Ricky now becomes Richard as Sid takes on the role of Dick Whittington in the tale of the Gloucester-born lad who goes to London to seek his fortune. Sid will star alongside leading dame and Bath panto veteran, Chris Harris who plays Sarah the Cook, and stand-up comedian and presenter, Jon Monie in the role of Idle Jack. I caught up with the stars of this year’s panto to find out more about the "surely I’ve grown out of this and yet I still find myself going year after year because Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it and really, I secretly enjoy it" event! 'Ere Phil…wanna nuver pint? Sid, have you ever done panto before? Yeah, I did exactly the same panto in Bournemouth. It was my first one so I was nervous but it was fun. That was three years ago. Have you been to Bath before?  | | Dick Whittington, complete with cat! |
Yeah, I’ve been to Bath. It’s a beautiful place which is why I requested to come here. Are you looking forward to doing panto? Yes, definitely. I had good fun doing it the first time. It will be a new cast so it’ll be a new experience but I’m looking forward to it. Will you be nervous at all? Yeah. Always when you open you want to do the best you can and make the most of it. It’s a different cast from last time but it’ll be fun and entertaining. What’s next for you after the panto? A holiday! Sarah the Cook...oh yes it is! Chris, what do you most love about playing a dame? It’s one of the most outrageous parts you get to play. It’s just a fella in a frock which is the way to approach it. It’s a wonderfully strange character that has evolved. Do you have a favourite character in panto? Mother Goose. It’s a very good story but difficult to play. They’ve all got something, but I also like Nurse Nelly in Babes in the Wood. You’re directing the panto as well. How do you manage the two roles?  | | Sarah the Cook and Idle Jack |
It’s two different hats. The main thing is to be prepared, I have to know exactly what I’m going to do beforehand because I have to remember the words as well! They have to accept me as part of the team too which usually happens when I put on the frock! Do you have any amusing stories from past pantos? Yes, but my favourite memory is of the late Leslie Crowther during the time of a certain advert on TV. He’d put his hand over his mouth and it looked like he was kissing me. I was so surprised when he first did it but we kept it in because everyone knew it was from this advert. It was a wonderful moment! Bone Idle Jack As you’re from Bath originally Jon, is it any more special when you do panto here? I think so. It’s over Christmas time so I still get to see my family and friends over the festive period. I love Bath so it’s great to be able to show cast members around who perhaps haven’t been here before. What’s your character, Idle Jack, like? Bone Idle. He’s the comic lead, and I believe I’ll get covered in custard pies which hopefully all the kids will laugh at! I’m generally the fool in the piece. What, in particular, are you looking forward to about the panto? I love working with Chris Harris. He’s the most wonderful dame, a terrific director, and a lovely guy as well. I genuinely get so excited about panto. I love it, it’s such fun! What does panto mean to you? It means kids, I guess. It’s usually their first introduction to live theatre which is important. It means hard work too. And losing weight, it means sweating a lot! And a lot of laughter, it’s a great way to spend Christmas.
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