Steve’s new to the Dame game but has wanted to play the role for pretty much as long as he can remember. With the opportunity to do so failing to present itself, he took matters into his own hands by writing and starring in his own Edinburgh Fringe show, a delightful little number entitled The Dame Dolly Donut Show.
What makes Christmas magical for you?
It sounds really contrived, but pantomime. For me, there really is nothing more magical at Christmas than sitting down and watching a good panto.
If you weren’t a Dame, what other panto character would you like to play?
Before I became a Dame, I mainly used to play baddies - the Sheriff of Nottingham was one of my favourites - so I'd probably venture back to Sherwood Forest.
Have you ever had any costume malfunctions?
So far not as Dame, but I'm sure it'll happen one day! I once played Aslan in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, though, and the Aslan head/mask wasn't a great fit for me. It often used to slip down and cover my eyes - very difficult when you're trying to battle the White Witch!
What’s your all-time favourite panto?
It's fallen somewhat out of favour in recent years, but I love a good production of Mother Goose. She really is the Dame's Dame - all of the usual comedy nonsense, plus the story is all about her too!
Who’s your scariest villain?
The wicked fairy Maleficent/Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. She unleashes that level of anger and fury just because she isn't invited to a party. Imagine what she'd do if someone really crossed her!
Never work with children or animals. Comment...
It's really not that bad - just be prepared for anything!
Do you have a routine to ensure you’re ‘panto ready’?
I like to have a clear week before rehearsals start, to learn my script in as relaxed a manner as possible. It's not always what happens, but it's always my intention.
Where will you be spending Christmas Day?
As I have shows on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, my partner and I have decided to stay in a hotel for Christmas Day this year. We have a tradition of being non-traditional with our Christmas dinner too, so we’ll be going to a Chinese restaurant to eat.
What’s top of your Christmas list?
I've not really stopped all year, so this Christmas I've got my sights set on a nice post-panto holiday somewhere warm.
What’s the worst gift anyone could ever give you?
Shower gel and deodorant gift sets. I've always had an aversion to them. I think it's because zero thought goes into buying them.
Sprouts - yes or no?
Yes, although I'll be surprised if I find any in my Chinese this year!
Favourite festive tipple?
As retro as it is, I’m partial to a Snowball at Christmas.
New Year resolution?
I don't tend to go in for them, if I'm honest. I just try to be the best version of me I can be all the time.
Do you ever get post-panto blues?
Always. Panto casts start to feel like family, so it's hard when that family has to dissolve again.
Steve plays Mrs Smee in Peter Pan, which shows at The Place, Oakengates, from Wed 6 to Sun 31 December
Steve’s new to the Dame game but has wanted to play the role for pretty much as long as he can remember. With the opportunity to do so failing to present itself, he took matters into his own hands by writing and starring in his own Edinburgh Fringe show, a delightful little number entitled The Dame Dolly Donut Show.
What makes Christmas magical for you?
It sounds really contrived, but pantomime. For me, there really is nothing more magical at Christmas than sitting down and watching a good panto.
If you weren’t a Dame, what other panto character would you like to play?
Before I became a Dame, I mainly used to play baddies - the Sheriff of Nottingham was one of my favourites - so I'd probably venture back to Sherwood Forest.
Have you ever had any costume malfunctions?
So far not as Dame, but I'm sure it'll happen one day! I once played Aslan in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, though, and the Aslan head/mask wasn't a great fit for me. It often used to slip down and cover my eyes - very difficult when you're trying to battle the White Witch!
What’s your all-time favourite panto?
It's fallen somewhat out of favour in recent years, but I love a good production of Mother Goose. She really is the Dame's Dame - all of the usual comedy nonsense, plus the story is all about her too!
Who’s your scariest villain?
The wicked fairy Maleficent/Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. She unleashes that level of anger and fury just because she isn't invited to a party. Imagine what she'd do if someone really crossed her!
Never work with children or animals. Comment...
It's really not that bad - just be prepared for anything!
Do you have a routine to ensure you’re ‘panto ready’?
I like to have a clear week before rehearsals start, to learn my script in as relaxed a manner as possible. It's not always what happens, but it's always my intention.
Where will you be spending Christmas Day?
As I have shows on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, my partner and I have decided to stay in a hotel for Christmas Day this year. We have a tradition of being non-traditional with our Christmas dinner too, so we’ll be going to a Chinese restaurant to eat.
What’s top of your Christmas list?
I've not really stopped all year, so this Christmas I've got my sights set on a nice post-panto holiday somewhere warm.
What’s the worst gift anyone could ever give you?
Shower gel and deodorant gift sets. I've always had an aversion to them. I think it's because zero thought goes into buying them.
Sprouts - yes or no?
Yes, although I'll be surprised if I find any in my Chinese this year!
Favourite festive tipple?
As retro as it is, I’m partial to a Snowball at Christmas.
New Year resolution?
I don't tend to go in for them, if I'm honest. I just try to be the best version of me I can be all the time.
Do you ever get post-panto blues?
Always. Panto casts start to feel like family, so it's hard when that family has to dissolve again.
Steve plays Mrs Smee in Peter Pan, which shows at The Place, Oakengates, from Wed 6 to Sun 31 December