As the children go back to school after an endless summer and the nights begin to draw in, our thoughts turn to Christmas. And with Christmas comes Pantomime. Today in Darlington, fairypowered was lucky enough to meet and chat with some of the very lovely stars of Snow White – Zoe Birkett, Lee Ryan, Liam Mellor and Eric Potts
Have you been to Darlington before?
Zoe: Yes, I’m from Darlington and went to school here so this is a homecoming for me.
Lee: No, this is my first time
Liam: Yes, I’m from Redcar so I’m local but I also came to see Boogie Nights when it was still the Civic. Chico was in the show and I’d just been in pantomime with him.
Eric: Yes, the first time was in 1988 and I was in a show called the Selfish Shellfish, but more recently I was in a comedy about Les Dawson called Cissie and Ada.
Have you done pantomime before?
Zoe: Yes, and I’ve done panto in Darlington before. I was Sleeping Beauty at the old Civic.
Lee: Yes, once. I was in Jack and the Beanstalk in Hayes
Liam: Yes this is my 13th year, but I’ve done around 18 in total with summer panto’s
Eric: Yes, this is around my 21st and I’ve been playing the dame for around 18 years now
What do you plan to do in your time off from the show?
Zoe: I’ve got a 4 month old baby, so I shall be playing mummy between shows
Lee: Resting, maybe trying out the local spa’s and visiting the gym
Liam: My wife is due to have a baby imminently, so I’ll be looking after my newborn and my other children
Eric: Sleep!!! Although I’d like to visit Raby Castle and High Force. I’m directing the panto so I’ll be making sure everything is ticking over for the show too
What can you tell us about Snow White?
Zoe: I’m looking forward to being evil, this is my 3rd time in an evil part so I get some evil songs and it’s a good script.
Lee: I love a good panto, I enjoy watching Disney movies at home with my kids. So I’m hoping it will be fun
Liam: It’s a brand new Script from QDOS who are producing the show, it has a big cast, comedy and it’s tailored to Darlington
Eric: It’s a fun, old fashioned, comedy. Its looks spectacular, it has some very special effects and a very good script.
Do you like doing Panto’s? Would you like to do more theatre?
Zoe: I love panto. I’ve just finished doing the musical of the Bodyguard which I loved. I’ve done a few plays which are good to get your teeth into as an actress but I do enjoy doing musical theatre.
Lee: Yes, I’m currently in Eastenders which is serious drama so this is a bit of light relief
Liam: I love panto, but enjoy performing
Eric: I love panto, it’s the part of the year that I love. I’m directing a pantomime in Scotland before I start in Darlington. But I’m also rehearsing for the Threepenny Opera, after panto I’m Polonius in Hamlet and I’m also playing Colonel Tom Parker, so I am keeping busy.
What is it like playing your character?
Zoe: I’m the Wicked Queen. I can be evil but with some comedy and I get fly to this year. I’m really looking forward to flying.
Lee: I’m the Prince. I’m a hero, but I get to be nice
Liam: I’m Muddles. It’s just me playing me, playing the fool and having fun
Eric: I’m the Dame. I being part of the history of the pantomime dame. We all play our dame in different ways and if I do my job properly every child will love me
What do you plan to do on Christmas Day?
Zoe: It’s my baby girls first Christmas so I’ll be making it magical for her
Lee: I’ve not confirmed my plans yet, I doubt timewise I’ll get home so I’ll buy my kids big presents to make up for missing it
Liam: We will have a new baby, so I will be cooking the dinner and have a chill out time
Eric: I will be going home to Lancashire to be with my wife and daughters, I always try to get home for a proper family Christmas
Do you plan to see any other panto’s while you are here?
Zoe: I’m hoping to get to see the panto in Newcastle, I know a few people in the show. And I’m hoping to see some local shows
Lee: I’ve not thought about it but I hope to see something while I am here
Liam: Hopefully the Newcastle panto and it would be nice to see a local show too
Eric: I’m planning on going to Newcastle, we’ll have to get a trip up! And something local would be nice if we get the chance
Snow White will be playing at the beautifully restored Darlington Hippodrome from Saturday 9 December to Sunday 14 January. Tickets available at https://www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/