not To Miss!"

Image Source: Claire Simmo

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Claire Simmo is one of the more recognisable voices in the city, due to her work on Radio City 2 alongside the likes of Simon Ross. But she has other talents that she can bring to the forefront, and they will be on display as she waves her magic fairy dust as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, this year's big Christmas pantomime at the Epstein Theatre. We spoke to Claire about Peter Pan, her career in radio, and her least favourite Christmas present to date!

First of all, tell us about your character in Peter Pan.

My character is Tinkerbell. I think that Tinkerbell is my favourite role to play, because not only does she get lots of sparkle and lots of glitz, but she's also quite mischievous! She has this really innocent face, but she really gets away with murder! (Laughs)

Have you always been a fan of pantomime, and what other productions have you previously starred in?

I did my very first panto here when it was the Neptune, because I'd trained at Elliott-Clarke (Dance & Drama). I played Sleeping Beauty, and since then, I've done countless pantos in St. Helens Theatre Royal. I've played Tinkerbell before, and I've played Glinda in The Wizard Of Oz, plus I did a stint in Southport as well. But it's just so nice because I've waited so many years to work with (producer) Lee Kelly and it's never happened. So, this year when I got the call, I went "Yes!" because this is what I wanted to do. There's also such an amazing cast.

How did you break into radio, and what advice would you give to anyone looking to break into radio themselves?

As I say, I trained at Elliott-Clarke Dance & Drama for three years. I've always wanted to be on stage, and I've always wanted to sing. Then, I was just driving into work one morning, and I heard Kev Seedy on the radio saying that the travel girl was off and would anyone like to come in and have a go? So, I just went "I can do that!" I went in and did it and the rest, as they say, is history! I was literally just in the right place at the right time. It's a hard industry to get into nowadays, so you've got to be prepared to work a lot for very little money, and realise that you're totally replaceable at any time! (Laughs)

What would you consider to be the highlights of your radio career so far?

There are so many highlights of my radio career. A lot of mine relate to getting involved with the charities like Alder Hey and to work with When You Wish Upon A Star, and to do so many different things out in the city. I'm very lucky that we get to meet some of nice people, I get to go to the theatre all of the time. I just love what I do. I love every single part of my job.

Any interesting stories that you can tell from your career?

There was one time when I was on stage in panto, when I was working with Kurtis Stacey and we were doing Jack And The Beanstalk together. There was a scene where he had to bash into the back of me, and because he's quite a big, muscly lad, every night it would get harder and harder. Then, this one night, he bashed into me that hard that I whizzed across the stage, nearly fell off the edge and grabbed the scenery, pulled all the scenery down, and they had to stop the show! That is like my worst moment ever! After that, it was like "Here's 'break the scenery' Simmo!" That was possibly my most embarrassing moment, over in St. Helens Theatre Royal; they haven't let me back in since! (Laughs)

The panto will be taking place in the run-up to Christmas. Is this usually a busy time of year for you, and what is the worst Christmas present that you've received?

Oh, good grief! Christmas is the busiest time for me. I love Christmas; it's my favourite time of year. Probably the worst Christmas present I have ever had; a few years ago, they used to do Soap On A Rope. I remember getting this blue one off my auntie, and she was made up. If it had been pink, I probably could have gotten away with it! But it was blue, and she was like "Oh look, it can hang over the bath!" And I was like "I don't think so, no!" (Laughs)

Will your family and friends be coming to watch you in Peter Pan?

I've already bullied most of my family and friends into booking tickets to see the show! Everyone knows as far as I go that if I'm in a panto, then you have to come otherwise there'll be all kinds of trouble! But most of my friends and family do come and watch anyway. Normally, my daughter dances and she manages to get into the pantos, but she's like 5'9 now even though she's only 11, and she's too tall to get to audition this year! So, I'll be doing it solo this year, which is quite weird, but I'm looking forward to it. It's a break from the kids, yay! (Laughs)

Finally, why should the Liverpool audience come to see Peter Pan this year?

