{"id":406,"date":"2008-11-16T16:26:16","date_gmt":"2008-11-16T16:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/comedykings.co.uk\/wordpress\/index.php\/cardiff-2002\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T18:35:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T18:35:11","slug":"cardiff-2002","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/comedykings.co.uk\/index.php\/cardiff-2002\/","title":{"rendered":"Pantomime – Cardiff 2002"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dick Whittington, at the New Theatre, Cardiff. Cannon and Ball starred as Captain and Mate.<\/p>\n

\n

Dates and Prices<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Stalls \u00a312.50 – \u00a315.00
Circle \u00a313.50 – \u00a316.00
Upper Circle \u00a37.00
Boxes \u00a360 \/ \u00a3100<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

December<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saturday 14th 2:30 7:00
Sunday 15th 1:00 5:00
Monday 16th 1:30 7:00
Tuesday 17th No performances
Wednesday 18th 1:30 7:00
Thursday 19th 1:30 7:00
Friday 20th 1:30 7:00
Saturday 21st 2:30 7:00
Sunday 22nd 1:00 5:00
Monday 23rd 2:30 7:00
Tuesday 24th 2:30
Wednesday 25th No performances
Thursday 26th 2:30 7:00
Friday 27th 2:30 7:00
Saturday 28th 2:30 7:00
Sunday 29th 1:00 5:00
Monday 30th 2:30 7:00
Tuesday 31st 2:30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\u00a0<\/td>\n\n

January<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wednesday 1st No performances
Thursday 2nd 2:30 7:00
Friday 3rd 2:30 7:00
Saturday 4th 2:30 7:00
Sunday 5th 1:00 5:00
Monday 6th No performances
Tuesday 7th 1:30 7:00
Wednesday 8th 1:30 7:00
Thursday 9th 1:30 7:00
Friday 10th 1:30 7:00
Saturday 11th 2:30 7:00
Sunday 12th 1:00 5:00
Monday 13th No performances
Tuesday 14th 1:30 7:00
Wednesday 15th 1:30 7:00
Thursday 16th 1:30 7:00
Friday 17th 1:30 7:00
Saturday 18th 2:30 7:00
Sunday 19th 1:00 5:00
Monday 21st No performances
Tuesday 22nd 1:30 7:00
Wednesday 23rd 1:30 7:00
Thursday 24th 1:30 7:00
Friday 25th 1:30 7:00
Saturday 26th 2:30 7:00<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n

Brochure<\/h2>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Act One
SCENE ONE – PROLOGUE
SCENE TWO – OUTSIDE FITZWARREN\u2019S STORE
SCENE THREE – MANSION HOUSE
SCENE FOUR – INSIDE FITZWARREN\u2019S STORE
SCENE FIVE – MANSION HOUSE
SCENE SIX – THE HAUNTED BEDROOMS
SCENE SEVEN – HIGHGATE HILL
SCENE EIGHT – HALL OF DREAMS<\/p>\n

INTERVAL<\/p>\n

Act Two
SCENE ONE – ONBOARD \u2018THE SAUCY SAL\u2019
SCENE TWO – UNDERWATER BALLET
SCENE THREE – THE SHORES OF MOROCCO
SCENE FOUR – THE SULTAN\u2019S PALACE
SCENE FIVE – HOME AGAIN IN LONDON
SCENE SIX – THE WEDDING OF DICK AND ALICE<\/p>\n

Captain Cockle – TOMMY CANNON
Mate Mussels – BOBBY BALL
Alice Fitzwarren – CASEY LEE JOLLEYS
Alderman Fitzwarren – FRANK HENNESSY
King Rat – STIFYN PARRI
Dick Whittington – EMILY TREBICKI
Sarah the Cook – ANTONY HOWES
Fairy Beaux Belles – JULIA NAGLE
Tom the Cat – SUSIE ANTON
Sultan – MICHAEL BROADBENT-JONES<\/p>\n

Citizens\/Sailors – SARAH BURKIN, LEE GREENAWAY, EMMA KINGSTON, GIOVANNI SPANO, KIM EDWARDS, FARID HALIM, HELEN RIORDAN, ANDREW WRIGHT<\/p>\n

