Pantomime professional Max Fulham might not be playing Peter Pan, but appearing in Milton Keynes Theatre's seasonal spectacular is perfect for the rising talent who has also refused to grow up – he still plays with soft toys!
Comedian Max is leading the charge in ventriloquism, giving the classic art form a contemporary twist. He's doing a brilliant job, too!
In an era when everyone wanted to be a YouTuber, Max first discovered ventriloquism on the video platform, awakening a love for artists including Ray Allen and his sidekick, Lord Charles, Terry Rogers, and Arthur Worsley, and more modern successes like Paul Zerdin.
“Kids don't have the inhibitions that adults do, and because it was a thing of play, I wasn't earnestly practicing,” he said, explaining how he honed his craft, “It was definitely a gradual process, and I am really passionate about making sure it is as good as it possibly can be.”
During our interview Max is effortlessly funny – raising smiles is obviously second nature. Panto audiences are in for a blast when he takes on the role of Smee.
Comedy fans might have seen Max on the stage with his pal, grandad, but after touring the circuit all year long, grandad is using Christmas for a bit of a rest.
“My friend Gordon the Monkey is going to be coming along to Milton Keynes with me this year,” Max said, and this primate is perfectly primed in pantos: “He's joined me in every one that I've ever done, and he absolutely loves it.
“He's going to be gutted that he's not getting his own dressing room though!
“Gordon is going to be my main friend in panto this year, although there may be a few other little bits and bobs,” he teased, “We shall see.”
There will be some people who think the art of ventriloquism is a little bit outdated – they will have those preconceptions smashed apart by Max and Gordon!
“I totally agree with you, I think people do have a preconception about what ventriloquism is, 'Is it a bit old hat? Is it a bit naff?' I think that's because it's quite a rare thing to see, and it's a thing that a lot of people haven't seen live before, so their only reference to it is from a long time ago.
“What I try to do is use ventriloquism with my own material, and modern comedy, and bring it to a new audience...”
And he is doing a spectacular job – the comedy circuit regular has also headlined at the prestigious Venthaven Ventriloquist Convention in the States.
As if one ace in the panto pack isn't enough, this show comes with Strictly Come Dancing judge and theatre star Craig Revel Horwood as Hook. What a dream team.
“I couldn't believe it when I found out who I was going to be in pantomime with,” Max grins, “He has got such a creative eye, not only as a choreographer, but he has directed so much as well. There is definitely an element of, 'Oh my goodness, I hope he thinks I'm good!”
Be careful - Craig is known for his low scoring, isn't he?
“Never mind the scoring – you should see him when he's got a hook on his hand, that's even more intimidating,” Max laughs, before turning his mind to the job in hand.
“I am really passionate about panto as an art form and as something that I am lucky enough to do – I get to entertain such a broad spectrum of ages and be part of people's Christmas tradition.That is so special.
“From a variety perspective, it's wonderful that I get to bring ventriloquism to a modern audience. Panto is a perfect place for variety and one of the only places where variety continues to thrive, and it does thrive.
“We have got such a strong cast, some incredible musical theatre performers, Craig flippin' Revel flippin' Horwood, and some bloke with puppets,” he smiles, “It's a nice balance.”
Peter Pan comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Friday, December 6, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025.
To book tickets visit ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes
