Paul Toulson will star as the Dame in Guildford Fringe Theatre Company’s professional adult pantomime, D!CK The Adult Panto, which will play The Back Room of The Star Inn, Guildford, from 5 – 31 December 2020.
Definitely one for the grown-ups only, this will be the ninth Adult Panto for Guildford Fringe, following sell-out success in recent years. D!CK The Adult Panto is written by James Chalmers, Nick Wyschna and Charlotte Wyschna, directed by James Chalmers and produced by Nick Wyschna and Charlotte Wyschna for Guildford Fringe, the same creative team behind last year’s hit show, Sinders.
The venue will operate at reduced capacity to allow for social distancing, tickets are on sale here.
You’re starring as Dame Dixie Normous Fitznicely in Guildford Fringe Theatre Company’s D!ck The Adult Panto, what can you tell us about it?
D!CK is a sassy, fabulous and naughty Adult Panto! D!CK follows the story of a young naive lad who, with the help of his naughty pussy, comes to London to try and find himself, to save the town from the wicked Queen Rat and to fall in love with his darling Fanny Fitznicely. D!CK is being performed at The Back Room of The Star Inn in Guildford. It is a live performance where the audience members are socially distanced.
Your character has quite an interesting name, what else can you tell us that’s interesting about Dame Dixie?
Dame Dixie is a romantic and she will spend most of the evening looking for her next husband – hopefully one with a lot of money as she is partial to a new handbag! But Dame Dixie’s daughter Fanny is the most important thing to her and she only wants the best for her Fanny.
What are you looking forward to most about playing the Dame in an adult panto?
I am so excited as this is my first year playing a Dame and even more excited to be doing it in an Adult Panto! I get to be a little bit naughty, sing some classic anthems, interact and play around with the audience and doing it all whilst wearing some stunning costumes and wigs that may have to come home with me once the show is done… it is the best thing ever.
How does it feel to be getting back on stage at this incredibly difficult time?
The theatre and arts industry has been hit so hard this year and for the majority the fight still goes on. I feel so incredibly fortunate and lucky that I have been given the opportunity to be back in a rehearsal room and working on a live show. Of course, things in a rehearsal room are working slightly differently because of the current climate but to be able to be creative again and end 2020 being part of this incredible production really means the world to me! And the fact I get to do it in a pair of heels is even better!!
How have you and your cast mates been getting to know each other?
The cast is so incredible – there are only four of us and everyone is so talented, funny and more importantly hard working. With such a short amount of rehearsal time we had to hit the ground running and get cracking on with putting the show on straight away. But we have such a laugh in the rehearsal room and I think that energy and chemistry will really show during the performances.
We hear you run your own cake business, what naughty treats do you think Dame Dixie would whip up?
I do run my own cake business! @cakeandslice on Instagram. Without a doubt, Dame Dixie would love a moist lemon drizzle cake! Something fruity with a little bit of a bite. Or, an expensive rich chocolate tart, something really decadent and naughty! Dame Dixie is a classy queen…she could give Mary Berry a run for her money.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see D!ck The Adult Panto?
Be prepared for a FABULOUS night!! Because of 2020 and Covid we have a smaller socially distanced audience so tickets are really limited with many shows selling out….so get those tickets before they are gone!
D!CK The Adult Panto starring Paul Toulson, is at The Back Room of the Star Inn 5 – 31 December 2020, tickets are on sale here.