I think they should come because it is 22 years since Peter Pan has been done here at the Epstein. It's one of those shows that is different, and it's great for the younger boys as well because often, with Cinderella and Snow White, it can seem to be all-girly with the big dresses, but here you've got the male characters for the lads, while for the girls you've still got the sparkly Tinkerbell and the Wendy and the Tiger Lily. Plus, I'd imagine with Michael Chapman writing it that there's gonna be a few innuendos in it for the adults as well! (Laughs) I just think it's gonna be the one panto not to miss!

Peter Pan will head into the Epstein Theatre from Friday December 8 to Monday January 1 2018. To book your tickets, click here.

Leanne Campbell & Dean Sullivan: "The Perfect Production For The Perfect Venue"

Image Source: The Guide Liverpool

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Aladdin will be bringing a ton of Christmas cheer to Echo Arena Auditorium this winter, and it looks set to be the best pantomime yet at Liverpool's big arena. Two well-known Liverpudlians with vastly different backgrounds, Leanne Campbell and Dean Sullivan, are playing starring roles in the production, and so we sat down with both to chat about Aladdin, their careers to date and the wonderful world of pantomime!

First of all, discuss your characters in the Aladdin production.

Dean Sullivan: Well, I'm playing Abanazar. It's a part that I've played around six times before, so if I haven't got it right by the time that this show happens, I'm in trouble! (Laughs)

Leanne Campbell: And I live in his ring! (Laughs)

Dean: She robs my ring twice daily! (Laughs)

Leanne: I live in his magic ring, and I bring the goodness into the panto!

Have you both been fans of pantomime?

Dean: I've been in pantos for a long time. You've been doing pantos for a long time as well, haven't you?

Leanne: Yes, since I was a kid, and always in Liverpool. Well, I've gone slightly outside, but never too far away, because when Liverpool comes up, you jump at it. The audiences are just wild, the kids are amazing ... I think it's a real part of Liverpool's heritage now. I grew up going to the pantomimes with my nan and grandad, and people have routines to go on the likes of Christmas Eve. They wouldn't dream of not going to the panto with their kids on Christmas Eve, as it's part of the tradition.

Dean: So, we are the ones who work the hardest over Christmas! Two shows on Boxing Day!

Leanne: This year, we've got a nice little run, we finish on Christmas Eve so you've gotta be quick and book your tickets, because it'll all sell out really quickly. It's a massive venue, but I think there's so much love, from the people involved this year who've done it so many times before. The people are coming to watch them, and we're part of their Christmas.

What are some of the more memorable pantomimes that you've contributed to in the past?

Dean: That's a hard one. I think I've done all of the pantos that there are to do, from The Sheriff Of Nottingham to Babes In The Wood, and as I say, I've played Abanazar about six times already. Also, two years ago in Stockport, I was offered the Dame. If you are involved in any pantomime production, you'll know that the Dame works really, really hard. You're never really off the stage much besides when you're in the wings, putting on your next costume. So, it was a very busy show; I never stopped. So, I played the Dame and I loved every minute of it, but it nearly killed me.

Leanne: Would you ever play the Dame again?

Dean: I would, because it's great fun to do, but you really earn your money. It's hard work, as you have a busy old time. As Abanazar, I spend most of the time in the dressing room, which is great; I put my feet up and have a glass of wine, reading the paper ... I shouldn't have said that! (Laughs) But with the Dame, you're on constantly, all of the time. You really do earn your money because you are busy. It was a great part to play.

Leanne: It's lovely. There's all of the classic roles like Cinderella, Snow White - the beautiful role to play. The costumes are gorgeous and you get to sing the sweet songs as well. But my character in this show, the Slave Of The Ring, is the funniest character. Hopefully, I'm going to bring a lot of Liverpool to it, a lot of what people already know about me on Radio City. If you listen to me there, you'll know my sense of humour, and it's going to be a good old laugh. It's like me and him, tongue-in-cheek, and every show will be a different show.

Dean: So book your tickets now!

Dean, what would you consider to be the highlights of your time in Brookside as Jimmy Corkhill, and of your career in television post-Brookside?

Dean: That's an interesting question. People used to say to me that you were there for 18 years, so why did you stay for so long in that one part? I used to say that it was because of the scripts and the storylines. My contract used to be renewed every 12 months, and I would say to Phil Redmond "What have you got coming up? What's going to happen to Jimmy?" And they would always be fantastic storylines.

