Gary living his panto fantasy
King’s show is dream come true
It is always said that you should never work with children or animals - and Castlemilk actor Gary Lamont can testify to that.
The ‘River City’ star is currently fulfilling a long- time dream by appearing in the King’s Theatre pantomime ‘Cinderella’.
However, that involves performing alongside a couple of young ponies.
“They’re the biggest divas in the show,” laughed Gary.
“They get ferried in for their bit then go straight up the road after it so they’ve got the easiest role and get the biggest cheer every night.
“But the way they bring them in is right past my dressing room and every single day without fail they leave me a ‘little gift’ outside the room.
“It’s like they plan it. They’re so cute but I’m getting a love/ hate relationship with them now.
“It’s the sort of thing that you only get at panto time.”
Gary is well used to the panto life as he has been appearing in them for the past decade, even before he won the role of Robbie Fraser on ‘River City’.
This year he is playing the part of Dandini, who is Prince Charming’s right-hand man.
Performing at the King’s is something that has thrilled the former Castlemilk High pupil, as is getting to play opposite Scottish acting legends Gregor Fisher and Tony Roper, who play the Ugly Sisters in this year’s show.
“Most of the time my character is playing off the Prince, who is played by Josh Tevendale, and he’s a lovely guy to work with,”said Gary.
“I have some great stuff with Gregor and Tony too.
“Getting to stand between Rab C Nesbitt and Jamesie is brilliant. We have such a giggle and they are so helpful and eager to help us all get a better laugh.
“They’re legends and it’s just brilliant to work with them so I’m still ‘oh my god, here they are’.
The history of the King’s also adds to the experience for the actor.
“I’ve been acting for 10 years and I’ve always wanted to do the King’s.” he said.
“That’s not to diminish the other shows that I’ve done because you are just fortunate to be working at all.
“However, there is something special at the King’s, even more so at this time of year because it is a hallowed hall for panto.
“All these legends have gone on stage before you – and the enormity of that is not lost on me.”
Once the final curtain falls on the panto on January 8 Gary will enjoy a well-earned holiday before a one man show at Glasgow’s Oran Mor later in 2017. ‘River City’ will keep him busy too. “I don’t know where they’ll take Robbie next,” he said.
“Juliet Cadzow has recently joined as his mum and she is a hoot so I dare say there will be some nonsense between them, as they are chalk and cheese. ”
Having come from an unflashy background, Robbie hopes his success can show other working-class youngsters that an acting career is not just a pipe dream.
“There is a lot of snobbery,” he said, “and there’s a lot of wealthy, middle-class people, especially in TV, because the pay isn’t great and you need to have some support.
“However, the big trick I had was having no expectations. If you go in expecting big things then you will be disappointed but if you go in expecting nothing then everything is a surprise so go for it.”
‘Cindrella’ runs until January 8 at the King’s Theatre. Tickets are available by calling 0844 871 7648.