Whittingtons Juveniles – OLIVE GUPPY OLIVETTES<\/p>\n

Director – DESMOND BARRIT
Choreographer – CHRIS BALDOCK
Musical Director – NICK STEWART
Lighting Designer – PAUL LEE
Company Stage Manager – MICHAEL BROADBENT-JONES
Deputy Stage Manager – ANDY HALL
Assistant Stage Manager – DANIEL GARTH
Assistant Stage Manager – LINDEN DAVIES<\/p>\n

MUSICIANS
Musical Director – Nick Stewart
Bass Guitar – Robin Hames
Drums – Fraser Lawson
Trumpet – Jonathan Mainwaring
Tenor\/Flute – Eric Clarke<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Cannon and Ball –\u00a0Captain and Mate<\/h3>\n

Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball are one of Britain\u2019s funniest and most successful double acts. In a career spanning over 30 years they have achieved a string of honours that includes them among the all- time greats of showbusiness.<\/p>\n

On television they have starred in their own series practically every year since 1979. They have also \u2018guested\u2019 on all the major shows including Wogan, Parkinson, Des O’Connor, Sunday Night at the Palladium<\/em> and several Royal Variety Shows. They featured in a BBC Documentary Funny Business <\/em>based on double acts, which also included footage of comedy legends Martin and Lewis, Laurel and Hardy, and Morecambe and Wise.<\/p>\n

To add to their pedigree, they remain the only act to have won three separate National Club Awards and be named as the Variety Club \u2018Personalities of the Year\u2019. Their feature film The Boys in Blue,<\/em> in addition to its cinema success, has gone on to become a video best seller. The boys have also been the subject of This is Your Life!<\/em><\/p>\n

During the 1970s they built a strong reputation around the UK cabaret club circuit for being a great live act. They also toured extensively in the hotel circuits of Australia and South Africa.<\/p>\n

Tom and Bob have broken records in theatres all over the UK, including London. In 1981 they played a six-week season at the Dominion Theatre. Every seat was sold before the show opened, and in 1988 their pantomime Babes in the Wood<\/em> broke all previous pantomime records at the world famous London Palladium, where Cannon and Ball created the record for the largest box office amount taken in one week in British theatre history.<\/p>\n

Rock with Laughter 96<\/em> fulfilled Tommy and Bobby\u2019s ambition to star in their own Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll spectacular, their first Summer Season for Producers AMG.<\/p>\n

After an extensive autumn tour and a trip to Israel, the boys played \u2018The Chinese Policemen\u2019 in Aladdin <\/em>at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle and again at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.<\/p>\n

They have appeared on many major TV shows including The Des O’Connor Show, Noel Edmonds’ House Party, Talking Telephone Numbers<\/em> and The Generation Game.<\/em><\/p>\n

In the spring of 1999 the boys appeared at various theatres across the country starring in An Evening at the Music Hall<\/em> whilst continuing their tour of An Audience With.<\/em><\/p>\n

The boys played full houses at their Summer Season in 1999 at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, the season was the one of the most successful summers Blackpool has ever had!<\/p>\n

The 1999\/2000 pantomime season saw the boys play the Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent for the production Cinderella,<\/em> co-starring Melinda Messenger and Britt Ekland.<\/p>\n

The early part of 2000 saw the boys starring and touring in various shows throughout the UK\u2019s theatres. Summer Season 2000 featured the successful Comedy Bonanza<\/em> show (which broke box office records last year) at the Blackpool Grand Theatre and the Princess Theatre, Torquay. Tommy and Bobby have just completed another successful summer season in Comedy Bonanza<\/em> at the Grand Theatre Blackpool. Pantomime 2000\/2001 saw the boys star at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford and 2001\/2002 saw them appearing at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham.<\/p>\n

Even after nearly 30 years of making people laugh, Tommy and Bobby are still enjoying every minute and are looking forward to entertaining for many years to come.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Casey-Lee Jolleys – Alice Fitzwarren<\/h3>\n

Casey-Lee began her career at the tender age of nine years old, singing and dancing her way into the Gala Final of Saturday Superstore\u2019s Search For A Superstar<\/em> (BBC).<\/p>\n

