Dick Whittington star: Oxford Playhouse panto

Ricky Oakley, who stars as Dick Whittington in this year’s Oxford Playhouse pantomime, chats to Peter Anderson.

Q. How did you get into acting and who were your inspirations?

A: “I remember I was told I should be an actor by my Nan because each week while I was growing up I decided I wanted to do a different job; these included vet, prime minster, a doctor, a builder and a vicar… She told me I should be an actor then I could play at all those professions instead. I don’t think she actually expected me to become one. My inspirations are quite old school – Norman Wisdom and Laurel and Hardy; psychical comedians who are universally hilarious.”

Q. What was the first pantomime you remember seeing, and where?

A: “I remember it was back in Birmingham I was only a kid so I can’t remember exactly where. It was Peter Pan and it was brill.”

Q. What was your first panto role?

A: “My first role was here at the Oxford Playhouse playing Jack in last year’s Jack & the Beanstalk.”

Q. What do you enjoy about playing panto?

“It’s genuinely the most fun I’ve had in rehearsals and on stage. It’s also the hardest work I’ve done as an actor. You’re up dead early and warming up for the 10am show then a bit of a break before you’re on to the second of the day.”

Q. Is there a role on your wish list you would love to play one Christmas?

“Oh there’s loads but I’d love to have a go at Scrooge one day… But I’m a more like to be Tiny Tim right now.”

Q. Which places in Oxford are you looking forward to visiting in when you are not on stage?

A: “Last year I felt like I only explored around the theatre because I didn’t make much use of my time off but this year I think I’m going to do some walking tours and venture a bit further than Tesco’s.”