This weekend, Owen Evans made his dame debut as Widow Molly Piecrust in our pantomime Aladdin. We caught up with the man behind the wigs and sensational outfits about his new role, missing his Nimmo Twin and how having a second breakfast is the perfect start to the day!
Are you excited to play the Dame this year?
I’m very excited. It’s a mixture of excitement and trepidation at the minute, as I’ve not actually done it before, but yes, excitement is the right word.
Have you always been channelling your inner Dame, or is this a new thing for you?
Oh no, this is completely new! I’ve had friends in the past say, ‘You should play a Dame one day. You’d be great at it,’ but no, this is a completely new territory for me.
How has it been practising those heels?
Oh, I’m not wearing heels. I’d break my neck! It’s flats and boots for me.
Most people will recognise you as one-half of the Nimmo Twins. Will you miss your partner in crime on stage?
I will. I’m used to having him around. I wouldn’t say he’s a calming influence, but I’m used to having that familiar face around. In my ideal world, he’d come on as the villain or something. But I do other stuff without Karl as well, so I’ll be fine.
How do you unwind after a hard day?
My go-to after a show is to make a fried egg sandwich, have a beer, watch some TV or do some reading to unwind, then try and get some sleep!
Seeing as you live locally. Are you looking forward to bringing a bit of Norfolk to the dame role?
Good question. I haven’t really thought about that before. I’m looking forward to giving it the Norfolk slant, and hopefully, people will pick up on that, and we can explore having fun with the Norfolk accent.
What is your favourite part of Christmas?
I always think of Christmas as a time for little children, and I missed Christmas when my daughter was little. So, hopefully, this year, I’ll enjoy Christmas a lot more, as there will be lots of children around for the panto, getting excited and having fun.
Could you describe your perfect day to me?
I’d wake up late, have a wonderful breakfast, maybe have a second breakfast, meet up with my wonderful friends and go up to the coast. I’d spend the day walking along the coast and swimming in the sea, getting some fish and chips, and then maybe going to the theatre afterwards.
Is there anything you’d like to tell your Nimmo fans?
Buy tickets! You should all come and see the show because it will be fun and a laugh. I’m sure you’ll hear bits of Norfolk, and we’ll get some gags in there for you.
Aladdin is on at the Norwich Theatre Royal until 5 Jan. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours now at norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office team on 01603 630 000.
Book now!
