Saturday, 19 June 2021
New Blog
It’s time to start blogging again.
Writing is one of my greatest joys and for a while I’ve wanted to write my A - Z of Pantomime.
Panto has been part of my life and it’s awful to see that shows never happened last year.
I did my first Panto at the Grand Pavillion Porthcawl in 1992 and in the years that followed stored up many memories and stories which will make up and A - Z of panto!
There’s nothing to embarrass anyone just a celebration of the incredible people and talant that has made Panto the nation’s favourite genre of theatre!
I’ll start with Aladdin of course!
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Special Day
Its a very special day today as I get to host the annual Swansea Sound and The Wave Local Hero Awards at The Patti Pavillion in Swansea.
The Patti ia a very special place for me as it was where I started my career in show business in 1981- Yes 30 years ago!
However tonight will be a very special evening as we honour the unsung heroes of South West Wales!
Its a very humbling experience when you share the stories of Carer of the Year, Child of Courage , Teacher of the Year and others!
Joining us tonight will be singer Beverly Knight and fresh from their Eurovision adventure the boys from Blue!
The Patti ia a very special place for me as it was where I started my career in show business in 1981- Yes 30 years ago!
However tonight will be a very special evening as we honour the unsung heroes of South West Wales!
Its a very humbling experience when you share the stories of Carer of the Year, Child of Courage , Teacher of the Year and others!
Joining us tonight will be singer Beverly Knight and fresh from their Eurovision adventure the boys from Blue!
Monday, 22 October 2007
Panto Stars of the Future.
I think it just about 5 weeks before we start rehearsals for Dick Whittington at the Grand Theatre in Swansea
In fact I've just spent the afternoon going through the script which I think is very funny and I'm looking forward to the show.
I was at the Grand last night to host a big Charity Show organised by the Habibi dancers to raise money for the Dragon Burns Club.
The show had a little Pantomime flavour with two spots from Cwm Musical Youth who presented a selection of songs and scenes from their production on Cinderella which they will present in December.
I have just asked to become the group's President and last night was my first opportunity to see them perform, they were excellent!
Its a real honour to be asked to take on this honourary role and I am delighted to be able to support a group that has been set up to give young people a chance to perform on stage.
Sadly the principle venue used by Cwn Musical Youth was the Gwyn Hall in Neath which was destroyed by fire last Thursday night, just weeks away from its reopening following a £4m refurbishment.
In fact lots of groups have been affected by this but I'm sure that they will all find different venues to put on a show.
I never underestimate the part that Amateur and youth groups make to the development of our business.
One of the groups that I performed with as a youngster in the early 1980's , known locally as Gendros Amateurs also gave a chance to Catherine Zeta Jones to perform and Anthony Lynn who is currently directing Mary Poppins on Broadway.
I believe that any live theatre production must be encouraged and supported!
Back to Panto 2007 however and there's a real anticipation of Panto here in Swansea at the moment! In fact its the number 1 topic of conversation with people that say hi in shops, anywhere where I'm out and about.
Most people are surprised at the short time we have to put the show together but I still am grateful for rehearsal times of 10 - 12 days.
I remember with great affection my first panto at the Grand Pavillion Porthcawl as we met on a Sunday, had our dress on a Friday, then had a day off for Christmas day and opened after a speed line read on Boxing Day! Great fun!
Anyway, 57 days to go!
Make that call to the Grand and book your tickets on 01792 475 715.
I hope that any travelling Panto fans will come and say hi as I would love to give everyone a Swansea Jack welcome.
In fact I've just spent the afternoon going through the script which I think is very funny and I'm looking forward to the show.
I was at the Grand last night to host a big Charity Show organised by the Habibi dancers to raise money for the Dragon Burns Club.
The show had a little Pantomime flavour with two spots from Cwm Musical Youth who presented a selection of songs and scenes from their production on Cinderella which they will present in December.
I have just asked to become the group's President and last night was my first opportunity to see them perform, they were excellent!
Its a real honour to be asked to take on this honourary role and I am delighted to be able to support a group that has been set up to give young people a chance to perform on stage.
Sadly the principle venue used by Cwn Musical Youth was the Gwyn Hall in Neath which was destroyed by fire last Thursday night, just weeks away from its reopening following a £4m refurbishment.
In fact lots of groups have been affected by this but I'm sure that they will all find different venues to put on a show.
I never underestimate the part that Amateur and youth groups make to the development of our business.
One of the groups that I performed with as a youngster in the early 1980's , known locally as Gendros Amateurs also gave a chance to Catherine Zeta Jones to perform and Anthony Lynn who is currently directing Mary Poppins on Broadway.
I believe that any live theatre production must be encouraged and supported!
Back to Panto 2007 however and there's a real anticipation of Panto here in Swansea at the moment! In fact its the number 1 topic of conversation with people that say hi in shops, anywhere where I'm out and about.
Most people are surprised at the short time we have to put the show together but I still am grateful for rehearsal times of 10 - 12 days.