Since then, she has appeared in numerous children\u2019s television programmes including an appearance on Nippon TV Tokyo, featuring talented children of the world; The Children\u2019s Royal Variety Show partnering the late Roy Castle in a dance duo; co-hosted the Saturday morning programme It\u2019s Wicked<\/em> (BBC) and played the part of Annie Mapin in Gruey – <\/em>a children\u2019s drama series (BBC) followed by Gruey Twoey.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

After completing her A-levels, Casey-Lee appeared as the Princess in Aladdin<\/em> at the King\u2019s Theatre, Glasgow; followed by the West End hit musicals Starlight Express<\/em> and Miss Saigon.<\/em> She also appeared as Slave of the Ring in Aladdin<\/em> at the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford and played Cinderella<\/em> at the Palace Theatre, Mansfield.<\/p>\n

Currently Casey-Lee can be seen playing the part of Jenny in Channel 5\u2019s Beachcomber Bay. <\/em>She also presented Milkshake,<\/em> Channel 5\u2019s popular early morning show<\/p>\n

Casey-Lee is delighted to be playing the part of Alice Fitzwarren at the New Theatre this Christmas.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"Frank Hennessy – Alderman Fitzwarren<\/h3>\n

Frank\u2019s long career with BBC Wales has made him one of Wales\u2019 most popular broadcasters. His regular programmes for Radio Wales and award-winning BBC TV series have won him a huge and loyal audience.<\/p>\n

He continues to tour with his band The Hennessys. This year they have entertained in Dubai, Brussels, and Dublin and they recently played for the Welsh Assembly Government at the Lorient Festival in France, the world\u2019s greatest Celtic gathering.<\/p>\n

A successful songwriter, noted after-dinner speaker and roving ambassador for his beloved Cardiff, Frank\u2019s life is one of great variety and pantomime is one of the most enjoyable aspects of his varied career.<\/p>\n

This is his fourth appearance at The New and once again he relishes the prospect of spending Christmas and New Year among friends, on home ground.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"Stifyn Parri – King Rat<\/h3>\n

Stifyn Parri\u2019s career is a varied one to say the least!. As a presenter Stifyn has presented six series of House to House,<\/em> a make-over show for HTV, and has presented The Dragon’s Song<\/em> for Channel 4 and the BAFTA Cymru awards for BBC2. Since the age of 18 he has regularly presented live shows, pop programmes and classical music programmes for S4C. He has also presented hundreds of charity evenings throughout the country, and had his own breakfast show with BBC Wales.<\/p>\n

As an actor he played Christopher Duncan in Brookside<\/em> for two years, toured England and Wales with his one-man show and has played leading roles in theatres all over the country. As a singer he has appeared at the London Palladium, St David\u2019s Hall Cardiff, Brighton Dome, the Albert Hall and Wembley. He played Marius in Les Miserables<\/em> in the West End for two years. He also wrote and starred in his own TV special for S4C.<\/p>\n

Last year Stifyn starred in a new short film Without a Song or a Dance,<\/em> and was seen in Mind to Kill<\/em> on Sky and Channel 5 recently.<\/p>\n

His creative events and entertainment company, Mr Producer (mrproducer.co.uk) has been producing the BAFTA Cymru awards for the last seven years at Cardiff International Arena, the Tourism Awards, the Welsh Music Awards, The Welsh Dance Music and has created many events internationally. They have recently been busy preparing the launch of Cardiff\u2019s bid to be Capital of Culture 2008 and S4C\u2019s 20th Birthday Gala.<\/p>\n

His passion is his SWS, a Social, Welsh and Sexy society (SWSUK.com). It now boasts 4,000 London members and 500 in New York. He recently launched a new branch in Wales on March 1st and has plans for France and LA. Patrons include Catherine Zeta Jones and Colin Jackson. He has just recently taken on the biggest challenge ever, a dog called Ted. As you can imagine, he does not have time for hobbies!<\/p>\n

Antony Howes – Sarah the Cook<\/h3>\n

Antony\u2019s television appearances include John in The Bill<\/em> for Pearson Television, Mooney and Magee II<\/em> and Midsomer Murders.<\/em> He has also appeared on The Zig and Zag Show<\/em> and BBC\u2019s Pulaski, William Tell<\/em> and Hangar 17.<\/em><\/p>\n

Antony also has worked on radio, his credits include BBC\u2019s Fantasy Planet<\/em> and Hard Times <\/em>for BBC World Service.<\/p>\n

When it comes to theatre, Antony is a seasoned professional. He played the role of Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl,<\/em> and A Christmas Carol<\/em> in Northampton. He has appeared in many pantomimes, including Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Snow White<\/em> and Dick Whittington <\/em>in Guildford.<\/p>\n

Antony is delighted to be appearing in this season.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Emily Trebicki – Dick Whittington<\/h3>\n

Emily trained professionally at Laine Theatre Arts graduating with her ISTD teaching qualifications and LAMDA ALAM (Hons), in addition to the LTA Musical Theatre Diploma.<\/p>\n

Emily\u2019s theatre credits include featured artiste in the original production of A Night at the Musicals<\/em> (UK Tours 2000 & 2001); Genie of the Ring in Aladdin <\/em>starring alongside Gary Wilmot and John Inman (Theatre Royal, Plymouth); Spirit of the Mirror in Snow White<\/em> with Danny La Rue (Theatre Royal, Plymouth); Boylen Sister in Annie <\/em>(Perth Rep Theatre) ; Aladdin<\/em> for Jim Davidson\u2019s Effective Theatrical Productions (Minehead); and as a company actress with Navigation Theatre Company she toured a series of short plays. Recording credits include featured vocalist on both a television commercial for Paramount and a Christmas CD for Amphonoic Music.<\/p>\n

She has recently returned to the UK following a successful contract for Walt Disney performing the leading roles of Belle and Meg aboard the Disney Wonder.<\/p>\n

Emily is delighted to be appearing in the title role in Dick Whittington<\/em> this year in Cardiff.<\/p>\n

Susie Anton – Tom the Cat<\/h3>\n

Susie trained at Bird College, graduating in July 2002.<\/p>\n

During her final year at college Susie played the role of Lola in Copacabana <\/em>at the Peacock Theatre, London and appeared as a soloist singer in a gala performance at the Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House. She has also toured with the Bird Theatre Company, performing as a soloist in Life and You,<\/em> an original Musical Comedy Revue under the direction of Gavin Lee.<\/p>\n

Dick Whittington<\/em> will mark her professional debut.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Julia Nagle –\u00a0Fairy<\/h3>\n

Julia left the Lake District aged 11 to attend the Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park, then moved on to Bush Davies Theatre Arts School where she got the chance to play Bubbles in the Central Television film The Worst Witch. <\/em>After three years at Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts, Julia went into children\u2019s theatre and toured extensively around the UK.<\/p>\n

Cruise Ships soon followed, and after performing on the Galaxy for Celebrity Cruises<\/em> and being lead singer for P&O, Julia then worked for Jean-Ann Ryan on N.C.L., where she was fortunate enough to work with Sir Cameron Mackintosh and his team on Hey Mr Producer!<\/em> and the inaugural production of Encore, Mr Producer! <\/em>with roles including Cosette in Les Miserables,<\/em> Kim in Miss Saigon,<\/em> Dressy Tessitura in Gypsy,<\/em> Suki in The Witches of Eastwick<\/em> and Hortense in The BoyFriend.<\/em><\/p>\n

Julia sends big love to the Nagles & Noel for their support.<\/p>\n

Michael Broadbent-Jones – Sultan<\/h3>\n

Working with Qdos for the first time this year, Michael brings a range of experience to this year\u2019s spectacular production in Cardiff. Performing both in this country and abroad, from Italy to as far afield as Dubai, his career thus far has encompassed both sides of the theatrical world and beyond. On stage, he is an accomplished character actor with plenty of panto experience including three successive years working in Bolton where he played Albert (Beauty\u2019s father – Beauty & the Beast), Aiderman Fitzwarren (Dick Whittington) and Dame Trott (Jack & the Beanstalk with Stu Francis). As well as these more comic characters, his repertoire also has villainous streak with such parts as The Big Bad Wolf (Red Riding Hood, Rotherham), Dr Freak (Halloween Shows, Butlins Bognor Regis), Mr McGrabbit (Casper, Dubai) and Billy One-Eye (Crazy Horse Saloon, Minehead). Behind the scenes, his roles have been just as varied: from Stage Management to directing and writing. When not on stage (or behind it) he can sometimes be found in a studio, recording voice-overs for computer games, websites or backing tracks for shows. His most recent credits include Lego Island 2, Learn Direct Websites, Dreamcatcher (Sun Cruises Production Show) and the Trouble in Fairyland puppet show sound track for Legoland, Windsor. Not a bad history for someone who trained in Electronics & Telecommunications.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dancers<\/h3>\n

