Nick's Panto blog

Review 4

2011-12-15T18:03:00.001Z

The Stage

"Nick Wilton’s Dame Trott is a comic delight, crowbarring in the innuendos

and keeping mums and dads chortling throughout."

By Matt Fancy

Chris Jarvis has become a fixture of the panto scene in Dorset and on the strength of Jack and the Beanstalk, he’ll be very welcome for many years to come.
His direction keeps the show springing along and his boundless energy and enthusiasm as Silly Billy ensure that the pace never drops when he’s onstage. Clearly a natural born entertainer, and very much at home at the Pavilion.

With a script littered with local references and sharp asides, this is very much a panto for the people of Bournemouth of all ages.

Debra Stephenson’s performance as Jack is a tour de force of energy, fun and, during one technical hiccup, inspired improvisation. The impressions that she’s known for come thick and fast to rapturous applause, especially a spot on Anne Robinson.

Brian Capron is a fiendishly devilish Fleshcreep, revelling in the boos and in a bizarre way - channelling Albert Finney - while the delightful Kate Weston is an adorable Fairy Bubbles.

Nick Wilton’s Dame Trott is a comic delight, crowbarring in the innuendos and keeping mums and dads chortling throughout.

Some elegant dancing, magnificent sets and a catchy score all add to the fun of a superb evening’s entertainment.

Review 3

2011-12-15T17:58:00.001Z

Southern Daily Echo

"Nick Wilton probably claimed most laughs for his role as Dame Trott."

By Simon Carter
Sports Editor (?)

A loveable cow, men dressed as women, women dressed as men, corny jokes, slapstick routines involving ice cream, goodies and villains, plus the inevitable shouts of “It’s behind you!”.
Yes, pantomime season is here again.
And down at the Pavilion in Bournemouth they’ve just started putting on the superb Jack and the Beanstalk, which runs until early next month.
Beans means a whole lot of belly laughs in this lavish production which truly lives up to the pantomime as excellent family fun.

As always, the youngsters will love the interaction with the characters, the singing and dancing and the flurry of jokes which never let up.
But so much of the humour will only be fully understood by adults – witness numerous mentions of local ‘attractions’ such as the Imax, Wessex Way and the Boscombe Surf Reef.
Exceptionally well written, the script is also given a topical twist with references to the likes of Ed Miliband, George Osborne and even the Greek economy.
Bournemouth’s very own Chris Jarvis – the childrens’ TV star – plays the role of Silly Billy, brother to show hero Jack Trott (telly impressionist Debra Stevenson), while Nick Wilton probably claimed most laughs for his role as Dame Trott.

Former Corrie bad boy Brian Capron, is typecast in the role of villain Fleshcreep, henchman of the Giant, and he too plays his part fantastically well.
This was a great evening’s entertainment.
If you’ve already booked, you’ll have a great time. If you haven’t, book now.
As I would have said to the story’s star, that’s a real Christmas cracker, Jack.

Review 2

2011-12-15T17:51:00.000Z

Whatsonstage

"Nick Wilton in the guise of Dame Trott, is superb – a really classy dame"

By Simon Cole

After last year’s hugely successful Cinderella, I had high hopes for UK Production’s 2011 Bournemouth pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, which opened on 3 December at the town’s Pavilion Theatre, and runs until 2 January 2012.
The fact that I am slightly disappointed probably has everything to do with the material – Jack has never been a favourite panto of mine, perhaps lacking the magical qualities of Cinderella and some of the more spectacular elements of other seasonal offerings.

The cast certainly are faultless, and work very hard to inject plenty of Christmas cheer. CBeebies star and local lad Chris Jarvis - hopefully now a permanent fixture at the Bournemouth panto - is good value as always; his natural charm and warm, cheeky personality enchants the audience young and old.Also directing the show Chris in his role as Silly Billy brings much of the comedy and keeps the story flowing at a fare pace. Debra Stephenson’s quick fire impressions makes Jack lots of fun too, and Brian Capron makes a text book panto villain, as the Giant’s evil henchman Fleshcreep.

Nick Wilton in the guise of Dame Trott, is superb – a really classy dame - and Kate Weston (Fairy Bubbles), Marcus Knibbs (The King) and Rebecca Marks (Princess) provide excellent support.

The sets and costumes are eye-catching and in most parts hit the spot – although the beanstalk itself is a little underwhelming, and the giant less “Harry Potter” and more ‘It’s a Knockout’ – but you can’t go wrong with Daisy – a first class cow if ever I saw one!
Full of topical and fruity gags to please the adults – including plenty of crowd pleasing local references – and all the traditional elements to amuse and bedazzle the kiddies, Jack and the Bean stalk is set to be another sure-fire winner for the festive season.

Review 1

2011-12-15T17:40:00.002Z

Bournemouth Echo

IT'S as much a part of Christmas as turkey and tinsel - a good pantomime is the perfect way to forget the stresses of shopping and kick-start that festive feeling.
And thankfully this version of Jack and the Beanstalk is a real Christmas cracker that even Ebeneezer Scrooge would be unable to resist.

It contains everything a traditional pantomime should – a brave hero to cheer, a dastardly villain to boo, a hefty dose of slapstick for the kids and enough innuendo to keep the accompanying adults amused.

Much of its success is down to a great cast, led superbly by Cbeebies star Chris Jarvis, Bad Girls actress Debra Stephenson and former Coronation Street baddie Brian Capron.

Chris says he loves performing in his home town, and it shows. As Jack's brother Silly Billy he is cheeky, charming and deliciously camp and his local knowledge is spot on – the Imax, surf reef, Castlepoint and Dave Wells are among the many targets of his gags.
He's perfectly matched by Debra, who makes a good Jack but is an even better impressionist. Her quick-fire imitations of, amongst others, Cheryl Cole, Davina McCall, Hilary Devey, Lorraine Kelly and Katie Price are a real highlight of the show – sadly wasted on the children but a real treat for the parents.

Crucially, given the young age of the audience, the panto rattles along at a cracking pace, with constant jokes that more often than not hit the mark. This is a show that sparkles like the fairy lights on a Christmas tree.

Apologies.

2011-12-11T18:37:00.002Z

A week into the run. All going well. Some great houses and a lot of fun.
Apologies for lack of activity on the blog, but I'm trying to get my Christmas cards out.
Costume photos, reviews, and panto gossip to follow soon.

Over the top!

2011-12-04T10:25:00.004Z

We went over the top 2.30pm yesterday afternoon. A great first show and a fantastic audience. Another good show at 7.00pm. Only one show today and a day off tomorrow - looking forward to that; think we might go and see "My Week with Marilyn" in the evening.

I had an email asking what our rehearsal schedule was so here we go:
We started rehearsing on Mon 21st for 8 days (with Sun 27th off); One and a half days for the technical rehearsal then an afternoon for sound and band (on Thursday 1st); First dress rehearsal (Tech/Dress) in the evening; Friday - work bits, second (Full) Dress and any tidying up; First show Saturday (3rd December) at 2.30pm.

Extremely rare photo of Director, Chris Jarvis, giving notes after second dress rehearsal.

Trott & Fletch

2011-11-28T15:00:00.000Z

Met up with Bournemouth legend Steve "Fletch" Fletcher today.

Don't think he quite knew what to make of me.

Come on you Cherries!

End of Week One

2011-11-27T20:04:00.003Z

Our first week of rehearsals went really well and it's going to be a great show.

Chris Jarvis and I went to the switching on of the Christmas Lights over in Christchurch last night, which was great fun. The town centre was absolutely crammed and everyone we spoke to said they'd already booked to see the panto.

Had a wonderful day off today. The weather was fantastic; a lovely walk along the beach at Boscombe and Sunday lunch at Aruba on Bournemouth pier (They're sponsoring the panto so I'm hoping we can have a panto party there at some point in the run... hint,hint.)

