Starring singer, actor, presenter and entertainer John Barrowman, soap-star Steve McFadden, legendary comedy-duo The Krankies, Matt Slack – who makes a triumphant return to the Hippodrome stage for this fourth panto season – and I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, outrageous costumes, wonderful sets and scenery, and some amazing special effects. Dick Whittington is pantomime at its best and the perfect treat for all the family.
We caught up with Matt Slack ahead of his performance as Idle Jack...
What do you enjoy most about a season in pantomime, Matt?
Obviously the money - everyone says that! No, it’s not the money for me, that’s a bonus. What attracts me to pantomime is that it allows me to do what I do in an environment which is very nice - a full supporting cast, big production values. I started up through the ranks at Pontins and did the clubs around the Midlands, so I’ve done my graft and now I’m reaping the rewards. I’m allowed to mess around and play; how good is that? That’s what attracts me - being allowed to do what I always set out to do. When I was a little boy and was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I’d say I wanted to be a clown, and I suppose that’s come true.
The panto is a uniquely British phenomenon. What makes it so popular in this country - and why hasn’t it caught on elsewhere?
Because it’s just British. I don’t think there’s any explanation as to why it doesn’t work elsewhere. It wouldn’t work in the States because they don’t get it, because they’re not British. You can try and explain it, but you can’t explain it. You don’t try and analyse pantomime, you just do it. It is what it is and it works. It’s better than ever before. It used to be like, ‘Oh, it’s only panto’, but not anymore. These are big productions with massive budgets. You’re paying a lot of money out, hence the ticket price. It’s a lot of money, but you don’t half get your money’s worth. People don’t see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I spend months and months coming up with the routines. It takes a long time, and you’re exhausted before you even get on the stage. We’re all very proud of it, and when people don’t get it, it’s almost like, ‘You’re not in our gang and we don’t care that you don’t want it’.
You’ll be working hard over Christmas. Do you have any festive traditions you’re determined to fit in, despite the heavy workload?
No, not really, because this is my 17th panto in a row. For me, this is my work time. Obviously I’ve got family, I’ve got a daughter, but they know. Christmas Day for me is that I drive home from wherever I am, straight down the M5, and do the Christmas thing, but I also say ‘this is my day off’. I try and be as cheery as possible, but I’m human and I’m exhausted on Christmas Day. We’ve had all the rehearsals and the technical run, and then we open and it’s full-on. Our first day off is Christmas Day, so I don’t eat, drink and be merry; I sleep. It’s not easy, but you just get on with it.
You’re playing the part of Idle Jack this year and are well known for playing comical pantomime characters. Have you ever considered taking on a completely different role in terms of panto?
I think they’ll always want me to play the comedy role - the Wishy Washy, the Buttons, the Idle Jack, the Silly Billy kind of character. Away from pantomime, I’ve done TV dramas. I’ve played the copper in EastEnders, and I can play the hard man as well. I can be just as nasty as I can be funny. Personally, I’d love to play King Rat one day, or a comedy Captain Hook. The good thing with me, and with being here year after year, is that I can always evolve into whatever’s asked of me and still bring some comedy to it. But I’m 46 now, and your bones start getting a bit stiff and creaky, so I’ll do it as long as I can, but there’ll always be a part for me, I think. I’m sure at some point I’ll end up with a frock on and become a Dame, but for now I’m happy doing what I’m doing.
On screen you’ve appeared in BBC One’s The Musketeers and The Raven - a mystery-thriller starring John Cusack. How do you find the comedy-to-drama transition?
Comedy has always been my thing. Even when I wasn’t in the business, I was always the comedian, always the gobby one at the bar, making people laugh that way. And I was a bluecoat too, which was great training. I’ve never had any official training, I’ve never been to RADA or had any kind of acting lessons, so everything I do is raw. It’s just from what I ‘feel’. That isn’t necessarily right or wrong, but it’s worked so far and I’m very proud of that. Away from the silliness, I’m actually a very serious guy and I love the drama. If I’ve got to cry, I like that. If I’ve got a scene where I’ve got to get angry, I like that. As much as I like making people laugh, I’ve done that, so when I get an opportunity to do a bit of drama, I grab it. For me, it comes naturally - I can switch in and out.
