Meet the cast of Corn Exchange Newbury's Dick Whittington: Chris Rankin

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Dick Whittington, we chatted with Chris Rankin, playing Alderman Fitzwarren, in an exclusive interview...

What are you most looking forward to about performing Dick Whittington at the Corn Exchange this festive season?

I love panto, and actually generally just being in front of a live audience - so I think that’s what I’m MOST excited about! There’s something really special about the relationship between the cast and the audience in a panto - you never do two shows the same - so I’m excited to see what Newbury audiences have to offer! Newbury is somewhere I’ve never spent any time, so I’m also really looking forward to exploring the area!

How do you get into character before stepping on stage each night? And do you have any favourite traditions or superstitions before a performance?

I love to have some quiet time just to myself before I go onstage. It can get quite hectic before a show, so a few minutes of peace to focus really helps me. 

I’ve got quite a few superstitions, but I’m superstitious, so I don’t want to tell you in case it stops them working!!! 

If you went on an adventure like Dick Whittington what three items would you bring with you?

Oooh, probably some sweets for starters - adventures can be hungry work, and I am prone to getting hangry… 

After that, a good pair of walking boots (Hopefully that counts as one item not two…!) and then, my horse - because she can carry me when I get sleepy!

If you could have a sidekick like Dick Whittington’s cat, what animal would you choose and why?

I’m tempted to say my horse, but I’ve already roped her in as transport, so I’d choose my trusty dog Stanley.

If you could live inside the world of any Christmas film, what would it be?

If you’re asking 41 year old Chris - I think it’d be In the Bleak Midwinter - which is absolutely my favourite Christmas film. It’s not very well known, but it’s about a bunch of actors putting on Hamlet in a disused church over Christmas, and it’s just wonderfully funny, moving, and encapsulates everything I love about the theatre.

If you’re asking 10 year old Chris, it’d be Home Alone, but without the baddies!

If your life was a musical, what musical would it be?

Oh heck…! Most musicals are pretty eventful, and usually involve French people storming barricades or 18th century rap battles…! I’ve just asked my Fiancée and she says Annie, 'Cos you’re Ginger.' Great.

Cosmo the cat loves tea, do you have a favourite type of tea?

I do love a Ginger and Lemon tea. Not really a tea, though, is it? Honestly, more of an espresso fiend.

What’s one of the funniest or most unexpected things that has happened to you on stage during a live show?

In one show I toured many moons ago, we had an issue when one character stormed off, slamming a door. One day he slammed it too hard that the whole wall started to lean - so I spent act 3 of the play literally holding the set up!

Running Brecon Little Theatre must be rewarding! Has being involved on the other side of productions influenced how you approach your own performances?

I love running Brecon Little Theatre! Community theatre has always been a huge part of my life - and it’s what gave me the confidence and passion for performing that ended up with me 'shouting in the evenings' for a living!

I don’t think it’s really changed how I approach performing though, but it really does give me a full appreciation of how many people, and how much work it takes to put on a production! You’ll see 10 of us on stage in panto, but there’s just so many more people involved in getting it ready!

Dick Whittington runs from Friday 29 November to Sunday 5 January 2025. Find out more and book your tickets here.