THE WRITER
the trick to writing a good panto? Engage the children first, then layer the script to make sure the adults enjoy it too – everyone loves an innuendo! I’ll put in a few gags that are a bit political, before moving on quickly to something for the children – for instance, this year we have a panda character, which kids will love. the trick is not to hang around too long on any one thing.
this is my 20th year at the helm of Hackney Empire’s panto, so the pressure is on! believe me, it certainly doesn’t get any easier. I have a brilliant team but the buck stops with me. I have to keep it fresh and creative, on a tight budget. We have some brilliant creatures in Aladdin. there’s a flying dragon, which is a seven-person puppet on a massive dolly crane, plus the most amazing goddess monkey who part-narrates the show.
I started writing the script as soon as last year’s panto finished. It’s the best time to get cracking because I’m in panto mood. My mum has a place near Estepona in southern spain, so I go there in February to start storyboarding. by april, I’m making budgeting decisions and talking with the panto designer.
I collect gags and ideas all year round, keeping a notepad in my bag and beside my bed. I cast the panto in June and that’s when I really get into the flow. I like to have in mind the artist who’s playing the character. this year, we have the brilliantly funny tameka Empson, who plays Kim Fox in EastEnders, and starred in Strictly in 2016. she’s playing the Empress, and I’m so excited about it. Clive Rowe, MbE – best known for playing Norman in The Story of Tracey Beaker – is also starring as our Dame.
I return to spain in august for more writing. People always ask if it’s strange sitting in 30-degree sunshine writing a Christmas show, but I have to get away to write as I'm easily distracted! the biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my career is to delegate, something I haven’t always found easy. Panto is about every member of the cast and creative team telling the story. you can’t do it all on your own – you’re only as good as the people around you.
✢ aladdin, 24 November-6 January; hackneyempire.co.uk
“I started writing Aladdin as soon as last year’s panto finished”