Packing for panto

2011-11-19T13:23:00.001Z

Getting stuff ready to pack into car for drive down to Bournemouth tomorrow. Hope it all fits. Got to leave some space for Lynette and Winnie (the yorkie-poo) this year. Might have to strap one of them to the roof (but which one?)
Got two new costumes this year - one I bought on ebay (thanks to Pat Moss for altering it to fit and adding a zip in the back), and one designed and made by Jeannie Day (my wardrobe mistress from last year in Basingstoke) which is ab fab. Thanks Jeannie.
Oh yes, I also had my two (hard) wigs refurbed by Kevin & Gerry at Wig Art so a big "thank you" to them too ( http://www.wig-art.co.uk/ )

Bournemouth Pavilion 2011

2011-09-09T16:47:00.005+01:00

After spectacularly breaking box office records with ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ in 2009, and following the overwhelming success of ‘Cinderella’ last year - UK Productions brings you a giant production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ for this year’s Bournemouth Pavilion Pantomime.

Make sure the whole family is full of beans this Christmas and follow the hilarious tale of the ups and downs of young Jack Trott played by Deborah Stevenson (The Impressions Show & Coronation Street), the boy who manages to sell the family’s only valuable possession, Daisy the Cow, for a handful of beans (and they weren’t even Heinz!). He ends up having to climb a giant beanstalk into the clouds and a whole heap of trouble, to retrieve the cow and to try and impress the King.

Jack is helped and hindered along the way by his less than bright brother Silly Billy played by CBeebies star and Bournemouth panto favourite Chris Jarvis, the Good Fairy, Kate Weston from Wave 105, and his long-suffering mother Dame Trott played hilariously by one of the country’s top panto dames, Nick Wilton better known as Mr Lister from Eastenders.

Join Jack on his quest to defeat the evil Giant Blunderbore and his nasty henchman Fleshcreep played by Brian Capron (Coronation Street’s bad boy Richard Hillman), to win not only his fortune but also the hand of the Kings beautiful daughter.

The whole production is complimented by lavish costumes and a sumptuous set and promises to be another spectacular success from producers UK Productions.

It’s a giant of a pantomime…don’t miss it!

Click here for more info:

Bournemouth Pavilion website

2011/2012 Season - Booked!

2011-03-10T12:17:00.004Z

Hooray! Booked today for panto this Christmas - my 12th consecutive year as Dame - "Jack and the Beanstalk" for UK Productions at Bournemouth, with Chris Jarvis (who is also directing), and Debra Stephenson.

Review (4)

2010-12-22T10:06:00.001Z

Basingstoke's Anvil is home this Christmas, as usual, to a traditional panto story. Sleeping Beauty offers the elements that we are all used to with good and bad fairies (in the hands of a couple of stars), a dame and a pair of young lovers. With the good folk of the village played by local youngsters and a whole load of jokes about X-factor and Strictly Come Dancing, this show faithfully touches all the bases...
Nick Wilton provides a bustling Nurse Nelly with more than a bit of a bruiser about her (and) outfits satisfactorily outrageous and over the top.

http://www.reviewsgate.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5401

Review (3)

2010-12-17T10:39:00.006Z

UK Productions has always provided conventional pantomimes and this year’s traditional offering at the Anvil has the long established stamp of habitual routine all over it. And if the format works, why not? It’s fun, lively, colourful and has enough audience participation and euphemistic gags to satisfy both children and adults respectively.
There is an almost manic obsession to include every traditional aspect of panto, from those age-old routines of the echo trick, the mirror ‘ballet’ and kitchen slapstick, but it is also deeply satisfying that these well-loved veteran novelties of our great British theatre are upheld.
Wendy Craig is perfect as the Good Fairy with Andrew Agnew working enthusiastically as Silly Billy, Nick Wilton as an excellent Nurse Nelly and Michael Chance as the comical King.

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/30659/sleeping-beauty

Review (2)

2010-12-17T10:26:00.005Z

The Anvil's pantomime is a true festive feast of fun for all the family. Director Maurice Lane's Sleeping Beauty is a spectacular show filled with dazzling special effects, beautiful costumes and a dream cast.
Every panto needs a Dame and Nick Wilton was the superlative Nurse Nelly with the most outlandish costumes and so many of them. The rapport between Silly Billy and Nelly was effervescent.

http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/sbeautyanvil-rev.htm

Panto Review

2010-12-12T13:43:00.003Z

The undoubted stars of this piece are Nick Wilton’s dame, Nurse Nelly, and Silly Billy, played by Andrew Agnew (known to kiddies up and down the land as PC Plum from CBeebies Balamory).

The pair work tirelessly to wring every bit of comedy from (the) script, with a nice bit of business with a mirror and by launching themselves into the audience, bringing some much needed energy to proceedings.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/southeast/E8831292051967/Sleeping+Beauty+(Basingstoke).html

Up & Running

2010-12-12T13:35:00.001Z

Last two shows of the week today. Nice review from Whatsonstage even though they came to 10.30 (Schools) show on our second day.
Looking forward to a going home for a couple of hours - I'll get back about 11.00pm tonight and will have to head back to Basingstoke Monday afternoon for 10.30am show Tuesday (Only three 10.30's left thankfully)

Sleeping Beauty

2010-09-19T14:49:00.005+01:00

http://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/10/dec/sleeping-beauty

2010 - Basingstoke

2010-05-10T12:21:00.002+01:00

Thrilled to be back with UK Productions for my 11th consecutive year playing Dame in Sleeping Beauty with Wendy Craig, Abi Titmuss and Andrew Agnew in Basingstoke (9th December - 2nd January)
Previous pantos : http://www.nickwilton.com/Page%203.html

2010/11 season

2010-03-05T19:54:00.001Z

Hooray! Booked today for panto this Christmas -
my 11th consecutive year as Dame.
More details soon...

Home

2010-01-18T14:46:00.002Z

Been home a week now and I'm slowly wading through the washing and packing everything away. Loved doing "Snow White" in Weston and hope I get the chance to work with some of the cast again - they were all great to be with. Went to see Evolution's "Peter Pan" in Canterbury last Friday, with three mates in it - Ben Roddy as Smee, Louise English as Mrs Darling/Squatting Cow/Mia the Mermaid, and Dave Lee as Tinkerbelly (!). They were all great and it was a lot of fun. Off to see Nigel Ellacott in Ilford on Thursday, and then it's bye bye to Pantoland till next year.

A week to go

2010-01-03T14:12:00.000Z

Quite a few pantos round the country finish today but we've still got a week to go. Day off tomorrow - hooray! We only had a day off on thursday but these three days have been hard - don't know why.
Here are a few panto facts:
I have twelve costume changes per show - 3 of which are quick changes in the wings; for the others I go back to my dressing room which is one floor up from stage level (18 steps).
So I go up and down 360 steps per show.
In the course of our run here in Weston I will have had 564 costume changes,
and gone up and down 16920 steps (and that's in high heels!)

27 down, 20 to go

2009-12-30T11:30:00.002Z

Past the half-way point now and all going well. Playing Dolly with a slightly lower voice this year so there's not so much strain on the old chords, and I'm managing to avoid the dreaded "panto voice". A dwarf short tonight (sorry, couldn't resist that ) so one of the juve dancers has taken his/her place. A full compliment of (big) dancers for a couple of days now - they've been worst hit by various bugs etc; this confirms my theory that choreography just ain't natural and isn't good for you, which is why I've always tried to avoid it as much as possible (ever since a nasty case of Gillianlynnitis auditioning for "Chitty")
Heard a new Specsavers gag that I might try and sneak in today.

Panto Pic

2009-12-20T17:18:00.003Z

Keith's Christmas card photo of

Me, Vicki, Keith (Company Manager) & Peter

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho

2009-12-19T18:37:00.003Z

It's back to work we go after a lovely day off. Really enjoyed Snow White in Sheffield - Damian Williams was a triumph as Dame as ever... but enough about him. Our show's going well and we've had some nice reviews; The Stage described me as well-upholstered - in other words... wait for it... Sofa so good!
http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/26703/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs

Wednesday 16th

2009-12-17T01:02:00.004Z

Two shows today at 1.30 (would have been a lovely morning off but had to do Christmas cards) and 7.00. In evening show suddenly decided to break off in the middle of making up to clean my teeth before doing lipstick, then started chatting with dresser about something or other and so did opening with no lips. Another dreaded 10 o'clock show tomorrow (the last one until 6 Jan, thank god), then short turnround for second show at 1.30. THEN... up to Sheffield to see Damian Williams' "Snow White". Hooray!

