Panto’s grande dame Christopher Biggins talks to Jane McGowan about cross-dressing, costumes and carpets
CRAIG SUGDEN
No list of national treasures would be complete without the inclusion of Christopher Biggins. The larger-than-life actor, who first found fame in 1970s television classics Porridge and I, Cladius, sealed his place in the nation’s hearts after being crowned King of the Jungle in the 2007 series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here...
You will be pleased to know therefore, that Biggins, as he is affectionately known, is heading this way to take up the role of Widow Twanky in Richmond Theatre’s production of Aladdin this Christmas.
“I love coming to Richmond Theatre,” he says enthusiastically. “When the production company rang to suggest venues, I said, ‘Oh please let me go to Richmond’. It’s one of the greatest theatres in the country.”
This year’s show, which also stars Count Arthur Strong and Issy van Randwyck, will be Biggins’ 42nd panto and although it won’t quite be his last, the 68-year-old is planning to relinquish his mantle as queen of the dames once he hits the big 70.
“It is exhausting,” he sighs. “Apart from the two shows a day for six weeks, there are also the quick changes and coping with the heavy costumes and so on. I have seen dames who have got so old they have to be carried on by two male dancers and I don’t want that to be me,” he says. “Besides, I’m so large that it would take22 of them!”
CRAIG SUGDEN
Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, the star grew up in Wiltshire where he took drama and elocution lessons. His break came with a recurring role as Lukewarm in the Ronnie Barker sitcom Porridge before starring in Roman drama I, Claudius alongside Sir Derek Jacobi as well as the original version of Poldark. His character in the Cornish saga, the villainous Reverend Osborne was described at the time as, ‘the most hated man in Britain’ – a far cry from the Biggins we know and cherish today.
“I do really appreciate the way my career has gone,” he acknowledges.“It’s wonderful to be so loved and Ithank my lucky stars that I can still entertain people.”
This year’s panto audiences are promised a real treat in a spectacular show that is packed with singing, dancing and special effects that include a flying carpet.
“Panto has certainly moved on. But it had to really,” he acknowledges. “At one time it was all about women dressed as men, wearing thigh-high boots, saying racy lines. Producers have quite rightly now got men to play the principal boys and moved away from the sauciness.Boys need a hero in the show too.
“But having said that, I’m glad they kept the dame as a man’s role. And Widow Twanky is one of the greats. I play her as everyone’s favourite mum or aunty and of course I have some fantastic costumes. In fact, when it comes to outfits, I think my stash of Twankies is the best.”
- Aladdin runs at the Richmond Theatre from Dec 9 – Jan 14. For tickets and details, visit: atgtickets.com
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