Romance, comedy, a giant and an enormous beanstalk.
What else do you need for a Christmas pantomime in Fareham? Nasty Nick Cotton from EastEnders, that’s what.
John Altman – Nick Cotton from EastEnders – will be at the Fareham panto
John Altman, who plays the notorious television villain, will be entertaining families on stage at Ferneham Hall this festive season as Fleshcreep.
When John plays to a live-theatre audience, he goes all out to characterise himself as the villain – and has made many children cry in doing so.
“I’m going to be as evil as possible and try to get the maximum amount of boos,” he said.
“Fleshcreep does have characteristics of Nick Cotton, but generally more of a classical, Shakespearean touch.
“I like trying to make the children believe in the character. I’ve made kids cry before. Somebody brought their child to see me after a show and he took one look at me and burst into tears. I still had all the make-up on.
“Another time I walked into the stalls and wrestled with a woman as I tried to take her handbag. Her frail, little hands gripped hold of it so tight. I like going around trying to steal things – like sweets from kids. It’s all part of being the evil character.
The Jack and the Beanstalk cast launch the Fareham panto
“One child tried to trip me up once and he had a balloon so I popped it. I think I made him cry too. So they better watch out for me.”
But it’s not all bad news for the actor – who has starred in plays and productions across the UK and in Portsmouth and Southampton – as it’s the first time he will be coming to Fareham, since his childhood when the family would drive through it from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight on holiday.
He is looking forward to the show, which begins on December 13, and added: “There’s a lot of energy present in panto more so than watching a play. It’s a love story, it’s drama, it’s musical, it’s slapstick and it’s a dance spectacular.
“It’s a great amalgamation of many different parts of theatre.”
So be prepared to boo and hiss, fall about with laughter at the jovial pranks between Dame Trott (Mark Siney) and Simple Simon (Ben Redfern) and cheer on Jack (Tracey Penn) as he goes on his quest to fight the giant – and Fleshcreep.
Expect an emotional journey for Jack as he climbs a magical beanstalk, a terrifying giant and plenty of slapstick comedy and topical jokes.
The pantomime runs from December 13 to January 5. For tickets and times contact the box office on 01329 231942.
