THERE is nothing like a Dame. Pantomimes may have their big-named stars and glamorous leading ladies but it is the over-dressed, over made-up Dames who provide the laughs and bring the fun to any production.
Ask any youngster in the audience and it usually The Ugly Sisters, Widow Twankey, Sarah The Cook from Dick Whittington or Dame Trott (Jack and the Beanstalk) who stick in their minds.
They wear the most outrageous costumes and spend their time encouraging the audiences to boo and hiss, laugh and cry. It's never clear who has more fun – the children in the audience or the young-at-heart Dames on stage.
We've had Dames in Christmas family shows for more than 300 years but it is only since the 1850s that the roles have been taken by men who take great delight in dragging up for the parts, making them as camp or monstrous as possible.
This year we have a battle of The Ugly Sisters as both The Grove, in Dunstable and
Milton Keynes Theatre stage
Cinderella. Anne Cox of The LBO talks to The Milton Keynes actors behind the wigs and slapstick.
*At
Milton Keynes Theatre Chris Dennis and David Langham are slipping into the Ugly Sister frocks though they're the most glamorous Uglies you'll ever see.
Linslade's Louise Dearman is taking the title role with entertainer Bobby Davro, Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, TV's Anthea Turner and handsome pop star Ben Adams.
David who played the same role in 2006's Cinders production at the theatre, has also appeared in Phantom of The Opera.
How long does it take to do the very elaborate make-up ?DL: "It takes ages when you start but you finally get it down to about 30 minutes. It's quite intricate to do."
CD: "It's not something you're ever taught as an actor. It's very specialist."
And the frocks ?DL: "This year they've designed us some amazing new frocks that Robinsons, the sponsors of the panto, are helping produce. They will be made especially for us. It's going to be a real honour to wear them."
CD: "We've just seen the designs and they look spectacular. The work that goes into these quirky novelty costumes! It's all about quick changes and the gowns are so intricate.
"Sometimes they weigh a ton, especially the head pieces, but it's all fun."
How do you get on with the heels ?DL: "Oh like a duck to water! I miss them for the rest of the year! I can't wait to get them back on."
CD: "It's the ball stairs. When it's Cinderella and it's the ball scene and you normally have a very elaborate ball costume with a huge head-dress and heels and you've got to walk down those stairs! You have to be so careful!"
Have you ever fallen ?DL: "We don't use the 'F' word!
What about the enormous wigs ?DL: "They're lighter than they look. They're very cleverly designed."
You're both jobbing actors. How do you see the role of Dame?DL: "We're both professional actors so this is just a character role. Sometimes we specialise doing these sort of Christmas shows because they're so great."
CD: "A lot of actors leave the Christmas season open because they love playing panto. It's a great opportunity to play these larger-than-life characters. It becomes part of our Christmas tradition.
"I found it really nerve wracking to begin with but now it's great."
DL: " We both love it. You've got to enjoy it because it's really hard work."
Is it difficult keeping your performances fresh when you're on a six week run with, sometimes, three shows a day ?CD: "It can be but not when you're working with some brilliant comedians like Bobby Davro. Their material changes per show so sometimes you're in a scene and it's as fresh to you as it is for the audience!
"A panto changes as the run progresses. If you saw an opening night and one right at the end it would be so different."
DL: "And as the casts get to know each other there'll be little in-jokes slipped in."
*See the Ugly Sisters in action. Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre runs from December 4 until January 17. For tickets call 0844 871 7652 or go online www.ambassadortickets.com/miltonkeynes 