The two highlights on Brookside were definitely the drugs storyline, which ran for many, many years and had lots of different aspects to it, and the big storyline towards the end of the show, which ran for a few years as well, which was the mental health storyline. Jimmy was diagnosed with bi-polar manic depression, and that was a very, very interesting part to play. I didn't know anything about it at the time, so I conducted a lot of research into it. I didn't know much about drugs either, so there was research involved in that storyline too. Essentially, when we were doing those hard-hitting storylines, we had a responsibility to get it right. I used to say that I was only acting it, but there are people out there who are living it. so you had a sense of responsibility to them to tell their story, and to tell it correctly and with respect. They were the two big highlights, but I loved all of my time there over the 18 years, and it went by just like that.

Since then, I've played a few different bits and pieces, but there's been nothing that has really grabbed me. I've often made guest appearances in shows like Doctors and The Royal. But unfortunately, in playing and creating such a big, iconic character, you're often making a rod for your own back, because a lot of people are then a bit frightened of casting you in another role because they think that you can only play that one particular part. And it's nonsense because you're an actor, and you can play any role really. But I can never be taken away; I'll be down in the television history books. I've got all sorts of awards at home for playing the part. So, it's been fantastic.

What other projects would interest you for the future?

Dean: I'm leaning now towards the directing side of things. I've directed an original show about the first World War poet Wilfred Owen. A friend of mine wrote all of the songs, and I directed them for a tour of the North-West, which was fantastic. I like being on the other side of it, and having the responsibility of a whole production.

Leanne, how did you break into radio, and what advice would you have for anyone reading this who would be looking to pursue a career in radio?

Leanne: Try and get an afternoon slot! (Laughs) Early mornings are killers. The advice would be to just go for it, but not necessarily down the usual avenues. I was a trained actress; I'd just filmed The Ward, I'd been off to London to train, I came back, and I was doing a play at the Royal Court when a gentleman waited for me at the stage door. He said that I'd built up a name for myself, as I'd played Annie at the Playhouse as a child, and people seem to know who I was, so could he introduce me to a career in radio? The answer was no, as I couldn't talk; was it a script or a play? No, I could just be myself. And it was scary, but it was the best thing that I've ever done, because I love it. It is exactly what I should be doing. To go down the same route that I thought I was supposed to be going down; sometimes, when you stray from that path, the best things happen. I went on to win a Sony award in London ...

Dean: Well, you are fantastic on the show!

Leanne: Oh, thank you! My tips, then, would be to just be yourself, don't try to be anybody other than yourself. Sometimes, you'll make mistakes, but that's just part and parcel of it. Just be you, and just be honest, and if people like you, then you're onto a good thing!

What are your thoughts on Pete Price scaling down his radio career?

Leanne: I think it's a great move for him. He's seventy-odd; I can't imagine myself being able to string a sentence together in my forties, never mind my seventies! The guy is a legend for doing it for as long as he has done and to still create a brilliant show. When he told me about it, I was like "It's good for you." It's got a retro feel to it for those who remember the heritage Radio City of vibe, and it was always on a Sunday night. I was guilty of doing the prank calls to Pete Price before I knew him; it's part of growing up, and now I'll happily encourage my kids to do the same! (Laughs) If he's only gonna be on on a Sunday, I'll just do one call so he doesn't know my number! (Laughs)

What is the difference between performing panto in a theatre and performing in an arena, as it will be in Echo Arena Auditorium for Aladdin?

Leanne: Well, it's in a theatre within an arena. So, it's going to have the same theatre vibe, it's not like we'll be plonked in the middle with the audience all around us; it's a real theatre set-up. It's a beautiful Auditorium, it's quite similar and like a larger version of the Floral Pavilion in Southport with the circular environment.

Dean: When I said to people that I was going to be playing the Echo Arena this year to star in Aladdin, they said "What, in the arena?" And I said no, it's got a separate, purpose-built theatre just like the Empire. the Royal Court and the Neptune (or the Epstein as it's called now).

