Daddy dwarf and the GIANT miracle
James Lusted’s stint in panto this year is even more special than usual…
Heading into the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre in Denbighshire, it felt like I was coming home. I was near my hometown and it was the press launch for this year’s pantomime – Snow White and the Seven
Dwarves. I was playing Smiler (that’s Happy to you and me). I loved being an actor, but it was even more special this time, because there to support me were my gorgeous wife, Chloe, and our own little miracle, Olivia, who we’d dressed in a Snow White gown for the occasion.
Originally, I’d decided I wasn’t going to do panto in 2019 because it was our first Christmas with our daughter and we wanted to make the most of our time together. But as it was so close to home, and I wanted Olivia to know she could achieve anything she set her mind to, I decided I would tread the boards again. I’ve never been one to accept that I can’t do things…
You may know my story by now, as I’ve become a bit of a familiar face in best magazine. We first shared our story after I’d married Chloe, who is average-sized, in a traditional white wedding in August 2016. We’d been dating for three years, and even though, at 5ft 7in, Chloe was 2ft taller than me, everyone was supportive of our union.
Chloe was a teacher, family and church was important to both of us, and she championed my work as both an actor and a county councillor. We’d talked of starting a family, but that was a dream for the future. First, we wanted to enjoy our marriage.
We loved going for walks, having romantic dinners together and spending time with our families. We were close to my brother, Phil – who also has dwarfism – Chloe’s sisters and mum, as well as my parents.
Then in 2018, after a magical trip to Disney World, Florida, we discovered Chloe was pregnant. It came as quite a shock, but I felt 10 feet tall knowing I was going to be a dad. We struggled to keep the thrilling news to ourselves. We were so excited – especially as this would be the first grandchild on both sides.
We didn’t really talk about what would happen if our baby had dwarfism. ‘It doesn’t matter,’ Chloe said. ‘The baby will have a great role model in you.’ Being of small stature had never held me back and I certainly wouldn’t let that happen to our baby.
During Chloe’s 18-week
appointment, the doctor had taken measurements and said there was a 95 per cent chance our baby didn’t have dwarfism – we didn’t mind as long as our little one was healthy and happy.
It wasn’t long before we found out we were having a girl and even had a gender reveal party with our families. Chloe announced her pregnancy on social media: ‘Our family is growing by two feet!’ she wrote.
Our beautiful daughter, Olivia, arrived in February this year weighing 8lb 3oz and I immediately fell in love. She was our biggest and brightest achievement. We were amazed when she slept through the night almost straight away. She was interested in everything, always happy and smiling.
‘She’s incredible,’ Chloe and I agreed. The grandparents adored spoiling her, too.
This year has gone quickly, but it’s been a pleasure watching Olivia grow. We’ve been slowly introducing her to the cot in her bedroom – she’s been sleeping in our room until now.
My dad, Dave, 56, has specially adapted the cot for me, so that I don’t have to struggle lifting her into it and settling her as she gets bigger.
He’s created some doors that open out, so I can place Olivia down when she has a nap. The doors lock securely, too, so our gorgeous girl is perfectly safe in there.
Chloe went back to work in November this year, and although it was hard for her, our childminder, who is also a dear friend, would send updates every lunchtime and pictures during the day.
The best part of both of our days was coming home to Olivia’s beaming smile and being a family unit again.
This Christmas is going to be our biggest and best yet. Chloe’s bought Olivia a beautiful ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ bauble that’s firmly on our tree and a gorgeous red festive dress for the day itself.
‘I bought her these, too,’ Chloe smiled recently, holding up some cute Christmas pyjamas.
We’ve had Olivia’s name put on a stocking, too, which is hanging alongside ours.
Panto started this week and it’s a real thrill to be back on stage. It is full of Christmas spirit and being able to entertain families is a real honour – especially when my own are in the audience!
I can’t wait for Olivia to see me up there in lights – it’ll be an incredibly proud moment for me.
On 25 December, we’ll wake up at home, just our little family, before spending the day with my parents. On Boxing Day, Chloe’s family are coming to see me in panto that afternoon, then we’ll go back to her mum’s to continue the festivities.
I hope this Christmas I’ll be able to teach Olivia to dream big and show her that it doesn’t matter if you’re a little different – you can achieve huge things if you put your mind to it.