Fairy good Christmas time (From Daily Echo)

Fairy good Christmas time

2:09pm Friday 18th December 2009 in

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You’re appearing in Cinderella at The Anvil.

What can we expect from the show?

“It’s a very traditional, funny pantomime.

It’s the classic story of Cinderella and Anna (Williamson) and Jamie (Rickers, both from CITV’s Toonattik) really bounce off each other as Cinderella and Buttons. It’s a fabulous story with brilliant dance moves and music and it’s just a wonderful family tale.”

How are you enjoying being the Fairy Godmother?

“I played the Fairy Godmother last year in panto with Ruth Maddock and I really enjoyed it. It’s great being up on stage helping to sum up the story for children because in Cinderella I’m the storyteller. I’m pushing the story along, telling all the kids what’s going on. It’s so lovely being a goodie and it really gets me every time she goes to the ball at the end of Act One. It’s so exciting!”

Why do you think panto has remained such an institution?

“I think it’s part of a child’s Christmas.

The whole magic and make believe of it and there’s always a positive message in there.

“It’s often a child’s first opportunity to go to the theatre and it’s a wonderful thing to see them completely lost in the story. It’s just a great piece of live entertainment and interactive with shouting and screaming. It allows everyone to release all their tension!”

What else have you been up to? Have you been performing live?

“Oh yes, I always keep going with the singing! I have my own live band and we travel all over the place. I love the live performing and I don’t think I’ll ever stop!”

What ambitions do you still have to achieve in showbiz?

“I’d love to get a part, a cameo or something, in Emmerdale or Casualty or something. That would be great. I’d love to play a real cow!”

What’s making you happy today?

“Just being at the theatre really.

Everyone is really easy going and we’re all getting on so well. I have got my husband with me too, which is lovely. He always travels with me.”

What’s annoying you?

“The only thing I’m down about is the weather. I’m wondering if it’s ever going to stop raining.”

What are your plans for Christmas?

“We’re staying in a beautiful village called Hartley Wintney so we’re going to stop there. I was going to go home but it’s so nice we’re going to stay here.

“I’ve got two shows on Boxing Day so I really want to relax ahead of that.We’re doing to have dinner at a lovely hotel.”

What are your hopes for 2010?

“Just to be healthy and happy. I’m a worrier about really stupid things and it’s my resolution to stop that!”

■ Cinderella runs until January 3.

Tickets: 01256 844244 or visit anvilarts.

org.uk.