Seems Like a Nice Boy

‘They want you to play Aladdin in Mansfield with Larry Grayson’, my agent said.  ‘That’s lovely’ I thought, ‘playing son to his Widow Twankey will be fun’.  Some months later I found myself at the read-through and to my surprise he was playing my brother Wishee Washee.

Larry was a kind, intelligent man, lured out of virtual retirement to star in Pantomime again.  This would be his very last one.  The deal included being chauffeur driven home every night, and the young driver - a sweet boy who had recently graduated from drama training - would also play the Emperor.  Playing our Mum, Widow Twankey, was Duggie Clarke, another experienced pro.  The Genie of the Ring was to be played by Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham, a shy middleweight boxing champion from Sheffield.

It was a little disconcerting, though not unusual, to have only a week to rehearse the piece, especially for Lydia Watson my Princess and I, having the most lines to memorise to carry the story.

Larry and Duggie were very laid back, sipping coffee as we read through the script, reminiscing as they decided on set routines that had worked for years.  In desperation every time one of our scenes came up I’d spring to my feet saying to the director ‘So if I enter from up-stage left where will you be Larry……..Duggie?’  They must have been a little irritated by my enthusiasm but I think others like Keith Myers and his colleague playing the Chinese Policeman, and any like Herol who had not done Panto before as far as I knew, were relieved.  As most actors know, it’s much easier to get the words into your head when you know what’s happening around you and having the opportunity to plot basic moves as soon as possible is vital.

Thankfully, a week later the hard work and concentration  of a united company came together and we opened to a full house. The sound of excited families over our dressing room tannoys fired up our  energy levels and we were away! 

Larry was in his element, as was Duggie, waves of laughter filled the auditorium as the delighted audience responded to the set routines and catch phrases.  The dancing Babes were endearing and suddenly the Princess was rescued, Aladdin had saved her and it was time for the final walk-down and “who’s best?!”

As tradition has it, regardless of who tops the bill, Principal Boy and Principal Girl are always the last two to receive their ovation and then the whole company join together for the final bow.

Lydia and I hovered at the back of the stage for our walk-down whilst a delighted, energised Larry spoke to the audience cracking some more jokes and thanking them for their appreciation and laughter.

After another five minutes or more it became clear that Larry was enjoying his ramblings and reluctant to step aside, perhaps had forgotten we were even there.  We could hear the audience becoming restless.  The Civic is situated where all the buses congregate to take the public home to surrounding areas and people were anxious not to miss their last one.

Eventually the company manager, or was it Larry’s agent I wonder, extricated Larry and we entered hand in hand, but the theatre was already beginning to empty.  Otherwise it was all a great success, but did not happen again.

Larry was always extremely sociable and next day, our first Sunday matinee, Larry’s agent appeared, removing from the dressing room a tray of glasses and bottle of gin, and replacing it with a kettle, teapot and mugs.  All was well.

Larry was wonderful to work with. Very generous, funny and witty.  We had a very successful run, playing for well over a month, unusual these days. Back in the eighties when I joined the cast of Emmerdale, I remember going to the City of Variety’s Panto at Easter!  Jokes about what you had for Christmas were wearing a little thin.

Initially in the run we had some microphone problems, more a difficulty for lovely Mike Berry than me, I only had one singing number in the show.  These irritations lingered during the first week producing some prima donna-like behaviour from a couple of the backstage staff, but there were no histrionics ever from us onstage.  All very professional and supportive as it should be. Larry was a professional through and through, loyal and sensitive.

During that Christmas he was quietly concerned about the investigations and allegations surrounding the talented comedian and presenter Michael Barrymore, and he was very supportive of me when the press were giving me an unpleasant time over my private life. 

Pantomime is hard.  It’s not easy to be back in the dressing room by 9.30am Sunday morning for the first of three performances having left it barely eleven hours the night before, sometimes tramping back through snowy conditions.  Not easy to cope with two shows on Boxing Day when flu has ravaged through the company despite the vitamin C tablets, albas oil inhalations and flu jabs.  But it is worth it.  Hearing the excitement and anticipation as you wait in the wings beats any energy potions.  You’re guests at a big Christmas party.

I have one reservation though. Sometimes the casting now can be so male orientated. The traditional topsy-turvey Panto casting gave women more work opportunities - Principal girl, Fairy, Fairy Godmother, cat, wicked Queen, Mrs Darling, Principal Boy. 

Though the Dame, quite rightly in my view being a traditionalist, is invariably still given to a man, principal boy which I so loved playing is often given to a handsome guy. Yet, along with traditional character casting for men, Dame, Baron, Buttons, Idle Jack, Demon King,  traditional roles for women like Dandini, Wicked Queen and Fairy Godmother are often lost too.  A continuing sad situation for older actresses.

Pantomime is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a great night out in a theatre with laughter, music, magic, mayhem and madness.  It caters for all the family, doesn’t make too many demands on them and gives them Christmas joy.  Oh yes it does!