Spotlight On: Aladdin Pantomime, 'It's An Act'

Tell us a little bit about your previous work..
I started writing during my time at Mountview Academy of performing Arts in London. I wrote my first play, Whose coat is that jacket? And went on to produce it with my company Frapetsus in my hometown of Swansea in 2007. I went on to write a few more plays, mostly comedies focussed on life in Wales. These plays were produced by my company which would later be re-named 'It's An Act', I produced various plays - from war poetry to sit-com style comedies. I wrote my first pantomime in 2016, producing this with my co-producer and director Dean Verbeck. I love the challenge of adapting and developing stories that are already known and loved, adding my own twist or slant . 

What your favourite thing about panto?
I love that there's something for everyone, from the music to the jokes. It's fun for all the family, the children might enjoy dancing and singing along to some of their favourite songs, while their parents or grandparents might enjoy the witty one-liners! I also love the fact that my own children get to be involved and enjoy the process, from writing to wardrobe, publicity to props; they are involved from the start and then get to sit back and enjoy the show while I'm busy on stage!

Who has been your favourite character while writing? 
Now this is a tough one, I love all the characters!! If I was pushed I would probably choose Jeanie the genie, I love the fun he injects into the script, especially his rhymes - I'm sure I think in rhyme now after spending so long writing! The story of Aladdin is very well known so I felt I couldn't deviate far from the plot, whereas I had a bit more artistic licence with Jeanie, I really enjoy developing my own characters.

Tell us a bit more about your partnership with Dean Verbeck?
Myself and Dean met many years ago now when he directed one of my plays "I’ll be there in a minute now!", and we've since worked together on various projects. Dean runs his own performing arts school in Swansea and Llanelli so our professional paths have crossed frequently over the years, and we often support one another with each other's projects. We have been co-producing pantomime since 2016, with me writing and performing, and Dean directing. In 2021 Dean took on the role of Dame and we shared directing duties, I haven't been able to wrestle the lipstick off him since! I feel our roles complement each other well, I play Abanazer, and Dean is Widow Twankey so I'm sure you can tell we each bring a very different skillset to the table!

Finally, what can our audience expect from you?
Definitely a fun afternoon or evening at the theatre. The cast and crew have been busy in rehearsals preparing an amazing show and I can't wait to have an audience involved. I can guarantee a lot of witty one-liners and catchy songs to get you tapping your feet and singing along. I'm really proud of this show and hope the audience enjoy the experience as much as we have so far. Don't be afraid to get involved, we love to have you cheering, and sometimes booing us along!