Another Grand Panto Dame
Just announced! This year’s dazzling Panto Dame will be theatre favourite Philip Meeks as Nursie in the fabulous family pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Blackpool Grand Theatre
be sporting a striking pink, fake leopard skin coat at some point in fond memory of Philip’s beloved Gran, who first introduced him to Blackpool when he was a child. “Gran had a coat just the same and it’s in memory of her that I always try to wear that on stage. It might make an appearance if Nursie runs out of medicinal sherry and has to pop to the Co-Op between shows!”
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his year’s glorious Panto Dame has all the write stuff! Celebrated playwright and top soap screenwriter Philip Meeks (Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Doctors) is swapping his pen for a stunning array of colourful costumes to play the hilarious Nursie in the magical pantomime Sleeping Beauty at Blackpool Grand Theatre this Christmas. Oh yes he is! Tickets are already flying out for this fantastic family show! Some performances from Friday 2 December to Sunday 1 January are already offering limited availability. Witty wordsmith Philip has won critical acclaim for his plays and screen writing - including the smash-hit one woman show Harpy starring Su Pollard, which recently visited The Grand. But he just loves 198
to play the Panto Dame live on stage every Christmas and has been delighting countless pantomime fans over the years with his playful persona and magnificent costumes. “There is a lot of cheeky behaviour from my Panto Dames,” said Philip. “But nothing rude and I don’t favour picking on males in the audience. It’s all about making it fabulous for the little ones and having lots of innocent fun.” Philip also isn’t giving much away about this year’s outrageous Panto Dame outfits, but he did let slip that he will be back with a whole new wardrobe! “It’s so very Blackpool,” he said. “Glamourous, but not too above itself. My new frocks include one I’m certain all the dads will find very hot indeed… and a little number that is a double tribute to a beloved national institution AND a community at the heart of Blackpool.” Nursie might also
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
This year, Philip will be swapping lines with Dancing on Ice champion and Emmerdale star Hayley Tamaddon and Britain’s Got Talent finalist and family favourite Steve Royle in Sleeping Beauty’s enchanting tale of magic, mayhem and misunderstandings live on the Grand Theatre’s famous stage. Philip said of his cast mates: “Sleeping Beauty is my favourite pantomime and it’s so great to be back in Blackpool with Steve and to work with Hayley who I wrote lots for when she was a Dingle in Emmerdale, including some of her first ever scenes!” Sleeping Beauty is jam-packed with marvellous music and dance, fun and laughter, stunning sets, amazing costumes and exciting special effects to keep audiences both young and old entertained! This fabulous, feel-good tale is sprinkled with lots of seasonal sparkle and is the perfect way to experience the traditional magic of Christmas. And what is more traditional than a Panto Dame! www.lancmag.com
