One half of the double act Nimmo Twins, Owen Evans will be giving his whole “wicked” heart to the Cinderella panto this year at the Norwich Theatre Royal between 6 Dec – 4 Jan. We sat down with him to talk all about it.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Cromer. I went to drama school in London, I spent about 10 years in London, moved back to Norwich, and that’s when things still really started to rock and roll. Now it’s panto land!
Tell us something we didn’t know about you.
My middle name is ‘Caradoc’. It’s a Welsh name. My dad’s first language!
Besides, performing. Obviously, you’re talented, but what’s one hidden talent that you have?
I’ve recently acquired a puppy, and I am the best doggy Daddy in the world! His mum’s a Jack Russell, his dad’s, a Cockapoo. He’s called Chester, and he’s the apple of my eye.
You’ve done panto before, but are you looking forward to Cinderella with us?
Oh, I can’t wait. I can’t wait to do Cinderella, so it’s going to be so much fun this year!
What’s the best thing about having Christmas here at Norwich?
The panto at Norwich Theatre Royal! Really. Yeah, easily. Oh, and the fireworks display at Cromer at New Year’s.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about performing?
Learning to stand still on stage, don’t shuffle about, learn how to own your space, and enjoy it, own it!
We love Christmas at the theatre, panto is our favourite thing, but what is your favourite thing about Christmas?
It’s waking up on Christmas morning and seeing all the presents under the tree and having a nice little breakfast before anyone else gets up.
If you could play any panto character, who would it be and why?
In the past, I have talked about doing a panto version of Nelson’s story, with me playing Lady Hamilton, which I think would be rather brilliant.
If you could have energy any magical item from a fairy tale. What would it be and why?
I think I’d have the magic ring from Aladdin, wish my wishes away.
All right, so these are really fun ‘this or that’ questions.
Glass slipper or comfy trainers?
Comfy trainers.
Grand ball entrance, or a quiet getaway?
Quiet getaway.
Pumpkin, or getaway car?
Pumpkin.
Prince Charming’s Royal decree, or Button’s best joke.
Oh, Button’s best joke- any day!
Midnight deadline or no curfew at all?
No curfew at all.
‘Oh, no, he isn’t’, Or ‘he’s behind you’.
He’s behind you!
Happily ever after or another Grand Adventure?
Another grand adventure?
And finally, why should people come and see panto this year?
Because it’s going to be brilliant! I mean, Joe’s written it, Joe’s in it. I’m in it, Kenny’s in it. It’s going to be a ball!
