In the third and final part of our interview with Wiltshire Creative's Artistic Director, we asked Gareth Machin if he would prefer to play a Panto villain or hero.
This year's Pantomime. Sleeping Beauty is coming to Salisbury Playhouse this November and runs through to January - tickets can be purchased here - https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/sleeping-beauty
Every pantomime has a great hero and an equally brilliant villain. Last year, audiences loved to hate King Percy Rat, whilst they also fell for Fairy Bowbells and Dick Whittington. So, which would Gareth Machin prefer to play if he were cast in a Pantomime? He said, "Well, look, if I could sing and dance like the people who we cast, I'd be happy playing absolutely anybody.
"Nobody would want to see me in a pantomime. I can. I can guarantee you that. They're all great parts, but you've got to love the villains. They're the ones who, I mean, everybody loves a great villain.
"The louder they boo, the better you are, you know? So, yeah, I think I, I think you have most fun playing the villain, but every part is a great part."
As a local pantomime, it is also supported by local companies and organisations. Our local newspaper, The Salisbury Journal, is usually mentioned, and this year, it has been hinted that Salisbury Radio may also get a nod.
Like last year, Howden Insurance is the headline sponsor. Many people enjoyed the references during last year's show, but we asked how they are going to keep that fresh for a second year. Gareth added, "If anybody has any great jokes about insurance companies, the door's open.
"But I think it's those local references that make pantomime so special that it's a show made in Salisbury for Salisbury. So yeah, of course, we're very grateful to Howden for their sponsorship and, indeed, other companies and individuals who support us.
"If we can have fun referencing that in the show, that's great. I think it's all those wider Salisbury and Wiltshire references, and you know, there's always going to be a gag about Swindon in there or Southampton."
Cast Announcement for Sleeping Beauty https://www.salisburyradio.co.uk/news/local-news/cast-for-this-years-panto-revealed/
You can listen to the full interview below:
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