Sarah Burkin
Kimberley Edwards
Helen Riordan
Emma Kingston
Lee Greenaway
Andrew Wright
Farid Halim
Giovanni Spano<\/p>\n

Understudies<\/h3>\n

Emma Kingston Dance Captain <\/strong>and Fairy
<\/strong>Sarah Burkin Dick
<\/strong>Kim Edwards Tom the Cat
<\/strong>Helen Riordan Alice
<\/strong>Lee Greenaway Alderman
<\/strong>Giovanni Spano King Rat
<\/strong>Andy Wright Sarah the Cook
<\/strong>Farid Halim Sultan<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Olivettes<\/h3>\n

The Olivettes are looking forward to another successful Qdos pantomime, with this year\u2019s Dick Whittington<\/em> marking their 27th appearance in pantomime at the New Theatre.<\/p>\n

Once again they have had a very busy year, attaining 100% success with ISTD tap & modern jazz exams and also R.A.D. ballet exams, they have also performed at Barry Memorial Theatre in aid of Kidney Research.<\/p>\n

Many Olivettes of the last twenty-seven years have gone on to make a career on the stage and in dance, and they are well represented around the world; two in South Africa, one in America, one in Australia and one as a choreographer in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

This year an ex-Olivettes has won a three year scholarship to Central Ballet School in London.<\/p>\n

The Olive Guppy School of Dance is based in Fitzalan High School, Leckwith, Cardiff. Tel: 029 2051 3309<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Desmond Barrit – Director<\/h3>\n

Desmond has appeared in West End theatre productions such as Dubarry Was a Lady<\/em> as Louis, Eurydice<\/em> as Monsieur Henry, Real Inspector Hound & Black Comedy<\/em> as Birdboot and Harold Gorringe, Three Men On a Horse<\/em> as Charlie, The Liar<\/em> as Cliton and The Scarlet Pimpernel.<\/em> He has worked at The Royal National Theatre as Cotrone in Mountain Giants,<\/em> Capt Brazen in The Recruiting Officer,<\/em> Toad in Wind In the Willows, <\/em>Charlie in Three Men On a Horse<\/em> and as Achille Blonde in The Magistrate.<\/em> Desmond has been in numerous Royal Shakespeare Company productions such as Henry IV Parts 1 & 2<\/em> as Falstaff, A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream<\/em> as Bottom, Twelfth Night<\/em> as Malvolio and Ross, and as Gloucester in King Lear.<\/em> He has also made appearances in Comedy of Errors, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Tempest, Macbeth<\/em> and The Constant Couple.<\/em> Other appearances in theatre include On the Razzle<\/em> as Zangler, A View From the Bridge<\/em> as Eddie Carbone, This Is a Chair <\/em>as Tom, Fortune\u2019s Fool<\/em> as Tropatchov, The Chinese Wolf <\/em>as Billy Chortles and in Then Again – A Revue.<\/em><\/p>\n

Film credits include Oliver!<\/em> as Flinders, A Christmas Carol<\/em> as Ghost of Christmas Past, Alice Through the Looking Glass<\/em> as Humpty Dumpty, Rebecca\u2019s Daughters<\/em> as Jack Wet, A Midsummer Night\u2019s Dream<\/em> as Bottom, All For Love<\/em> as Biggerstaff and in Daylight Robbery<\/em> as Kesso.<\/p>\n

He has appeared in many television productions such as Young King Arthur<\/em> as Bullwhit, Midsomer Murders<\/em> as Eckersly-Hyde, The Bill<\/em> as Mr Pearson, Follow the Stars, Poirot<\/em> as Samuel Naughton, Madame Bovary<\/em> as Guillaumin, Tarquin in The Old Devils<\/em> and, as Henry Shuttlecombe in Dalziel and Pascoe.<\/em> He has also appeared in Maxwell\u2019s House, Homer and His Pigeons, Boon, Miracles Extra<\/em> and True Tilda.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chris Baldock –\u00a0Choreographer<\/h3>\n

