Pantomime is a passion for the man at the heart of Sheringham Little Theatre’s festive frolic this Christmas.
As well as playing the “baddie”, Nick Earnshaw is marking his 10th year of directing panto at the seaside venue, where his role has also expanded from actor – including dame – to writer.
He can trace the spark for his love of the tinsel-decked traditional theatre treat back to his childhood. And this year’s production Robin Hood, where he is the Sheriff of Nottingham, is a constant theme throughout.
“It was the first panto I appeared in as a ‘babe’ as a 10-year-old amateur child actor in my native Stafford. It was the first panto I directed for Sheringham theatre 10 years ago. And it was the first panto I wrote for live theatre in Staffordshire in 2012.”
But his first taste of panto was even earlier at around the age of eight when he first saw one.
“I used to come home, play taped songs from the show and write my own story to go with them.I was also obsessed with puppetry and used to present Punch and Judy style shows from behind the sofa using toys that were around the house because my mum was a childminder. That’s probably why I often have puppets in the shows today.”
Early in his career he learned a lot about comedy at an unlikely venue – a Shakespeare Festival – but from a top comic actor John Challis, Boycie from Only Fools and Horses.
“John taught me a lot about comedy and timing,” said Nick whose ambition after drama school was to get into panto. Some people knock panto, and I was annoyed when I got told ’you’re better than panto’ because it is a wonderful format and important because it is often a child’s first taste of live theatre.”
Panto is more popular than ever says Nick because it is a “bit of escapism” in today’s troubled world, and something the whole family can do together. The key to a good panto is making sure it appeals to children, and their parents.
“I am lucky I have my 10-year-son Archie as a sounding board. I know what children his age are listening to and watching, and lace it in so they can relate to the show and think “this is for us’. But it is also important to do gags and songs for the grown-ups too, and to include local references. – which is why the final battle scene in Robin Hood will be in Sheringham.”
It was when Archie was born and Nick wanted to take a step back from performing that Little Theatre director Debbie, who had also hired him for parts in summer dramas, approached him to direct a panto. Ten years later and he is still enjoying it.
The process begins in February finding a title, followed by choosing a cast, songs, script and sets – mostly done from his special corner of the lounge where he works, under a massive map of Sheringham.
And as rehearsals get under way the pressure grows – with daytimes of direction followed by nights of making notes, sorting cues and projections and missing props.
So a panto, just like a pet puppy, is not just for Christmas. For Nick is lasts for 11 months of the year.
Robin Hood runs from December 13 to January 4. For times, tickets (£15 U16s, £20 adult, £60 family) and more information visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com
