It’s panto time . . . oh, yes it is - Alison Norton talks to the cast of the Wolverhampton Grand Christmas show

That’s right! We might not have survived Bonfire Night yet, but pantomime time is just around the corner. And Midland audiences will be delighted to know that Jack and his magic beanstalk will be taking over the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from December 9, 2017, to January 14, 2018, with two shows a day of fun-filled treats for all the family.

Singer Gareth Gates and actress and TV personality, Lisa Riley head an all-star cast this year, some of whom are returning following the storming success of last year’s Aladdin.

I chatted with the stars of the show to find out why they adore working in pantomime and what delights we can look forward to this Christmas.

“I had the chance to go to different venues this year, but I was like, do you know what? I really want to go back to Wolverhampton,” says Lisa.

“It’s like the best tub of Quality Street, with really good flavours in there,” she laughs. “It’s like a family.”

“There’s 12 shows a week and it’s fun and we have that back stage as well and that’s what keeps us going,” she says.

This year, Lisa’s character is Mother Nature, a more sophisticated character than she’s used to playing who has previously been called Fairy Beans, so you can imagine the gags. “It’s a bit posh for me,” Lisa laughs “I’m a bit rough around the edges!”

That’s as maybe but Lisa has completely transformed herself over the last 18 months, losing more than 12 stone in weight and undergoing extensive surgery to create her new body. She looks amazing and oozes confidence and determination.

Lisa is completely fearless both on stage and off. I asked her if that is what keeps her performances in panto alive?

“Of course,” she says. “It’s in the title; it’s live theatre. I’m really old school. I am really proud that I went to drama school at the age of nine and am doing the job that I trained to do. It’s not just about being famous.”

Panto is all about the storytelling but also the special effects. Audiences love to gaze in wonder and go ‘oooooh’ and at the Wolverhampton Grand this year, Lisa told me that the beanstalk is just amazing. The giant is also fantastic and there is another surprise in store which we are not allowed to mention. You have to see the show.

“I can’t tell you what it is,” laughs Lisa. In true panto style she won’t break the spell. “Last year was magical, but this year is even more magical and it’s funny as well,” she laughs.

Audiences will be thrilled to welcome Adam C Booth back to the city venue, this time as Jack’s brother, Simple Simon with a host of comic sequences, laugh out loud gags and an intrepid approach to the physical comedy for which he is so well known.

“I love being silly,” says Adam. “It’s like a drug and there is no better feeling in the world once you get the feedback. I don’t want to tempt fate, but in Wolverhampton the audiences are so good every night; there wasn’t a bad show last year. The energy was amazing.”

Sounds good to us Adam. I hope we don’t disappoint this year.

Dublin-born Sarah Vaughan makes her Wolverhampton debut as the princess and is every inch the stunning beauty with incredible vocals you’d expect in this role.

Sarah admits that she usually plays straight roles, but is often cast as the ditsy blonde. “It’s the sort of comedy that is given to you. Once you get that reaction from the audience, it fires you up more,” she says.

Probably the best dame in the business today, Ian Adams, returns to play Jack’s mother Dame Trixie Trot, complete with a superb wardrobe comprising of gingham frocks, daisies and panto novelties.

“She was my very first dame and the one that I have done the most,” says Ian. “I do like her. As usual, she is the single mother with two boys and no money.”

I presume there will be the traditional panto scene with the dame and a cow. “Well it’s a bit different. It’s there, but there’s a bit of a twist to it as I will be with Adam playing Simple Simon. I love working with him. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is perfect for pantomime,” says Ian. “You can play the whole place. Even the people in the Gods feel as if they are part of the show. You have to play panto for real so that it works and is believable.”

I was thrilled to hear that an old character from Jack and the Beanstalk is being reintroduced – the harp. In recent years this character has been left out by some panto companies for some unexplainable reason, but I think it is a lovely, traditional role and I know that singer, dancer and choreographer, the beautiful Julie Paton is perfectly cast to bring this cheeky little character back to life.

Choregraphing the show is hard work, but Julie has a team of eight young dancers on her team. “I am going to set each of them up every day to do the warm up,” she laughs. “It will be a boot camp!”

Gareth Gates is currently on tour in China, starring in the musical Footloose and so has been missing out on the fun so far. But, the whole cast are keen to welcome him with open arms on his return and make him part of their panto family.

“He will have a little family; his mom and his brother and the kids in the audience,” smiles Ian.

And no panto is complete without a villain and this year’s is the incomparable Graham Cole who is appearing as Fleshcreep, bedecked in green and black velvet and sporting a fetching green eyeshadow!

This is Graham’s 37th panto season and there is nothing he loves more than playing the baddie.

“I have played Fleshcreep many times, but the scripts are always written differently, although there will definitely be green flashes, green lighting and smoke,” he laughs.

“I have never worked with Ian before, but he is a bloke in a frock; a real traditional panto dame. Then you have Gareth to bring in all the youngsters and Fleshcreep for the older ladies!” he laughs.

Now it is well known that the cast have fun on stage amongst themselves too. “I have already warned Lisa that I am very naughty,” says Graham. “But I have heard that she is very naughty too, but that’s live theatre for you.”

It’s hard work playing a baddie.“The sword fighting can be dangerous,” says Graham. “I played Sherriff of Nottingham to Gareth’s Robin Hood last year and he forgot to duck a couple of times, so you have to be on your game. But the adrenalin comes from the audience. It’s Christmas time and everyone is in a fantastic mood.”

Last but not least, this year’s main cast is completed by the Best Panto New Comer as voted by the Great British Panto Awards for 2016/2017, none other than the Queen of the Black Country, Doreen, who returns this year to play Dame Trot’s Lazy Neighbour.

“It could take a little bit of skill this one,” says Doreen in her unforgettable Black Country drawl. “Especially the milking of the cow. I have never milked a cow, have you?” she asks. I have to admit I have not!

Doreen is looking forward to working with Gareth. “He’s the new boy on the block. We got on very well,” she says.

I asked her how a lazy cow stays fit and healthy during a long panto run. “By staying in bed and getting plenty of rest. And watching Lisa on Loose Women day time TV. “I shall be wearing me hoodie, it’s brown, so I’m not very sparkly this year, but they might me making me a new one. If not, I’ll go up Bilston Market,” adds Doreen.

So quite an array of characters in the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre panto this year, I’m sure you will agree, but one thing is for certain, Midlands audiences can look forward to some of the best festive entertainment in the country at our favourite theatre. Can’t wait!

l For tickets, call 01902 429212 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk