Panto audiences and theatre fans can enjoy an evening exploring the life and times of panto dames, with An Audience with Dame Lily Trott-Twankey at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 10 November.
In the lead-up to this year’s pantomime, Mother Goose, audiences are invited to learn more about pantomime dames – with Dame Lily having looked into her theatrical heritage and unearthing links to Thespis and Shakespeare, and shining a light on ‘her’ career and allure!
The show will be performed by Julian Eardley – the theatre’s beloved panto dame – who will, this festive season, play the title role, Mother Goose – in his 15th pantomime with the venue, and his 12th as a dame.
Julian’s debut at the theatre came in 2008 as Belle’s sister, Smelle Bottom, and last year he played Fairy Kind Heart in the enchanting Cinderella. Julian has also played the role of the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz twice at the theatre.
Julian has been fascinated with panto dames since seeing entertainer and female impersonator, Danni LaRue, in 1972. Julian won his first dame role in 2000, and after spending many Christmases playing the part of the dame at Theatre Royal Winchester, in 2022 he gave a lecture about his life as a panto dame to The Art Workers’ Guild in London. Julian has also spoken about his career in magazines, online and on radio.
This special evening will also include a post-show Q&A.
An Audience with Dame Lily Trott-Twankey will be at Theatre Royal Winchester on Sunday 10 November at 7.30pm. Recommended age: 12+. For more information, or to book tickets, visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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