PANTO
Pantomimes need to be fun and just a little bit naughty and with Dick Whittington we won’t be disappointed. I caught up with lead actor Keith Jack, whose enthusiasm for the pantomime was palpable. He seems to relish the cheeky chap he will be playing on stage saying: “There is quite a lot of innuendo for the mums and dads and I have a few cheeky comments…” but the traditional tongue
In cheek Pantomimic banter won’t be all that’s on offer Keith went on to say “…Dick Whittington is a good story and it has everything – romance, comedy and even a ship and underwater fighting!”
Keith has been in Panto for the last few years, appearing in Aladdin, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty in Aberdeen and Glasgow, staying close to his Scottish roots but playing the part of Princes can be tiring “I enjoyed playing princes but they are very straight acting parts and I like to play a bit more of a lad so Dick Whittington is definitely more my cup of tea” Keith admitted and taking part in a Blue Genie Production seems to be a pleasure for him: “I was lucky enough to work for Blue Genie last year as well and Gary [Tefler] puts everything into the production. There is a lot of comedy. The cast get on really well and as it sold so well last year this year should be great too.” With only two weeks of rehearsals the team have to be professional and having seen the script in advance Keith Jack said he thrives on working in this way “Two full weeks before we open – it’s fun to work that way”
Keith has had some time in Maidstone already and Fremlin Walk is his favourite place as well as Living Café opposite the theatre. He seems full of the buzz that actors get before the curtain rises and having the time of his life.
His career has been varied with many remembering him as the runner up in the hit reality TV show ‘Any Dream, Will Do’. The opportunity opened up a new route for Keith’s career and he has had some staggering work highlights including performing at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 60th birthday celebrations and working with John Barrowman who Keith counts as good friend.
Inevitably working as an actor also has low points one of which is being away from home for Christmas this year. Most of all Keith says he spends his time enjoying his pantomime roles as anything can happen and in pantomime when things go wrong it often just adds to the hilarity of the performance. One exception to this rule was when Keith had to fly on stage in Aberdeen and the harness was a little too tight…Keith was not laughing! Hopefully Dick Wittington won’t demand such sacrifice.