Returning to the Corn Exchange this year for panto is Susan Harrison. Susan played the lovable dog, Wishee Washee, in Aladdin last Christmas. We are excited to have Susan again as one Cinderella's step sisters, Hashtag. She has enjoyed panto since she was a child and is looking forward to be back in Newbury this year.
Have you been in a pantomime before? What is your favourite thing about performing in one?
I was in Aladdin last year at the Corn Exchange as Wishee Washee the dog, so I'm very excited to be returning! My favourite thing about panto would be the variety of audiences. I love that one minute it’s a school audience, then next it’s an audience of families and all ages, and the next it’s an adult only crowd. It’s a great opportunity for loads of different types of comedy! And I love how interactive it is. Oh no you don’t! Oh yes I do! Oh no you don’t! Oh yes I - stop putting words in my mouth, I actually do love that.
Do you have any memories of being taken to see pantomimes as a child?
I remember going to see Panto with my Grandparents when I was little and learning how to join in with the audience participation. It always felt like such an exciting occasion.
If you were planning a royal ball, who would be on your dream guest list?
Bjork (to bring the tunes), Aslan the Lion (to bring a sense of gravitas) and Kieran Culkin (to bring the Succession anecdotes).
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
I love decorating the tree. My Mum and Dad used to leave it for me and/or my sister to decorate it and I loved digging out the decorations each year.
What is your favourite Christmas song?
All I Want For Christmas is You. What a classic! What a voice!
Cinderella runs from Friday 26 November 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022. Find out more and book your tickets here.
