MATTHEW Ives, part of the all-action ensemble for York Stage’s pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk, steps up to the task of answering Charles Hutchinson’s quickfire questions.
What was the first pantomime you ever saw and what do you recall of it?
“Cinderella at what was the Civic Theatre in Leeds…I think. All I really remember is that I thought a girl in Year 6 looked like whoever played Cinderella. They probably didn’t!”
What was your first pantomime role?
“Dance Captain in Jack And The Beanstalk at The Capitol, Horsham.”
What has been your favourite pantomime role?
“I actually have no clue!”
Who have you not yet played in pantomime that you would love to play and why?
“I’d love to at some point play a panto villain as I think they get to have the most fun.”
Who is your favourite pantomime performer and why?
“Is it bad to say I don’t know? I’m a bit of a panto novice!”
This year’s pantomime will be an experience like no other…what are your expectations of performing a show in these strange circumstances?
“Apart from all the distancing, what is actually lovely is that it doesn’t feel too different to normal! What’s also nice is that with the more intimate venue and reduced audience, you get an even bigger connection with everyone in the audience.”
Which pantomime role should Boris Johnson play and why?
“King Rat seems apt.”
Who or what has been the villain of 2020?
“Dominic Cummings…or Trump.”
Who or what has been the fairy of 2020?
“Dolly Parton.”
How would you sum up 2020 in five words?
“Challenging, but happiness is paramount.”
What are your wishes for 2021?
“That we can all get back to normality but that the lessons learned in this time stick.”
What are your hopes for the world of theatre in 2021?
“That we can all get back to doing what we do best!”
York Stage presents Jack And The Beanstalk at Theatre @41 Monkgate, York, until January 3 2021.
Show times: Boxing Day, December 26, 11am, 2pm (sold out) and 7pm (sold out); December 27, 11am (sold out), 1pm (sold out) and 6pm; December 28, 11am, 2pm (sold out) and 7pm (sold out); December 29, 2pm (sold out) and 7pm; December 30, 2pm (sold out) and 7pm; New Year’s Eve, December 31, 12 noon (sold out); January 2, 2pm (sold out) and 7pm; January 3, 1pm and 6pm.
Box office: online only at yorkstagepanto.com. Please note, audiences will be seated in household/support bubble groupings only.