Chris trained at the Hylton Bromley School of Dance and Drama since he was three. After leaving the school at seventeen he proceeded to work for many choreographers and directors throughout his career. He appeared in an abundance of TV shows, film and West End theatre. In 1989 Chris was asked to assist on a West End production and from then on his choreographic career was launched.<\/p>\n

He has directed and choreographed for theatrical shows including The Hunting of the Snark, Russ Abbot Summer Show,<\/em> Blackpool\u2019s Summer Spectacular,<\/em> various pantomimes, Lily Savage\u2019s Prisoner Cell Block H<\/em> on tour, Rhythms of the Celts,<\/em> Waterfront, Belfast and the Playhouse, Edinburgh, Starlight Express,<\/em> London (Resident Director), A Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber<\/em> and the Unicef Gala at the Sadler\u2019s Wells Theatre.<\/p>\n

On television he has choreographed and directed The Des O\u2019Connor Show, Top Of The Pops, My Kind Of Music, Kids Say The Funniest Things, Michael Barrymore 2000,<\/em> the MOBO awards, Faking It<\/em> and Star For A Night.<\/em><\/p>\n

Chris has also choreographed for various pop artists including Eternal, Michelle Gayle, Worlds Apart, Denise Van Outen, Judy Cheeks, Phats & Small, E-Sensual, Kim Wilde, Thunderbugs and The Alice Band.<\/p>\n

He has also staged corporate and fashion shows including Jordan Formula 1 launch at The Palladium, The Look for Fashion G-Mex, Manchester, GUS Fashion for PCI, Live, Reebok Stadium Bolton, Adidas, London, Nike Europe, SPX Chicago, Asics Munich, Anglian and Rank Xerox<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Nick Stewart – Musical Director<\/h3>\n

Although a Londoner, Nick feels very much at home here in Cardiff. This is his fourth Christmas season in a row, and sixth in all, at the New Theatre. Since graduating with a degree in music from Manchester University, Nick has worked in a wide variety of musical theatre, from pantomime to national tours of Oklahoma!, The Pirates of Penzance, West Side Story and Tom Jones, Victorian Music Hall at the Players Theatre in London, the European touring production of Cats and travelling the world as Musical Director on the ships of Cunard and P&O cruises.<\/p>\n

Paul Lee – Lighting Designer<\/h3>\n

Paul is a dramatic and Creative Lighting Designer for theatrical and corporate events world-wide. He also works as a consultant and designer for large scale events as far afield as the United States and the Far and Middle East.<\/p>\n

He is also associate producer and designer for several other Qdos pantomimes and is proud to be associated with all his productions this year.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/div>\n
\n

Radio Interview<\/h2>\n

Cannon and Ball appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live, along with fan Nikki Kelly. They were interviewed by Fiona Bruce. Her questions are in bold, with N, T and B indicating Nikki, Tommy and Bobby respectively.<\/p>\n