Leanne: Disney have brought their children's shows here, I took my kids to see them, and it's the perfect venue for children. Especially if they're under 10, and if they're that little that they need to just have a little walk-about to stretch their legs, this is the perfect venue. So, if you've never brought your kids to the theatre before, for me this is the ideal place to bring those little ones. You can test the waters, see how they last and stuff. It's the perfect venue, and the perfect production.

Finally, what should the audience look forward to when they come to see Aladdin?

Leanne: Me and him! (Laughs)

Dean: It's a show packed with fun, songs and laughter.

Leanne: The music is outrageous, the sets are outrageous, the costumes are outrageous, there's magic for the children, funny moments ...

Dean: And you've got us!

Aladdin will fly into Echo Arena Auditorium from Friday December 15 to Sunday December 24. To book your tickets, click here.

Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf

Image Source: Unity Theatre

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Format: Pantomime
Genre: Comedy
Date: December 3 2016
Location: Unity Theatre, Liverpool, England

The fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood is known by virtually everyone, with the target audience obviously being young children. The story has slight differences in some versions, but needless to say, the core elements remain the same, including the relatively short time it takes to tell the tale.

Therefore, Little Red and The Big Bad Wolf was an intriguing prospect. How do you take a story which everybody will know, and which doesn't last too long, and create a theatre show out of it that will maintain interest and provide entertainment for attendees of all ages? Well, anybody who feels that this is an impossible task would be surprised, because Little Red ... ticks all the boxes, whilst adding some unique layers which ensure that it stands out from the classic fairytale.

You won't need me to explain the plot, but I will tell you why this show is different. For starters, there are a number of original songs featured in each scene, which help to either move the story along or emphasise certain character traits. The settings are also a stand-out element: we're taken into the woods, including the use of gravel to represent the muddy fields walked through by Little Red. But it's the use of comedy which helps to make this show: there are frequent moments of comedy, ranging from standard lines appealing to younger members of the audience to clever one-liners and even some occasional ad-libbing to match the opinions of those warning Little Red and her grandma of impending doom.

I also appreciated the smaller touches: the story wasn't afraid to poke fun at itself on more than one occasion, and there are also nods to other classic fairy-tales, including one amusing reference to Jack and The Beanstalk. The costumes were effective, and helped to hide the fact (or perhaps promote it in a satirical manner) that the same crew of four performers were playing all of the characters (besides Luca Rutherford, who plays Little Red, the remaining members of the cast have more than one role). Speaking of which, all four actors and actresses - Luca Rutherford, Harvey Robinson (who plays the Big Bad Wolf), Simone Lewis and Natalia Campbell - adapt well to their interesting surroundings (a greater achievement considering the very intimate theatre setting for the show), with each having an important part to play and with the performances being strong throughout, ranging from drama to comedy to mild horror (one very young child near me got a bit frightened towards the end!). And without spoiling the details, I will urge that the kids look out for moments of audience participation, as there may be a chance to not only get involved, but to also pick up a little treat!

The only thing I would say which could have been better was that, as a show which will be held over the Xmas season, there wasn't anything particularly Christmassy. Some decorations, one holiday-themed hit or even a Christmas-related scene tacked onto the finale would have gotten the young 'uns into that festive spirit. Otherwise, though, this was a really fun show, one perhaps better for those who have kids aged between 5 and 10, but I feel that all members of the family will enjoy this unique retelling of a classic story.

Overall Rating: 8/10 - Very Good

Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the fairest panto of all? Casting announced for Empire panto

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

First Family Entertainment and the Liverpool Empire are delighted to announce the line-up for this year’s family pantomime, Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs.

TV favourite Jorgie Porter will be making her pantomime debut as she heads up this year’s cast in the title role of Snow White.

Jorgie is best known for her role as Theresa McQueen in the Channel 4 drama serial Hollyoaks. Jorgie was a contestant on the seventh series of Dancing On Ice on ITV. She made it all the way to the final where she finished runner up. Jorgie was then asked to return for Dancing On Ice: Champion Of Champions. Jorgie recently starred in ITV's award winning series I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Jorgie spent 23 days in the jungle and had huge public support back home in the UK and finished 5th. Since returning from Australia, Jorgie has filmed an episode of Lip Sync Battle for Channel 5 against Rufus Hound and worked with E! on their live red carpet coverage of the Golden Globes. Most recently Jorgie has been announced as part of the cast of the much-anticipated remake of the comedy Are You Being Served which will be aired on BBC 1 later in the year.