You’re no stranger to the Hippodrome or to Birmingham. What are your favourite aspects of the venue and the city?
I just love Birmingham, the Hippodrome, the audience, the people. Everyone has welcomed me here with open arms and such love. I get a bit overwhelmed and a bit emotional about it sometimes. The press launch we had recently, I got choked on several occasions because of the feedback - especially because last year I lost my voice, and it was a really tough time. I got through it because of the audience. I just don’t think I want to be anywhere else at Christmas doing a panto. It’s just great. I get looked after, and I love being in such a big production. There’s no fear of the other cast members - you just get on with it and do your bit. There’s plenty of room on that stage for everyone to shine. That’s what I love about this venue.
You’re sharing the stage with John Barrowman, Steve McFadden and Jodie Prenger. Who are you most looking forward to working with?
I have to be honest, I’ve got to mention everyone. It’s great to be working with Janette and Ian - The Krankies - because growing up, they were there, so that’s good. John is obviously a fantastic performer and a great presence. Jodie is a powerhouse, and Danielle is coming back, which will be great. And working with Andrew Ryan again will be fantastic - but to work with Steve again is great because we’re mates. We socialise together, we’re best mates. If I’ve got a problem, I phone Phil Mitchell. We first did panto together in 2003. We did three years in a row and then another couple of years later. This will be my sixth panto with Steve. We’ve got a lot of mutual respect. He knows what I do and allows me to push the boundaries, which probably no one else would get away with. I can really rip into him. I used to say to him when we first met, go with me, don’t go against me; if you go with me, you’ll come out gleaming and you’ll look good. If you go against me, they won’t like you. So i’m looking forward to having a laugh with Steve.
Who are your comedy heroes?
When I was a kid, I always used to love watching Jerry Lewis. He was tops for me. I was mesmerised by his performance; I found it hilarious. There was Norman Wisdom too. Always the visual guys, like Chaplin and Danny Kaye. Harold Lloyd always used to be on a Friday night on BBC Two when I was growing up, and I was fascinated by him. They weren’t comics, they weren’t telling jokes or anything like that, they’re not stand-ups, they were just funny people. They were the people who set me on my way. As I got older, I grew to like other performers - Tommy Cooper, Benny Hill, people like that. A lot of people say to me, ‘Why don’t you do stand-up?’. I did do that for a while, but it’s not my thing. I find it a very lonely experience. You can be funny without doing stand-up. Look at James Corden - he’s not a comedian, he’s an actor, but he’s funny and he’s very popular. Michael McIntyre’s a phenomenal stand-up. I can’t do that, but then he can’t do what I do. I’ll do my thing and he can do his. I’ll put on the silly suit once a year and he can carry on making his millions. Maybe I should do what he does...
Have you learned any lessons from doing panto that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?
Yeah, I’ve learned lots, and you never stop learning. I think what you do learn is a level of professionalism. What’s very difficult for me is not being a household face. I’m not ‘off the telly’, although I’ve done my bits. So you don’t instantly get the level of respect. People treat you differently. I’ve had to work very hard to get to where I am, and to gain that respect. I have to have a level of confidence to do what I do, because I’m not on TOWIE or anything like that. I do what I do, and I want people to appreciate my talent, and that’s rewarding. I’ve learned to always be polite to people too. What’s hard is when you’re in a bad mood and things aren’t going right. I’m a perfectionist, and people take it the wrong way sometimes, but it’s only because something isn’t working right and I give a damn. Treat everyone the same. We’re all part of a team, so treat everybody with respect. Treat people how you want to be treated yourself.
Dick Whittington shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from 19 December until 29 January.
Interview by Lauren Foster
Starring singer, actor, presenter and entertainer John Barrowman, soap-star Steve McFadden, legendary comedy-duo The Krankies, Matt Slack – who makes a triumphant return to the Hippodrome stage for this fourth panto season – and I’d Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, audiences can expect plenty of laughs, outrageous costumes, wonderful sets and scenery, and some amazing special effects. Dick Whittington is pantomime at its best and the perfect treat for all the family.
We caught up with Matt Slack ahead of his performance as Idle Jack...
What do you enjoy most about a season in pantomime, Matt?
Obviously the money - everyone says that! No, it’s not the money for me, that’s a bonus. What attracts me to pantomime is that it allows me to do what I do in an environment which is very nice - a full supporting cast, big production values. I started up through the ranks at Pontins and did the clubs around the Midlands, so I’ve done my graft and now I’m reaping the rewards. I’m allowed to mess around and play; how good is that? That’s what attracts me - being allowed to do what I always set out to do. When I was a little boy and was asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I’d say I wanted to be a clown, and I suppose that’s come true.
The panto is a uniquely British phenomenon. What makes it so popular in this country - and why hasn’t it caught on elsewhere?
Because it’s just British. I don’t think there’s any explanation as to why it doesn’t work elsewhere. It wouldn’t work in the States because they don’t get it, because they’re not British. You can try and explain it, but you can’t explain it. You don’t try and analyse pantomime, you just do it. It is what it is and it works. It’s better than ever before. It used to be like, ‘Oh, it’s only panto’, but not anymore. These are big productions with massive budgets. You’re paying a lot of money out, hence the ticket price. It’s a lot of money, but you don’t half get your money’s worth. People don’t see the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. I spend months and months coming up with the routines. It takes a long time, and you’re exhausted before you even get on the stage. We’re all very proud of it, and when people don’t get it, it’s almost like, ‘You’re not in our gang and we don’t care that you don’t want it’.
You’ll be working hard over Christmas. Do you have any festive traditions you’re determined to fit in, despite the heavy workload?
No, not really, because this is my 17th panto in a row. For me, this is my work time. Obviously I’ve got family, I’ve got a daughter, but they know. Christmas Day for me is that I drive home from wherever I am, straight down the M5, and do the Christmas thing, but I also say ‘this is my day off’. I try and be as cheery as possible, but I’m human and I’m exhausted on Christmas Day. We’ve had all the rehearsals and the technical run, and then we open and it’s full-on. Our first day off is Christmas Day, so I don’t eat, drink and be merry; I sleep. It’s not easy, but you just get on with it.
You’re playing the part of Idle Jack this year and are well known for playing comical pantomime characters. Have you ever considered taking on a completely different role in terms of panto?
I think they’ll always want me to play the comedy role - the Wishy Washy, the Buttons, the Idle Jack, the Silly Billy kind of character. Away from pantomime, I’ve done TV dramas. I’ve played the copper in EastEnders, and I can play the hard man as well. I can be just as nasty as I can be funny. Personally, I’d love to play King Rat one day, or a comedy Captain Hook. The good thing with me, and with being here year after year, is that I can always evolve into whatever’s asked of me and still bring some comedy to it. But I’m 46 now, and your bones start getting a bit stiff and creaky, so I’ll do it as long as I can, but there’ll always be a part for me, I think. I’m sure at some point I’ll end up with a frock on and become a Dame, but for now I’m happy doing what I’m doing.
On screen you’ve appeared in BBC One’s The Musketeers and The Raven - a mystery-thriller starring John Cusack. How do you find the comedy-to-drama transition?
Comedy has always been my thing. Even when I wasn’t in the business, I was always the comedian, always the gobby one at the bar, making people laugh that way. And I was a bluecoat too, which was great training. I’ve never had any official training, I’ve never been to RADA or had any kind of acting lessons, so everything I do is raw. It’s just from what I ‘feel’. That isn’t necessarily right or wrong, but it’s worked so far and I’m very proud of that. Away from the silliness, I’m actually a very serious guy and I love the drama. If I’ve got to cry, I like that. If I’ve got a scene where I’ve got to get angry, I like that. As much as I like making people laugh, I’ve done that, so when I get an opportunity to do a bit of drama, I grab it. For me, it comes naturally - I can switch in and out.
