Samantha Womack will tread the boards of MK Theatre later this week in Dick Whittington, and it’s a welcome return for the Albert Square favourite, who has previously visited with Guys and Dolls and South Pacific.
But it’s not so much about a seamless musical this time. Instead, she’ll be counting the boos and hisses she can whip up in her role as Queen Rat!
Samantha answered some suitably festive - and panto-y - questions….
Want do you want to see under the Christmas tree this year?
Funnily enough, this year, I don’t want to see as much under the Christmas tree.
I don’t want to perpetuate this madness of lots of stuff so I’ve said we’re just going to do stocking gifts. One big present and then little gifts.
I’d like us to spend more time together instead. I’m absolutely the worst person to buy presents for. I don’t like shoes or handbags or jewellery but a good book? I love a good book. I like cook books.
Someone bought me a very good gift; an oxygenator for red wine. I like the glugging sound it makes too!
What does a typical Christmas look like for you?
Wake up relatively early and go out to the paddock, on my own probably, about 6.30 - 7am to feed the ponies and get them into the festive spirit.
Then opening the first bottle of Prosecco about 11 o’clock.
What is your fave part of Christmas dinner?
I do love it when it’s all been set on the table just before everyone tucks in. It’s really satisfying.
Then they go and spoil it!
Why do you love panto? And what is your fave bit about this role?
It’s a bit like joining the circus; it all just goes a bit mad for about 10 weeks. There’s no other atmosphere like it.
I like tackling something that I haven’t tackled before.
Close friends who have played baddies before have always said ‘it’s so much fun playing a baddie’ so I’ve just listened to their advice.
I have done panto before onstage and on TV but I’ve always played the goodie. When I didn’t do one last year it didn’t feel right.
My daughter who’s 12 has grown up doing it with me. She was devastated last year and said it didn’t really feel like Christmas.
Cats or rats? Do you have any pets yourself?
Well, cats now! I’ve just rescued five Spanish cats – and I’m not a cat person. I’ve grown really fond of them. I never thought I was a cat person but they’ve completely seduced me.
But my husband won’t let me keep any of them and I’m really upset about it! But I’ve found lovely homes for them locally so I will get to see them around.
Apply for visitation rights.
Other than that we’ve got four dogs and two ponies. We were going to get two alpacas but they kept spitting at us. I do want to get a pygmy goat though…
Any new year’s resolutions?
To be in the moment. I’m trying to be all about that now having wasted years of not being. It’s really not easy though because society isn’t set up that way.
And I’m moving out more towards nature.
Christmas shopping - When do you do yours?
I hate it! I do as much of it online as I can. I can’t bear the hysteria. The only reason I’ll go is if it’s something the kids really want.
The most excited we get is going to garden centres to buy little bits like Christmas decorations.
And your Faves...
Fave Xmas Song: Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas – Judy Garland.
Fave Xmas Movie: It’s A Wonderful Life
Fave Christmas Story: Lonely Star
Fave Xmas Goodie: Prosecco
Fave Xmas party game: Karaoke Kate Bush (having drunk lots of Prosecco!)
To book tickets to Dick Whittington at Milton Keynes Theatre click here
