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Liz Nicholls chats to Radio 2 star & dad Vernon Kay who stars in Aladdin at Wycombe Swan, 13th December to 5th January
Watch the interview here – Spotlight • Round & About Magazine
Hi Vernon! What’s your first panto memory?
“I didn’t go as a kid, although I loved doing the Christmas play at school. But we made a point of taking our kids to the pantomime and we came here to see Shane Ritchie a few years back in Dick Whittington… Shane loves Dick! I didn’t need convincing to do panto, but Shane nudged me, he always said, ‘oh, you’ll love it, it’s hard work, but it’s the best’. And he’s right! When I did Cinderella two years ago, I had so much fun. It’s nerve-wracking at first, but then you get addicted to it. Panto is a pivotal part of people’s Christmas calendars.”
Q. How does it affect your Christmas plans?
“Well Christmas kind of goes on hold with pantomime because you only get Christmas Day off. Two years ago I spent all afternoon in bed because I was so tired. I love Christmas dinner, though, so I won’t be missing that! No, I won’t be getting a takeaway instead, we’ll just do the prep the night before. So, if we get a chance, I’ll be peeling spuds and carrots when I get back, to have it all ready for Christmas Day. But we do go all in: the whole shebang – we really enjoy Christmas, it’s good fun.”
Q. You’ve got two dogs?
“Yes: a Chihuahua and a Maltese Shih Tzu. They’re awesome! It’s strange if you lie on the sofa and a dog doesn’t come and nuzzle you, all snuggly.”
Q. Did you listen to the radio growing up?
“Yeah, my dad’s a lorry driver so the radio was always on! My dad was also in a band so he always learning songs too. I’ve got fun memories of listening to Steve Wright. And then from my late teenage years, it was always Chris Evans. I loved his rock and roll attitude of screw it, let’s do it. This is always at the forefront of my mind at work now!”
Q. Do you love life in Bucks? “Yeah, even if we’re out much less than when we first moved here 20 years ago. It’s less big nights out in the Crazy Bear now & more a lovely Sunday roast at the pub! So many good ones round here…”
Q. Do you still love the Bolton Wanderers? “Yeah, big fan! There’s always a couple of jokes in the panto because we have the Wycombe Wanderers, too. Yeah, I do like my football.”
Q. Who was your hero growing up? And now? “My dad’s always been pretty cool, and mum. In more recent years, maybe Tom Brady, the American footballer who used to play for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I think he’s got this perfect mindset. He’s the closest athlete that I’ve found who’s discovered the formula to winning, which I think is pretty special. It’s all about mindset and focus, which I admire.”
Q. Do you feel good about 2025? “2025 is going to be a really good year, because of the Oasis reunion. The energy we had in the 1990s, with a bit of rock and roll thrown in there, I think there’s going to be that attitude among the young people of Great Britain. Hopefully we’ll get some of that rebellion back that we’re renowned for! It’s funny but the reunion of these two estranged brothers means a lot. The government have said there are tough times ahead. But I think 2025 socially will bring a good tide of change. And as for me personally, yes – just more of the same, please!”
Q. If you could rub your magic Christmas lamp, what would you wish for? “More good news for everyone. We’re submerged in so much bad news, in negativity, and I think just people deserve more good news and hope, please, that’s all. More happy vibes.”
Book Aladdin tickets | Wycombe Swan Theatre
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