Have you ever followed your favourite band or comedy act or singer round the country? If so how many gigs did you manage to notch up? I’d imagine that no matter what the number is, even if its in the ranking for the British Davies cup team, you’d be hard pressed to beat Nikki Kelly, who’s managed to see her comedy heroes Cannon and Ball rather a lot. Hello Nikki
<\/strong>N: Good morning to you. How you doing?
<\/span>Yes I’m doing very well. How many times have you been to see Mr Cannon and Mr Ball?
<\/strong>N: On this run it must be about 41 now I think in total
OK. Mr Cannon and Mr Ball are with us too. Hello
<\/strong>B: Morning
T: Hi Fi
Have you met Nikki a lot of times?
<\/strong>B: Yes, we’ve known her for twenty years.
Right. Is she bothersome?
<\/strong>B: No, she’s fine. We know her Mam, we know her Dad.
Oh good, so she’s alright.
<\/strong>B: Yes
T: We’ve all been out to dinner together only the other night.
Right
<\/strong>B: A lovely lass
Nikki, what do you love about them?
<\/strong>N: They’re just natural comedy performers. I mean, they don’t do gags as such, they’re just instinctive comedians, and they’re not afraid to wander away from the script and pick up on things that happen in the audience, just get out there and do what makes people laugh. It’s wonderful.
B: Which upsets some other actors in the pantomime, but nevertheless,
(laughter)
You kind of, you’ve got to hope that they do wander from the script though haven’t you, if you’ve been to see them over 40 times, because it would
<\/strong>N: They never let us down, never let us down with that. The rest of the cast and crew I think are as keen to stand in the wings and watch what’s going on as the audience is.
Do you sit in the same place every time Nikki?
<\/strong>N: No, I’ve moved around a bit, I didn’t want them to get bored of my ugly mug.
B: She’s maybe moved a couple of seats
Can you spot her every night?
<\/strong>B: Every night
T: Yes, yes
B: Yes, and gets involved every night too
In what way?
<\/strong>B: Well, in the ghost gag, its behind you, she’s standing up and shouting.
N: You’ve got to join in haven’t you
Well she knows doesn’t she. I mean there’s no fun to that at all
<\/strong>B: Its fantastic
Nikki, how much have you spent on this?
<\/strong>N: Well a lot of people have made a lot of how much it’s cost me to go there. I think our local newspaper said something along the lines of it was in the region of a thousand pounds. But you know what the press are like, it was a misprint and they left a nought off.
Well in that case the tickets are too cheap surely Mr Cannon and Mr Ball?
<\/strong>T: Tickets aren’t down to us
What is the pantomime that you’re in at the moment, or you have been in? Has it finished now?
<\/strong>B: We finish on Saturday, tomorrow.
T: Yes, Tomorrow.
B: And I think you’re coming tonight and tomorrow,
T: Yeah, Nikki will be there to see it all
B: And we finish tomorrow in Dick Whittington.
Right. Do you have other fans at the level that Nikki’s got to
<\/strong>B: Yes, not quite at the level that Nikki’s at, but yes we’ve other fans that come along. We’ve known her for twenty years. She’s followed us round for 20 years, so they stop becoming fans then and become friends, you know.
Should people cross over that line though? I mean, Nikki, once you’ve actually got to know them doesn’t it take away something from seeing them perform?
<\/strong>N: No I don’t think so at all. I mean there’s a real distinction between Cannon and Ball the act and Tom and bob as the performers. So no, not at all, there is a definite line there. They’re great as individuals and wonderful as performers.
What’s there best gag? Can you share that with us? Are you allowed to?
<\/strong>N: They don’t do gags. No I couldn’t possibly, copyrighted.
B: I think it’s when I put my tights on in the pantomime
N: I’m not going there
Is that naturally funny? Isn’t that rather disturbing?
<\/strong>N: Have you seen his legs
B: Thank you. They’re actually beautiful
Are they? I imagine they might be a little bit knobbly
<\/strong>B: A bit knobbly, a bit small. I’m only 5 foot 4 so I have a job keeping my bottom off the floor
There’s nothing wrong with being small
<\/strong>T: Nothing
B: Are you small?
I’m ridiculously small
<\/strong>B: How ridiculously small?
I’m 5 foot
<\/strong>B: Fantastic
T: Great
B: They never make big diamonds you see, Fi
No, that’s very true, yes. No I’m quite happy being a small radio dwarf girl
<\/strong>B: Well we can have you in a panto if you want Fi
Oh, thankyou, Gosh that’s the best offer I’ve had
<\/strong>B: When we’re doing snow white
T: Snow white
Thankyou
<\/strong>B: You’re welcome
I’m not sure you’re allowed to say snow white and the seven dwarfs.
<\/strong>T: Are we not allowed to say that, oh well
B: Whether we are or we’re not I’ve said it. I’m sure they’re not going to put me in jail for it.
No. Well I don’t want to offend anyone this morning and I’m sure that you don’t either.
<\/strong>B: No, not at all.
Have you got a busy year lined up ahead of you?
<\/strong>B and T: Yes
