When it comes to the holiday season, there's nothing quite like the magic of attending a pantomime. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the launch of the Cinderella pantomime at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, and to make the night even more special, I had the privilege of interviewing the talented and charismatic Louie Spence and Local lad and entrepreneur/ entertainer Steve Walls.
A Whitley Bay Tradition: Cinderella Pantomime
The Whitley Bay Playhouse has been a cultural hub in the North East of England for decades, known for hosting exceptional performances year after year. Their pantomime productions, in particular, have become a beloved tradition for families and theatre enthusiasts alike.
This year's production of Cinderella produced by Gary Telfer promises to be something truly spectacular. With stunning costumes, impressive set designs, and a cast of incredibly talented actors, it was an event that had the whole community buzzing with anticipation.
Interviewing Louie Spence: A Dancer Extraordinaire
Louie Spence, best known for his energetic and charismatic personality, is a renowned British dancer and choreographer. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made a name for himself in the world of dance and entertainment. His infectious enthusiasm and sharp wit have made him a fan favourite on various television shows, including "Pineapple Dance Studios" and "Dancing on Ice."
As I arrived at the Whitley Bay Playhouse, the excitement in the air was palpable. The theater was adorned with festive decorations, and people were gathered, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the cast and perhaps even Louie himself.
In Conversation with Louie Spence
Our interview with Louie Spence was a delightful experience. His passion for performing arts and his love for pantomime shone through as he discussed his role as The Fairy Godfather in Cinderella and what it meant to be part of this beloved tradition.
Louie shared his excitement about performing in the pantomime and the joy he gets from making people laugh. He emphasised the importance of family-friendly entertainment, especially during the holiday season when people come together to create lasting memories.
He also talked about the challenges of preparing for such a physically demanding role, including the rigorous dance routines. But he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase his dance talent on the Playhouse stage.
Up next I spoke to Steve Walls who stars as "Buttons", Steve tells me that this is his 28th appearance in panto so this makes him a veteran of treading the boys in my eyes. Steve tells me of the fondness of performing with the likes of Freddie Starr and that Whitley Bay Playhouse is his favourite theatre to perform in. Finally I spoke to the producer Gary Telfer and he tells me that this takes a lot of planning which takes him at least a year every time he does a panto, from writing a script, casting, costumes and speaking to venues. He takes a lot of the production on himself and has already started on next year's.
Conclusion
If you're in the North East of England during the holiday season, be sure to make attending a pantomime at the Whitley Bay Playhouse part of your tradition. You never know who you might run into or what magical moments await you on that stage!
This year's show will run from this 8th December to 6th January 2024 and tickets are on sale now