Press Night

2009-12-16T10:05:00.004Z

Show went well.

Mr Holman, Theatre Big-wigs (my finale's still the biggest) and

Friends of the Theatre all very happy.

Like a Christmas tree all we need now is some trimming (ho ho)

Press Night tonight

2009-12-15T08:17:00.003Z

We opened yesterday at 10am to a small audience of tinies. It was good way to gently ease ourselves into the show. Another 10 o'clocker this morning with our Press Night tonight at 7.
A lovely company meal last night at Tarentella's (good food, friendly staff) to celebrate Vicki Michelle's birthday; her husband, Graham and Lynette joined us for a fun and noisy evening.
Looking forward to my first day off on Friday - Lynette and I are driving up to Sheffield after the 1.30 show Thursday to see Damian Williams in his "Snow White". Can't wait.
Memo to self - Eye-phone gag works better if I remember to take the prop on with me!

Sunday - Day 10

2009-12-13T08:28:00.002Z

In for notes at 9.15, then 2 dress rehearsals. We open tomorrow with a 10.00 am show, then another 10 o'clocker on Tuesday and press in for the evening show at 7.00.

Tuesday - Day 5

2009-12-08T19:31:00.002Z

Oh dear - struggling with the dancing. How many left feet can one person have ?!?!

Sunday - 7.00pm

2009-12-06T19:10:00.001Z

All blocked - v. impressive - now just got to learn it...

Sunday - Day 3

2009-12-06T09:59:00.002Z

Peter Duncan joins us today so we start blocking from the top. No days off until 18th, when I go up to Sheffield to see Damian (Williams) in his "Snow White".
We open next monday with a 10 o'clock show which is a first for me - it's going to feel very strange!

First Day

2009-12-04T19:29:00.002Z

A good first day's rehearsal. Ran through my song for the end of my opening spot, "Dolly Dumpling's Special Remedy" (my version of George Formby's "Aunty Maggie's Homemade Remedy") which I wrote for "Snow White" in Worthing in 2004. I was a bit worried because the Director/Choreographer, David Samuel has added in dancers and babes doing a routine, which I didn't think the song needed, but he's done a great job and I'm totally won over; I think it's going to work really well. Also worked a bit with the MD, Colin Billing, who is wonderfully relaxed and above all patient. Another relatively easy day tomorrow but it will all kick off for real on Sunday afternoon when Peter Duncan joins us (from directing panto in Oxford).
Have decided not to try and cook Christmas lunch in our flat so have just booked for The Old Manor Inn in Kewstoke instead.

Panto here I come

2009-12-02T16:12:00.002Z

Off to Weston tomorrow to start rehearsing friday. All packed -just have to pick up new frock en route in Shoreham from the wonderful Pat Moss

Panto Launch 15th September

2009-09-07T11:25:00.002+01:00

I'm really looking forward to my trip down to Weston next wednesday for the Panto Launch. Still trying to decide what to wear - at the moment I'm favouring my "Daisy" outfit - but I've sorted out what I'll be doing for the "taster" show - the Billy Balloon story.

2009 Panto Confirmed

2009-05-23T10:20:00.000+01:00

This will be my tenth consecutive year playing Dame - in "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs" with Peter Duncan and Vicki Michelle in Weston-super-Mare for Paul Holman. I am thrilled to be playing in my Mother's hometown, where my Great Uncle, George Locke, was a popular bandleader at The Winter Gardens in the 40's and 50's.

New blog

2009-05-02T18:56:00.000+01:00

This is a new blog I've set up for panto news, which I can update when I'm away from home.
No news at the moment as to where I'll be this Christmas, but stayed tuned...