T: Fairly busy, yes. We have a couple of weeks off now then we’re going down to round the carribbean on a cruise ship. Couple of weeks down there. Then we’ve got one nighters, we’ve got the summer season, then before you know where we are we’ll be in pantomime again.
You’re both from Oldham, is that correct?
<\/strong>B: Yes, We don’t live there now though but we are originally from Oldham.
Yes, we were talking today about the BNPs latest council success in the Halifax area.
<\/strong>(B+T laugh in background)
Ooh, you’re laughing already. Does it trouble you that that’s the way in your part of the world.
<\/strong>B: To tell you the truth, I shouldn’t really do this, but in a way I’ve given up about it, all. Because I think its all, its pathetic what’s happening in this country. I’m not getting in to it. Its just, I’ve give up on it all me. It’s daft.
Well don’t give up on it.
<\/strong>B: I know, I shouldn’t really, but you know
No, but why are you so fed up with it?
<\/strong>B: Because the politicians do just what they want, I mean its crazy. We run this country, but the politicians run it. They don’t give us a voice, it’s ridiculous what’s happening. There’s old people dying in the streets, and they want to get a war going with Iraq. Supposed to be light hearted, you got me on my soap box then, sorry Fi.
No, I don’t, you see I’d like to hear more of you on the soap box, I mean I think everybody has got an opinion, certainly about military action at the moment, and the best thing you can do is have a good old conversation about it isn’t it?
<\/strong>B: Well I think they should look more into it before they decide they’re going to go kill all these people. Think about the Iraqi people, just like we are, they’re families of people. You know, and I think they should look into more than what they are doing, just saying we’re tied up with America and having a war.
Yes, Nikki, what do you think about it, I don’t want to leave you out of this conversation.
<\/strong>N: No, not at all. I agree with Bob to be honest, you need to see the stories behind it, it’s the real people that get hurt in all this, not the politicians or the armies. There’s more going on behind the scenes, people get affected far more than we realise.
I was a little worried about this feature because you think ‘Oh my goodness, is Nikki going to be someone who Cannon and Ball would rather not spend an awful lot of time with’.
<\/strong>B\/T: Oh no
Well there is that concern
<\/strong>B: No, she’s fine. She’s lovely.
But do you actually keep in touch with each other
<\/strong>B: Well, she turns up at the shows, and we go out for a meal, we know her mum and dad, you know so. Her dad funnily enough came in to the theatre the other day and helped my friend out with his laptop. He couldn’t do this thing, so her fathers a bit of a computer wizard
T: He’s a wizard on the old computer you see, so he’s handy to know
Oh, its all going terribly well isn’t it.
<\/strong>T: Yes
Its like I’ve entered some strange family
<\/strong>T: Yes you have
B: You’re very welcome Fi
Well that’s very kind of you
<\/strong>T: You’re welcome
B: We’re all quite small so you’re welcome to join, we’ll start up the small family
It’s a hideous image that, a marauding bunch of gobby people coming down the street at you.
<\/strong>B: We’ll get all the small people, all round the country, all get together. We’ll get complaints now from all the small people.
No because we’re not being mean, we’re just taking the mickey out of ourselves for not being able to reach the top shelf magazines.
<\/strong>N: Or see over the counter in the chip shop
Yes. When are you next going to see them on a professional basis Nikki?
<\/strong>N: Hopefully now it’ll be in March. I understand Bobs back down doing some gospel work then
B: Yes
N: And then thereafter it’ll be summer, summer run, and back into Christmas panto.
Have you ever heard of anyone Nikki who is a more devoted fan that yourself?
<\/strong>N: There’s other fans like myself out there. One thing we have done over the years is make friends with people like me who go and see Tom and Bob everywhere. So we’ve formed a little family as well and we all keep in touch. So there’s a lot more than myself just out there.
I feel like bursting into song now.
<\/strong>(laughter)
B: Well it’s a nice good feeling isn’t it.
Well it is. It’s cracking stuff
<\/strong>B: Which is what we need in this world today.
Thankyou very much indeed for joining us
<\/strong>B: Thankyou
T: You’re welcome
N: It’s a pleasure<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dick Whittington, at the New Theatre, Cardiff. Cannon and Ball starred as Captain and Mate. Dates and Prices Stalls \u00a312.50[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":21,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-406","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nPantomime - Cardiff 2002 - Comedy Kings<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cannon and Ball Pantomime 2002. Dick Whittington, at the New Theatre, Cardiff. 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