Jorgie commented: "I am so excited to be appearing in Snow White at the Liverpool Empire. It’s every girls dream to play a Princess and Snow White is one of the best! What an honour it is to be appearing at the Liverpool Empire too which is such a beautiful theatre and the pantomime audiences are the best in the country so I can’t wait to see you all this Christmas."

Joining Jorgie are Empire pantomime favourite’s Leanne Campbell who will be taking on the role of the Wicked Queen and Liam Mellor is back by popular demand as the lovable comic, Muddles.

Leanne Campbell has become a much-loved member of the Empire panto family and returns for her fourth consecutive year. Leanne hosts Liverpool's number 1 breakfast show weekday mornings 6-10am on Radio City 96.7, but it was theatre where Leanne first cut her teeth when she first appeared on stage at the age of ten whilst training at Elliott Clarke school of Dance and Drama full time. She landed roles such as Annie (Liverpool Playhouse) and Helen Forester, Twopence to cross the Mersey (Liverpool Empire) for which she was awarded a Scouseology Award for ‘Top Theatre Personality’ and a Daily Post Art Award in the ‘Best New Talent’ category. After winning a scholarship to continue training at Laines Theatre Arts in London, she then continued her theatre career both in Liverpool and on tour.

Leanne is delighted to be appearing in the Empire pantomime once again but this time as the baddie a role she can’t wait to get her teeth stuck into.

After delighting audiences in the role of Idle Jack last year, Liam Mellor returns with his madcap comedy style this time in the role of Muddles. Liam is well known across the UK for his comedy work and received ‘cracking’ reviews last year. He is no stranger to pantomime having written and starred in many pantomime at St Helens Theatre Royal.

Snow White is a dazzling fairytale of a pantomime guaranteed to melt everyone’s hearts; watch as the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends attempt to defeat the Wicked Queen. Will Snow White meet her Handsome Prince and save the day? Come along to the Liverpool Empire this Christmas to find out. Spectacular sets, sparkling costumes, side splitting comedy and lots and lots of fun for the whole family to enjoy.

To book tickets, visit http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/snow-white-2016/liverpool-empire/.

Sally Lindsay to make panto debut at Liverpool Empire

Sally Lindsay

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Empire Theatre

Popular TV actress Sally Lindsay to make panto debut at the Liverpool Empire – Oh yes she is!

First Family Entertainment announce all-star casting for Dick Whittington

Popular TV actress Sally Lindsay, known for her roles in Coronation Street, Mount Pleasant and Ordinary Lies has never performed in a pantomime before but that’s all about to change as she’s starring in Dick Whittington this Christmas at the Liverpool Empire! ‘Oh yes she is!’

This year’s exciting all-star cast also includes Radio City’s Leanne Campbell as Alice Fitzwarren, Pete Price as and Alderman Fitzwarren, Eric Potts (Coronation Street) as Sarah the Cook and Kurtis Stacey (Emmerdale) as Dick Whittington. They will be joined by Warren Donnelly (Shameless) who makes a welcome return to the Empire this Christmas to play the villainous King Rat after appearing as Abanazar in Aladdin last year.

Sally, who will play the magical Fairy Fazakerly in this year’s production, is best known as Corrie barmaid Shelley Unwin and Lisa in Sky Living drama Mount Pleasant. Sally more recently appeared on screens in the critically acclaimed drama Ordinary Lies.

Sally commented: “I’m nervous but excited about being in my very first pantomime. The Liverpool Empire is one of the most beautiful theatres in the country and I can’t wait to be sprinkling some fairy magic there this Christmas. We’ve got a really strong cast, some of them I’ve worked with before, and I know Liverpool audiences are always up for a laugh so it’s going to be a great show. I’m really looking forward to the panto season!”

