Comedian Phil Walker is back at Blackburn's King George's Hall for the third year running in the town's traditional panto. He talks to PAULINE HAWKINS
PHIL Walker, son of comic 'Catchphrase' game show host Roy Walker, finished up in a cast he didn't expect when he first tried his hand at pantomime two years ago.
Phil, currently starring in 'Dick Whittington' at King George's Hall, Blackburn, was the narrator for 'Cinderella On Ice'. He said: "I tried to learn how to skate but badly sprained my wrist. I thought I had broken it and ended up in a cast."
The show went on, but with Phil wearing some shoes with a special grip so it looked like he was an expert at balancing on the ice.
His feet may now be firmly on the ground but in the world of panto he has one big ambition -- to play the role of dashing Buttons in a traditional production of the story of the humble Cinders, her Fairy Godmother, glass slipper and pumpkin coach.
"Cinderella is my favourite, but when I did 'Cinderella On Ice' I wasn't interacting with the other members of the cast. I'd like to do 'Cinderella' properly," he said.
In 'Dick Whittington', Phil takes the role of Idle Jack, playing alongside two performers he met last Christmas when they all appeared in Jack and the Beanstalk -- Ashley Morton, who plays King Rat, and the delectable Nikita Scott, who plays Alice.
After three days of morning and afternoon performances for schoolchildren, evening costumed capers resume tonight at 7pm and there's a 2pm show tomorrow. After that, the cast earns a four-day break from Sunday to Boxing Day inclusive, with a special signed performance for the deaf on Thursday, December 27, at 2pm.
Evening shows usually end at about 9.30pm, but as Phil lives in Lytham St Anne's he can be back in his own bed by 10.30pm.
His dad lives just around the corner and has been to see Phil in panto at Blackburn this season. He also manages to get to a few of his gigs.
Phil said: "I do stand-up comedy all over the place. It's hard being a comedian at Christmas -- you tend to do office parties, everyone has a few beverages and if you don't get on before 10pm you've no chance. Pantomime is a great escape and the main part is the audience participation."
Phil was born in Ireland and the family moved to England when he was two. As a child, he became familiar with the travelling life of the entertainer as he watched his dad perform for seaside holidaymakers. "When we broke up for the summer holidays we would go to Yarmouth or Torquay," he said.
Learning from Roy instilled the youngster with a sense of showmanship and style and he has delighted audiences with his rapport with them, especially the children.
Phil's wife Janet is a compere at a Blackpool hotel and is familiar with the unsocial hours and gruelling schedule of the live performer. The couple married last year but there will be no sunshine break after the final 'Dick Whittington' curtain call -- it's back on the road for Phil, where the streets may not be paved with gold as in pantoland, but are sure to continue his route to comedy success.
'Dick Whittington' is at King George's Hall, Blackburn, until January 13. For details, call the box office on 01254 582582
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