Meet the cast of Corn Exchange Newbury's Dick Whittington: Jake Poolman
In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Dick Whittington, we chatted with Jake Poolman who is a part of the Ensemble, in an exclusive interview...
What are you most looking forward to about performing Dick Whittington at the Corn Exchange this festive season?
I’m most looking forward to taking the audience on a journey and spreading some Christmas spirit.
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 envision my character's goals throughout the story which allows me to get into character and what my character needs to do to achieve his goals. When warming up I always take in the view of the auditorium before the audience arrives. Also, I would never wish an actor good luck, as it is bad luck in a theatre, I would always say break a leg.
If you went on an adventure like Dick Whittington what three items would you bring with you?
Sausage rolls, as they are my favourite food and I might get peckish, a football so I have something to play with and a radio so I can listen to music.
If you could have a sidekick like Dick Whittington’s cat, what animal would you choose and why?
A sloth because they give good hugs and would make a calming companion in a crisis but they might slow me down on a trip!
If you could live inside the world of any Christmas film, what would it be?
Nativity as it is my favourite Christmas film and would be hilarious to be part of it and to cause mischief throughout the school.
If your life was a musical, what musical would it be?
As a performer, my life is rather like Chorus Line trying to navigate auditions and find my place in the industry.
Cosmo the cat love tea, do you have a favourite type of tea?
I don't drink tea as I have allergies.
Do you have any Christmas traditions?
We always play cards and board games together as a family.
Dick Whittington runs from Friday 29 November to Sunday 5 January 2025. Find out more and book your tickets here.