Viv Hardwick talks to Darlington pantomime cast members Adam C Booth and Beth Stobbart

HE may be The Scarecrow in The Wizards Of Oz at Darlington Civic Theatre, but Adam C Booth comes into the panto after shooting scenes as fictional comic character Keith Lemon’s brother Gregory.

“We are doing a few bits and bobs of filming and everyone says I do look a bit like Keith Lemon (played by comic Leigh Francis) and he’s one of the nicest guys you could meet,” says Booth, who appeared in the second series of ITV’s Lemon La Vida Loca.

“Hopefully, I’ll be part of the sketch show he’s announced which should be out next year. Then it’s straight off to Scarecrow in Darlington.

“I’ve done pantos before and two of them have been in Darlington, but they have been traditional ones and it’s nice to be doing something fresh and different and I’m looking forward to a different script and songs. By the sound of it, this is going to be very spectacular... although I’ll be hoping not to forget my lines about needing a brain,” says Booth.

“It’s so good working with legends of entertainment like The Chuckles, particularly when the public see them and start saying, ‘To me, to you’. Panto is variety and anybody who loves it will love them because they are part of the tradition. It will be a shame when there isn’t that anymore. This really has to be kept alive,” he says.

Booth takes part in everything from musicals to TV shows and recently took part in a national tour of Betty Blue Eyes, but enjoys the thrill of something different happening in panto every night.

“You interact with the audience and really learn your craft and bring in all the things you do in your career,” says the actor who is putting on make-up for the first time but feels that The Lion and The Tin Man will find it much worse under the hot stage lights.

“I’m not sure how much straw is involved but it will feel more like I’m going around in my pyjamas compared with a tin suit or being in some sort of duvet as a lion.

Chester-born Booth has appeared in Mamma Mia in the West End and toured in West Side Story and Footloose and recalls being taught the original dance steps for West Side Story by one of the last remaining members of the Sharks gang from the movie.

“It was a completely different style of dance to what people dance like now and trying to get that was so good,” he says.

“The Wizard Of Oz was on the TV recently and you forget how long ago it was made. But, it’s from a time which created so many fantastic films.”

DOES doing one panto classify me as a veteran? asks Darlington-based Beth Stobbart who will play Glinda in The Chuckles Of Oz having made her Civic Theatre debut last year as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin.

“When I was princess I was right next to the stage, but I think I may be bumped up to the next floor this year,” laughs the ArtsSpark Youth Theatre teacher who also works as a solo vocalist.

She feels that Gelinda is quite a character because in the film she’s presented as sweet and nice but there’s a new persona linked to the role as a result of the success of Wicked the musical.

“I really don’t know what slant the scriptwriters are going to take with Gelinda and I’m hoping she’s going to have a sense of humour,” says Stobbart, who has sung the Wicked hit Popular and would love to see the song included in the show.

“When I got offered the role I was told it was a big sing and I also get a wand which means I’ll be coming in to rescue the situation at some points. I can’t think of a better way of spending Christmas than getting to spend every day in a big sparkly dress and a crown,” she adds.

“I’m really excited because this show has so many magical characters. I remember the first rehearsals with The Chuckle Brothers last year and all the dancers and children involved were sitting at the front just captivated by them. I watched them in awe and it’s really magical to watch, which is why they are perfectly suited to this year’s pantomime. They are just as funny off-stage as well.

“They taught me the ropes last year and I owe them a lot.”

  • The Chuckles Of Oz, Darlington Civic Theatre, Saturday, December 6, to Sunday, January 11. Box Office: 01325-486555