I remember with great affection my first panto at the Grand Pavillion Porthcawl as we met on a Sunday, had our dress on a Friday, then had a day off for Christmas day and opened after a speed line read on Boxing Day! Great fun!
Anyway, 57 days to go!
Make that call to the Grand and book your tickets on 01792 475 715.
I hope that any travelling Panto fans will come and say hi as I would love to give everyone a Swansea Jack welcome.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Final Panto Roadshow Day
The pre-panto chools tour came to an end today with appearences at schools in Jersey Marine, Baglan, Briton Ferry and Neath.
The first school that I went to was very small with no more than about 60 children, very different to Blaen Baglan where there must have been well over 300 in the school hall.
Below is a lovely piece from tonight's edition of the Evening Post about last week's visit the Penyrheol Primary.
Pupils at Penyrheol Primary School had to do a double take when two school cooks called Sarah turned up to make their lunches.But only one of them was supposed to be there.The other, better known as Swansea entertainer Kevin Johns, is playing Sarah the cook in Dick Whittington, this year's pantomime at Swansea Grand Theatre.
Kev spent time with years three and four learning about dental hygiene as well as meeting up with real cook Sarah Robinson.
School head teacher Alison Williams said: "He was fantastic. He's a very good friend to the school, and whenever he comes he's always in different attire."It was lovely to see him here with our cook.
They are both Sarahs, they are both school cooks, and both are important members of the school community.
"The children will definitely be going to see the panto."
I can't wait to see them all there!
The first school that I went to was very small with no more than about 60 children, very different to Blaen Baglan where there must have been well over 300 in the school hall.
Below is a lovely piece from tonight's edition of the Evening Post about last week's visit the Penyrheol Primary.
Pupils at Penyrheol Primary School had to do a double take when two school cooks called Sarah turned up to make their lunches.But only one of them was supposed to be there.The other, better known as Swansea entertainer Kevin Johns, is playing Sarah the cook in Dick Whittington, this year's pantomime at Swansea Grand Theatre.
Kev spent time with years three and four learning about dental hygiene as well as meeting up with real cook Sarah Robinson.
School head teacher Alison Williams said: "He was fantastic. He's a very good friend to the school, and whenever he comes he's always in different attire."It was lovely to see him here with our cook.
They are both Sarahs, they are both school cooks, and both are important members of the school community.
"The children will definitely be going to see the panto."
I can't wait to see them all there!
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Sara the Cook is on the road.
Day 3 today of the Panto Schools Tour took me to another five schools in Swansea including St Josephs Primary where after the Panto show I was treated to a great performence of The Circle of Life which they are rehearsing for their school concert.
So far I'm been taken to 15 schools by the Grand Theatre Marketing Team in a fantastic old Daimler car.
I take a break tomorrow to go and talk to some performing arts students at Gorseinon College but will be back in Swansea schools on Friday, whilst on Monday Sarah the Cook goes to Llanelli and then Neath/Port Talbot schools on Tuesday.
The response has been fantastic and I have enjoyed this year's school's tour more than ever.
Its great that the children remember previous panto productions at the Grand and I'm amazed that so many of them are panto goers.
Altogether Sara the Cook (thats me of course) performed to about 1600 children today!
Its very important to get children to come to panto as its' so often their first experience of theatre .... if they enjoy panto then they'll come and see other shows.
It was great to bump into some old Wales' Theatre Company friends at the Grand today including Ieuan Rhys who will be playing King Crumble in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Riverfront in Newport this Christmas.
So far I'm been taken to 15 schools by the Grand Theatre Marketing Team in a fantastic old Daimler car.
I take a break tomorrow to go and talk to some performing arts students at Gorseinon College but will be back in Swansea schools on Friday, whilst on Monday Sarah the Cook goes to Llanelli and then Neath/Port Talbot schools on Tuesday.
The response has been fantastic and I have enjoyed this year's school's tour more than ever.
Its great that the children remember previous panto productions at the Grand and I'm amazed that so many of them are panto goers.
Altogether Sara the Cook (thats me of course) performed to about 1600 children today!
Its very important to get children to come to panto as its' so often their first experience of theatre .... if they enjoy panto then they'll come and see other shows.
It was great to bump into some old Wales' Theatre Company friends at the Grand today including Ieuan Rhys who will be playing King Crumble in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Riverfront in Newport this Christmas.
Sunday, 7 October 2007
Big Panto Star
I'm delighted that Les Dennis one of Pantomime's all time great comics will be joining me on my radio show on Swansea Sound tomorrow morning.
Les came to Swansea to appear in Mother Goose with Christopher Biggens in 1986/87 and is back in the city to appear in the Wales Theatre Company production of A Servant of two Masters.
It doesn't seem like a year since I was rehearsing for the Wales Theatre Company's last Autumn Season Production Amazing Grace.
