WHO better to mark Panto Day than York Stage’s villain, Ian Stroughair, whose performance in Jack And The Beanstalk combines a craving for power with towering stage domination.
Stroughair’s intemperate character, Flesh Creep, is so hell-bent in his quest, he could spare only three minutes for these short, sharp, snappy answers to CharlesHutchPress’s equally quickfire questions.
What was the first pantomime you ever saw and what do you recall of it?
“Leeds. Not sure which, but I was frightened to death by the baddie.”
What was your first pantomime role?
“Dandini in Cinderella, The Regent Theatre, Stoke.”
What has been your favourite pantomime role?
“Dandini.”
Who have you not yet played in pantomime that you would love to play?
“Dame. Not old enough, I don’t think, though.”
Who is your favourite pantomime performer and why?
“Julian Clary. Utterly fabulous.”
This year’s pantomime will be an experience like no other…what are your expectations of performing a show in these strange circumstances?
“My expectations are that it will be awesome.”
Which pantomime role should Boris Johnson play?
“The Evil Queen.”
Who or what has been the villain of 2020?
“Trump.”
Who or what has been the fairy of 2020?
“Netflix.”
How would you sum up 2020 in five words?
“It has been a mess.”
What are your wishes for 2021?
“For theatres to boom.”
What are your hopes for the world of theatre in 2021?
“For theatres to boom.”
Happy Panto Day, Ian.
York Stage’s Jack And The Beanstalk runs at Theatre @41 Monkgate, York, until January 3. Box office: yorkstagepanto.com