Eric Potts, also known as Coronation Street Baker Diggery Compton, will delight audiences as the hilarious dame, Sarah the Cook. Although it’s the first time Eric will perform in a pantomime here at the Empire, he is certainly no stranger to the tradition having spent the last 16 seasons appearing in pantomimes. Eric is currently writing scripts for First Family pantomimes up and down the country including this one.

Eric added: “I love writing panto scripts. Pantomime is very often a child's first visit to the theatre and it’s great that I get the chance to create an experience that they love and want to repeat. I love the great British tradition of pantomime and am honoured to be a small part of that history.”

Dick Whittington is the ultimate tale of rags-to-riches telling the story of an adventurous young man who sets off to seek his fortune on an adventure to London. But, things don’t go exactly to plan and Dick must take on the evil King Rat in his quest to win Alice’s hand.

Join Dick and his feline friend Tommy on his fun filled quest for fame and fortune! Will the streets really be paved with gold? Will he win the hand of the lovely Alice – and will he defeat the dastardly King Rat? There’s only one way to find out – come along for panto, the purr-fect way to celebrate Christmas!

This year’s pantomime is produced by First Family Entertainment, who are no strangers to the Liverpool Empire having produced previous panto extravaganzas Cinderella, Peter Pan and Aladdin.

Diane Belding, general manager at the Empire, said: “First Family are known for putting on the best quality pantomimes and we’re confident this year’s will be even bigger and even better. So, if you’re going to watch a pantomime this year, make sure it’s at the Empire. It will be here before we know it so I’d urge everyone to snap up their tickets as soon as they can!”

Dick Whittington is a fun-filled family show that promises to take audiences of all ages on a rip-roaring ride with brilliant sing-along songs, hilarious characters and lots of laughs, Dick Whittington comes to the Liverpool Empire from Saturday December 12 2015 until Sunday January 3 2016.

Lead star announced for Cinderella at the Epstein Theatre

Calum Best

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: The Epstein Theatre

Cinderella's Prince Charming guaranteed to be "the Best"

LHK Productions are whisking us off to a magical ball this Christmas time, as they announce that the spell-binding tale of Cinderella will return to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre from Thursday December 10 2015 to Sunday January 3 2016. Tickets are already on sale.

LHK always guarantee to bring a refreshing all-star cast to the stage and this year is no exception, producer Lee Kelly is delighted to reveal that Calum Best will star in his panto debut as Prince Charming, and is certain to get hearts racing across the region.

The son of football legend George Best, Calum has had huge success as an international model, fronting campaigns for top fashion brands, as well as finding fame as an actor, television personality and reality TV star.

He was crowned the winner of the second series of  ITV1’s Celebrity Love Island in 2006, appeared in ITV2 series Calum, Fran and Dangerous Danan and as a judge on ITV2’s Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend. Most recently, he was a housemate in 2015’s Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5.

Calum Best said: “I'm so excited to be making my panto debut in beautiful Liverpool; it is a great city and one of my favourite places to visit so I am delighted to be spending Christmas there. It will be a fantastic show which I am thrilled to be a part of and I can’t wait to experience all the magic that panto has to offer. See you all at the show!”

Returning to the Epstein Theatre for their 4th festive season, LHK’s Cinderella tells the much-loved story of a beautiful young girl kept captive by her wicked ugly step sisters. When Cinders is invited to a magnificent ball at the palace, her two fiendish ugly step-sisters forbid her to attend.

With a wave of a magic wand, her very own fairy godmother appears to save the day and she is transformed in to a dazzling princess. After a magical evening dancing endlessly with Prince Charming, midnight approaches and poor Cinders has to depart before the spell is broken.

With a single glass slipper left behind, will Prince Charming be able to find his princess? Will Cinders escape the clutches of her ugly step-sisters and live happily ever after?

With a live orchestra, real Shetland ponies, lavish sets and exquisite costumes, book your tickets now for the most enchanting Panto in all the land.

Producer Lee Kelly said: “We are really looking forward to having Calum in this year’s show and coming to Liverpool for Xmas. I know he will be a great addition to the cast. We have plenty of surprises and announcements still to come and I am certain this will be our best show yet.”

The full cast who will join Calum Best this Christmas will be announced in the coming months, so watch this space!