Meet the cast of Sleeping Beauty: Graham Mackay Bruce

In the lead-up to this year's #NewburyPanto adventure, Sleeping Beauty, we chatted with Graham Mackay-Bruce, playing Madam Marvellous, in an exclusive interview...

It’s wonderful to have you back in Newbury! What is it about the Corn Exchange pantomime that keeps you coming back, and what makes it such a special place to perform?

I love the team who create this pantomime. They create something that is original, fun, touching and geared towards this community. The audiences are wonderful and seem to really welcome the panto back every year with generosity and enthusiasm.

This year you’re playing Madam Marvellous, the headmistress of the Berkshire School for the Best Behaved. What can audiences expect from her, and how would you describe her in three words?

Naughty, cheeky and a little bit strict!

What is it about playing the Dame that you love most?

Audience rapport and interaction.

Pantomime is often a child’s first experience of live theatre, but it’s also a big part of Christmas for many adults. Why do you think the tradition remains so special?

People need laughter and escape. Life can be hard, particularly Christmas time for many people. To have something that is unapologetically entertainment and uncynical fun is vitally important and we would miss it if it wasn’t there. It is also a completely British genre, you don’t get it anywhere else in the world, and that makes it pretty special and unique in my opinion.

What would your perfect day off in Newbury look like during the pantomime season?

Sleeping and drinking coffee and walking in Berkshire somewhere. Not necessarily in that order!

What do you think makes a trip to the Corn Exchange pantomime such a great way for local families to celebrate Christmas together?

It is a warm and inviting place to come too. People smile and welcome you with open arms and laughter is encouraged!

Finally, if you could give Newbury audiences one reason to book their tickets for this year’s pantomime, what would it be?

Madam Marvellous obviously!!!!!!

Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday 27 November to Saturday 2 January. Find out more and book your tickets: