Hannah is thrilled to play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, this year’s Christmas pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal, running from 6 December to 4 January. We caught up with her to chat about her many creative pursuits, from embroidery to musical composition, and why she’s delighted to dive back into the magic of panto season.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’ve been doing pantomime since I was about eight. I’ve played every role you can think of to play in the pantomime world. And I’m passionate about pantomime. I’m a mum with three children. I am an embroidery artist, a writer and composer. I’ve never been to Norwich before. And I’m really excited to be here.
Tell us something we didn’t know about you. Is there a fun fact that we wouldn’t already know about you?
I once drove a London Underground tube- illegally! Well, I was about 17 on the Northern line. My boyfriend and I were there, and the train driver just opened the door, said, ‘hey, have a fancy driving a tube’, we got on, and we did!
Besides performing, what’s one hidden talent that you have?
Embroidery! I love to embroider people. Making wedding gifts and banners. I love to stitch and make art, and I spend most of my days off writing.
Sewing is so therapeutic. I’m one of those people who has to do something all the time. So, even if I’m sitting down watching television, my hands are moving, and I have to sew, and I find it, yeah, therapeutic. And I think it is important to have a hobby.
Are you looking forward to panto here at Norwich?
Very much so! I can already tell it’s a beautiful building, the Theatre, and a lovely area. I love working with Joe. Yeah, I’ve worked with Joe Tracini before; he is the best. We both love panto! It takes a certain kind of person to keep showing up with that good attitude. And to be grateful for being on the stage and the people making it all come together.
But panto really is special. It’ll sometimes be the first time that children have ever been or will come to the theatre! I really believe that theatre is for everybody, it is very important.
So even though you have never been to Norwich before, what are you looking forward to in spending Christmas with us?
Oh, I want to see what Norwich has got in terms of artisan stores. I walked past a sign for a flea market- that looks really interesting, and very up my street. Or even just walking up the river, eating at different restaurants, I am a big foodie!
If you could play any panto character, what would it be and why?
I am looking forward to being the fairy. But I really did enjoy playing the baddie. So, we’ll have to see where this goes. But there really is something rich about playing the baddie.
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