Wales' Theatre Comapany's Artistic Director Michael Bogdanov is a wonderful director and this is a very funny play which is sure to be a big hit!
After the tour with WTC Les will be co-starring with Mickey Rooney in Cinderella at the Sunderland Empire.
I'll be starting the Panto School's Tour tomorrow and over the next 7 school days will visit around 30 schools in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath and Port Talbot.
As I'm playing Sarah the Cook I've put together a short comedy cooking routine with a Dove Pan which had a real surprise finish.
I'm pleased that we're also linking up with the Road Safety Team at Swansea Council to leave a message with the children which will help keep them safe on the roads as well as telling all about Dick Whittington at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
Sometime this week we'll be unveiling the new Admiral Innsurance Dress that I'll be wearing in this year's show.
The dress has been designed and made by Tina Williams and looks fantastic.
Les came to Swansea to appear in Mother Goose with Christopher Biggens in 1986/87 and is back in the city to appear in the Wales Theatre Company production of A Servant of two Masters.
It doesn't seem like a year since I was rehearsing for the Wales Theatre Company's last Autumn Season Production Amazing Grace.
Wales' Theatre Comapany's Artistic Director Michael Bogdanov is a wonderful director and this is a very funny play which is sure to be a big hit!
After the tour with WTC Les will be co-starring with Mickey Rooney in Cinderella at the Sunderland Empire.
I'll be starting the Panto School's Tour tomorrow and over the next 7 school days will visit around 30 schools in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath and Port Talbot.
As I'm playing Sarah the Cook I've put together a short comedy cooking routine with a Dove Pan which had a real surprise finish.
I'm pleased that we're also linking up with the Road Safety Team at Swansea Council to leave a message with the children which will help keep them safe on the roads as well as telling all about Dick Whittington at the Swansea Grand Theatre.
Sometime this week we'll be unveiling the new Admiral Innsurance Dress that I'll be wearing in this year's show.
The dress has been designed and made by Tina Williams and looks fantastic.
Saturday, 6 October 2007
Great Young Talent
I'm currently hosting the annual City and County of Swansea Talent Show at Theatre Penyrheol in Gorseinon.
The competiton has been running for several years and lists Catherine Zeta Jones and Ria Jones amongst previous winners.
I can also remember announcing Eurovision star Jessica Garlick as a winner.
The show has been hosted by a number of local venues.
I first hosted the event at the wonderful Patti Pavillion Theatre before the show went to The Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea Waterfront.
Then we found a new home at Theatre Penyrheol and has moved from bdeing a summer show to being part of the Theatre's Autumn Season.
The Theatre manager Emma and her assistant Kia have done a great job in keeping the event alive, helping the search for new Welsh Talent.
Whilst not every talent show winner opts for a career in entertainment, many have, and are doing very well.
In fact two young girls who won the competition in the past will be with us at the Grand for Panto later this year.
Hayley Gallivan will be playing Alice and Nia Jermin is also in the company.
I remember both girls as being all round entertainers!
They are great singers and dancers and I'm delighted to be working with them at the Grand this year.
However, Hayley is not the first Gallivan to start in a Grand Panto.
Last year Hayley's brother Craig played the title role in Aladdin but that was not the first time that I appeared alongside a Gallivan at Christmas.
That happened in 1970 when Craig and Hayley's dad and I were soloists in the Plasmarl Primary School Christmas Concert - Tony was a good boy sopranno!
Another former winner of the Talent Show Rebecca Oglesby played Goldilocks at the Grand in 2002/3 so I shall be watching closely for future Panto stars.
The competiton has been running for several years and lists Catherine Zeta Jones and Ria Jones amongst previous winners.
I can also remember announcing Eurovision star Jessica Garlick as a winner.
The show has been hosted by a number of local venues.
I first hosted the event at the wonderful Patti Pavillion Theatre before the show went to The Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea Waterfront.
Then we found a new home at Theatre Penyrheol and has moved from bdeing a summer show to being part of the Theatre's Autumn Season.
The Theatre manager Emma and her assistant Kia have done a great job in keeping the event alive, helping the search for new Welsh Talent.
Whilst not every talent show winner opts for a career in entertainment, many have, and are doing very well.
In fact two young girls who won the competition in the past will be with us at the Grand for Panto later this year.
Hayley Gallivan will be playing Alice and Nia Jermin is also in the company.
I remember both girls as being all round entertainers!
They are great singers and dancers and I'm delighted to be working with them at the Grand this year.
However, Hayley is not the first Gallivan to start in a Grand Panto.
Last year Hayley's brother Craig played the title role in Aladdin but that was not the first time that I appeared alongside a Gallivan at Christmas.
That happened in 1970 when Craig and Hayley's dad and I were soloists in the Plasmarl Primary School Christmas Concert - Tony was a good boy sopranno!
Another former winner of the Talent Show Rebecca Oglesby played Goldilocks at the Grand in 2002/3 so I shall be watching closely for future Panto stars.
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