WC DECEMBER 16
I went to Bournemouth on Monday to interview TV hunk SCOTT MASLEN – who played DC Phil Hunter in The Bill for five years and then went straight into EastEnders for another five to play Jack Branning. He is making his panto debut in Aladdin at the Pavilion Theatre. As I was not scheduled to see a panto that day – I was tempted by my old friend Bobby Crush, playing Dame, to stay and see it. I was so glad I did.
What did Tuesday have in store? What a surprise!! It was another panto – this time at Fareham’s Fernham Hall. I really liked this one and it starred John Altman, Nick Cotton from EastEnders. It was great to catch up with John and, as ever, he gave me a super interview.
The next day I saw an amazing show at the Mayflower, Southampton – Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates – starring Brian Conley and Lesley Joseph. This is up there amongst the top pantomimes I have ever seen. I could have gone back the next day for another look. With Brian Conley in such irresistible form no show is likely to be the same. Britain’s greatest current pantomime performer.
On Thurday I suddenly felt ‘pantoed out’ – and my next one is in 2014. It is always great to finish on a high. I had seen 12 shows in 14 days.