Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
PANTO
Panto is packed with tradition, but Kent producers are also trying something new. Angela Cole met star Danny Beard as he prepared for a thoroughly modern role
Read our latest star interview with a dame with a difference in Sevenoaks
Back in 2016, Danny Beard - real name Daniel Curtis - caused a stir at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions, reaching the semi finals, with his powerful voice, eye-catching make-up and glittery beard.
The singer had given his answer to school bullies when he was growing up, making a name and career for himself, and going on to become a popular drag act across the country.
His unique look may have been something of a first for audiences, but now Danny has another first up his sleeve, as he prepares to play what producers believe is the first ever gender fluid dame in panto. Though gender lines have traditionally been blurred for the part of the dame - a man, dressed as a woman, but who the audience know is a man - producers have created a gender fluid character, so not identifying as male or female. Danny said: “Gender neutral is someone who doesn’t conform to the stereotype or the rules that society traditionally set out in gender.
“I think Danny Beard the character is essentially gender neutral. This year it has been written in to the show which is really special.
“It has a platform which it wouldn’t have. This is why I wanted to work with the pantomime producers - they wanted me to be a magical character.
“I think it is important that it is a hot topic at the moment. It is a reflection of what is going on in the world.”
He added: “When I received the script I was really happy - it is down to the guys. I just thought it was fantastic.
“They have made a show that really has a story, with quite complex characters. It is a nod to it though, it isn’t what the whole show is about it.”
It will be the tenth year that the same producers have put on the panto at the theatre.
They hit the headlines two years ago when a caller to the theatre criticised the production for having a cast which was “too black”.
For the part, Danny will create his trademark make-up, which takes hours to put on.
“I always do my own make-up,” he said.
“I have a vision and it has always been a massive part of becoming Danny Beard. Danny Beard is an extension of who I am.
“I’m always the first person in the theatre because it takes so long.”
Danny, who also works with the anti-bullying Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation as a result of being bullied at school, added: “I am so excited for panto. It is the hardest work I will do all year, in terms of the schedule. It is so gruelling.
“But you work with the team for six weeks - eight weeks if you count the rehearsals - and it becomes your whole world and your whole life. “
Dick Whittington is at the Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks from Friday, November 30 to Sunday, January 6, 2019. Kent children’s entertainer, Ant ’Silly Billy’ Payne, stars with baddie, Jasette Amos and a live gospel choir.
Jamie Wilson, who has produced the panto since the Stag Theatre reopened in 2009, said: “Our audiences have come to expect a spectacular show, so every year we have to work hard to go one better that the previous year. “Pantomime is a very traditional genre, but one of its central traditions is to be at the forefront of the issues of the age. Certain roles have explored cross dressing and gender reversal. “This year at the Stag, Danny Beard is playing what would best be described as a blend of Fairy and Dame.
“By casting Danny, it allows me to write a script that sticks to the traditions of panto, but delivers them in a new way, which is exciting for me as a writer, but more importantly, entertaining for our audiences, who fell in love with Danny last year, when he played the Magical Mirror in Snow White.”
The show opens at the Stag on Friday, November 30.
For tickets from £15 visit sevenoakspanto.com