'I arrived 10 years ago and I've stayed here ever since'

For many families, a Christmas tradition isnt complete without a turkey dinner, but attending a pantomime often comes a close second. Across the country, theatres frequently cast the same actors in the same roles year after year. What keeps them returning, and why do pantomimes hold such enduring appeal?

Will Kenning: Dunstables Beloved Dame

Will Kenning has been performing as a pantomime dame for over 15 years, portraying female characters with extravagant costumes, makeup, and wigs. His first dame role was in 2010 at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, where he spent three years in the theatres rocknroll pantos.

In 2017, Will moved to The Grove Theatre in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, to be closer to his family in Leighton Buzzard. Since then, he has become a staple of the venue, earning the title Dunstables favourite on promotional posters. He describes his work there as immensely rewarding and feels privileged to be a resident performer.

Being a regular at a theatre is a rare honor. Its almost like being a local celebrity, he says. Ive spent a decade proving myself, and it keeps me home for Christmas. I hope to become a Dunstable legend in ten more years. It may be silly fun, but I take it seriously.

Ben Parsley: A Lifelong Connection to Harlow Playhouse

Ben Parsley grew up in Harlow, Essex, and the Harlow Playhouse has been a central part of his life. Over the past year, he has played Silly Billy and also works as the venues technical manager. He has performed in pantomimes for 15 years and has deep personal ties to the theatre, which was founded by his grandfather in 1971. Bens first stage appearance was at age eight, and he later met his wife while performing in a pantomime there.

I started behind the scenes and gradually moved on stage, he explains. Eight years ago I took on Silly Billy, and Ive never looked back. Its amazing to connect with an audience so directly. People even come just to see me, which is incredibly humbling.

Terry Gleed: Lowestofts Favourite

Terry Gleed first performed at the Marina Theatre in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 2015. Ten years ago I came here, and they liked what I did. The following year they asked me back, and Ive been performing here ever since, he recalls. Currently, he plays Chester the Jester in Sleeping Beauty, earning the poster tagline Lowestofts Favourite.

A musical theatre-trained performer, Terry has appeared in pantomimes for over 20 years, including productions of Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Peter Pan. Though originally from Wraysbury, Berkshire, he describes performing in Lowestoft as feeling like coming home.

Pantomime allows me to do what I love with a full company, and the audiences response is immediate. Its like performing in front of friends, and its a truly fulfilling experience, he says.

The Lasting Appeal of Pantomime

For actors like Will, Ben, and Terry, pantomime is more than a seasonal performanceits a tradition that blends personal fulfillment, community connection, and audience engagement. Year after year, these performers return to familiar theatres, bringing joy and laughter to audiences while solidifying their own legacies in their respective towns.

Author: Riley Thompson