You’re no stranger to the Hippodrome or to Birmingham. What are your favourite aspects of the venue and the city?
I just love Birmingham, the Hippodrome, the audience, the people. Everyone has welcomed me here with open arms and such love. I get a bit overwhelmed and a bit emotional about it sometimes. The press launch we had recently, I got choked on several occasions because of the feedback - especially because last year I lost my voice, and it was a really tough time. I got through it because of the audience. I just don’t think I want to be anywhere else at Christmas doing a panto. It’s just great. I get looked after, and I love being in such a big production. There’s no fear of the other cast members - you just get on with it and do your bit. There’s plenty of room on that stage for everyone to shine. That’s what I love about this venue.
You’re sharing the stage with John Barrowman, Steve McFadden and Jodie Prenger. Who are you most looking forward to working with?
I have to be honest, I’ve got to mention everyone. It’s great to be working with Janette and Ian - The Krankies - because growing up, they were there, so that’s good. John is obviously a fantastic performer and a great presence. Jodie is a powerhouse, and Danielle is coming back, which will be great. And working with Andrew Ryan again will be fantastic - but to work with Steve again is great because we’re mates. We socialise together, we’re best mates. If I’ve got a problem, I phone Phil Mitchell. We first did panto together in 2003. We did three years in a row and then another couple of years later. This will be my sixth panto with Steve. We’ve got a lot of mutual respect. He knows what I do and allows me to push the boundaries, which probably no one else would get away with. I can really rip into him. I used to say to him when we first met, go with me, don’t go against me; if you go with me, you’ll come out gleaming and you’ll look good. If you go against me, they won’t like you. So i’m looking forward to having a laugh with Steve.
Who are your comedy heroes?
When I was a kid, I always used to love watching Jerry Lewis. He was tops for me. I was mesmerised by his performance; I found it hilarious. There was Norman Wisdom too. Always the visual guys, like Chaplin and Danny Kaye. Harold Lloyd always used to be on a Friday night on BBC Two when I was growing up, and I was fascinated by him. They weren’t comics, they weren’t telling jokes or anything like that, they’re not stand-ups, they were just funny people. They were the people who set me on my way. As I got older, I grew to like other performers - Tommy Cooper, Benny Hill, people like that. A lot of people say to me, ‘Why don’t you do stand-up?’. I did do that for a while, but it’s not my thing. I find it a very lonely experience. You can be funny without doing stand-up. Look at James Corden - he’s not a comedian, he’s an actor, but he’s funny and he’s very popular. Michael McIntyre’s a phenomenal stand-up. I can’t do that, but then he can’t do what I do. I’ll do my thing and he can do his. I’ll put on the silly suit once a year and he can carry on making his millions. Maybe I should do what he does...
Have you learned any lessons from doing panto that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?
Yeah, I’ve learned lots, and you never stop learning. I think what you do learn is a level of professionalism. What’s very difficult for me is not being a household face. I’m not ‘off the telly’, although I’ve done my bits. So you don’t instantly get the level of respect. People treat you differently. I’ve had to work very hard to get to where I am, and to gain that respect. I have to have a level of confidence to do what I do, because I’m not on TOWIE or anything like that. I do what I do, and I want people to appreciate my talent, and that’s rewarding. I’ve learned to always be polite to people too. What’s hard is when you’re in a bad mood and things aren’t going right. I’m a perfectionist, and people take it the wrong way sometimes, but it’s only because something isn’t working right and I give a damn. Treat everyone the same. We’re all part of a team, so treat everybody with respect. Treat people how you want to be treated yourself.
Dick Whittington shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from 19 December until 29 January.