insideKENT Magazine Issue 79 - October 2018 | Page 42

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT
A Q&A WITH THE STARS OF ALADDIN
AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE
We can’t wait to welcome you to Dartford
for our panto this year, but I understand it’s
not your first! How many pantomimes have
you done now? What do you think is so important about
pantomimes? They happen every year, but
why should people and families keep
coming back?
David Robbins: (counts on hands) 18, I think...
Ricky K: I’ve done 10. I took a break for a bit. DR: It’s that thing of going to the theatre,
keeping it alive and keeping theatre going.
Panto, yes, or even a kid’s show; whatever it
is, take your kids to the theatre.
RK: Panto is one of the first things you see
and it’s often your first introduction to the
theatre…
DR: …and you go with your family, so a lot of
the kids, especially the little ones, aren’t as
scared because they are with their family –
they can sit there and enjoy it and hopefully
then keep coming back.
RK: It really is the magic of panto!
What’s your favourite character to play in a
pantomime?
RK: My ultimate favourite would be Buttons.
I think his character conveys all the elements
of panto – the pathos, the comedy, the singing,
the story. I’m Wishee Washee this year and
I’ve never done this role before, so I’m really
excited to do it.
DR: Well, I played an ugly sister for 13 years
and loved it. I think it’s something about being
the dame, but also the baddie. I do love playing
dames – they are very different and I enjoy
them as much as each other. I suppose it’s
because I’ve been doing it for so long!
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What are you going to bring to the show?
RK: My good looks and six pack.
DR: Fabulous frocks!
RK: A good laugh on stage. Comedy is king
in pantomime and I’m very excited to do the
scenes with Marti and everyone in the cast.
It’s a new area for me too – I’m a Yorkshireman
who lives in Newcastle and I don’t do much
in the south, so it will be interesting to bring
a northerner into things. Everyone will be
getting the google translate out!
Why should people come to The Orchard
Theatre’s panto over any others?
DR: I don’t know if I can say, it might give it
away! I can guarantee it’s going to be amazing,
but I can’t tell you all of the things that will
happen...
RK: Bigger, brighter, better…you really don’t
want to miss this!
After that teaser, how can you miss it? Tickets
for Aladdin starring Marti Pellow alongside
Ricky K and David Robbins and opening at
The Orchard Theatre on Saturday 8th
December are on sale now. Please visit
www.orchardtheatre.co.uk, or call the ticket
office on 01322 220000.