Andy Ford is one of the UK's leading pantomime comics. After 7 years of appearing on stage at the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre, Andy is making his Woking pantomime debut this year at the New Victoria Theatre. Not only does Andy Ford star as Herman the Henchman in this year’s Snow White performance, but he also helped write the script, alongside co-star Warwick Davis. In an exclusive interview, Andy reveals all about his pantomime career.

“The most important aspect of a pantomime is that it has to be entertaining! Not only entertaining for a certain demographic, entertaining for a very, very wide range of people. The whole family must be able to enjoy the same piece of entertainment. Secondly, the performance should be extravagant and flamboyant. For many children, pantomime will be the first time they’ve come to the theatre, so we have to make it memorable!”

Star Wars star Warwick Davis asked for Andy’s help in writing the script for this year’s extravaganza. They used the original template, written by Eric Potts, and modified it for this year’s special performance. Andy believes that the most important aspect of pantomime script writing is ensuring the basic storyline shines through.

“The most rewarding part of doing pantomime is seeing a whole family together, enjoying themselves. There aren’t many situations where the whole family can be in one place, and enjoy the same thing.”

After working with an array of showbiz legends in his 47 years of pantomime, Andy states that his favourite pantomime co-stars include Henry Winkler, Bernie Nolan, Claire Sweeney and Letitia Dean. However, his favourite has been EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor, who he starred with in Dick Whittington in 2010.

Following 2 weeks of rehearsing in London, the cast moved into the New Victoria Theatre Woking under a week prior to the first performance, for the technical rehearsals. “Without doubt, my favourite pantomime of all time is Cinderella, and I adore playing the role of Buttons. This is because I believe that Cinderella is just so magical and majestic!”

“Working with Warwick Davis really is a privilege! I starred in Snow White with him last year in Bristol, so working with him again this year really is an honour. It’s just a shame we don’t feature in that many scenes together!”

This year promises to be an impressive show, with Andy guaranteeing that this year’s production will be out of this world! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres in Woking today, and runs until 8th January 2017. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the fairest pantomime of them all!

By James Stonehouse, St George's College Weybridge