It’s Panto Time

Clockwise from top left: Rebecca, John, Jason and James

A magical moment

Panto season is nearly here! We caught up with the stars of Venue Cymru’s Beauty and the Beast to find out what Christmas magic they have up their sleeves…

As Venue Cymru invites you all for a most ‘Beauty – full’ family pantomime this year with Beauty and the Beast from 10th – 31st December, we caught up with Jason Marc-Williams who will playing Nanna Nina, John Evans who plays Simon Le Bon Bon, James Lusted who will play Bob and Rebecca Keatley playing Belle to find out a little bit more about them and what

we can expect this pantomime season…

Q: Jason – tell us a little bit about what you hope to bring to the stage?

Jason: What I can guarantee is super high energy. This year I’m back to my roots playing Dame which I absolutely love so expect a lot of fun… lots of physical comedy.

Q: James, John and Jason you’ve all played Venue Cymru before – it sounds like the Llandudno audiences know exactly what to expect from you?!

Jason: Yes, John especially because this is his 400th year isn’t it John? John: Actually I think it’s my 450th! [Ed: It’s actually John’s 12th panto at Llandudno…]

Q: And although you’ve been performing in panto for some time Rebecca this will be your first in Llandudno?

Rebecca: That’s right. I’ve been doing panto for years ever since I was a little girl back in Port Talbot. I think this is my tenth professional panto but my first in Llandudno and, in

fact, my first in Wales. I’ve been desperately wanting to do

a pantomime in Wales so when this opportunity came up I jumped at the chance. I can’t wait!

Q: Clearly you all love panto. What is it that keeps you coming back year after year?

James: It’s so magical seeing the children’s faces and when you step out and hear them all screaming their heads off and just going for it! Rebecca: I love that interaction with the audience when they’re joining in, belly laughing or completely silent because they’re caught in that magical moment. John: We also just have a real laugh together!

Q: Are any of you superstitious or do you have any strange pre-show routines?

Rebecca: This is less of a superstition, but I always have to eat before I go on stage. I’ve been known to run off in the interval to have a roast dinner! John: Yeah and last year James had a really strange routine too… he used to forget all his lines!! Well, my routines have never changed I have eight pints of Guinness and four sausage rolls and I’m off!

Q: Is there anything you would like for Christmas this year?

John: Love and peace for the whole world. James: Arggh you stole the best answer! To be honest just to put a smile on people’s faces this Christmas…

Q: What can audiences expect on stage this year?

Rebecca: It’s going to be beautiful production with knock out songs, spectacular costumes, genius comic moments, wonderful sets, luscious lighting and the full magic of panto. We are really going to bring it this year! Jason: High energy, high impact, classy, enthusiastic, humorous entertainment… John: I just want everyone to leave the theatre feeling happy having enjoyed the ride! They will just have a fantastic time – otherwise I’ll be kept in the theatre until they do! n

Beauty and the Beast will be sure to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with a host of hilarious and hairy characters – so book your tickets now and discover if Belle can see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast! Tickets are on sale now at venuecymru.co.uk