A beloved performer is returning to Winchester to star in this year’s family pantomime, Mother Goose.
Julian Eardley, well known for his roles as the theatre’s pantomime dame, will play the title role of Mother Goose this winter.
This will be Julian’s 15th pantomime at Theatre Royal Winchester and his 12th time playing a dame.
Julian first appeared at the theatre in 2008 as Belle’s sister, Smelle Bottom, in Beauty and the Beast.
He has since played various roles, including Widow Twankey in Four Dames in Search of a Panto in 2020, and Fairy Kind Heart in last year’s Cinderella.
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He performed in pantomimes during university but only landed his first dame role in a touring production over Christmas 2000.
Since making his Theatre Royal Winchester debut in 2007, Julian has shared his pantomime experiences through interviews, online platforms, and radio.
In 2022, he gave a lecture about life as a pantomime dame to The Art Workers’ Guild in London.
Before the pantomime season begins, Julian will share more insights in An Audience with Dame Lily Trott-Twankey at the theatre on Sunday, November 10.
The evening will include a post-show Q&A.
Theatre Royal Winchester is excited to welcome Julian back, anticipating his lively presence both on and off stage.
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More cast announcements are expected soon.
The traditional story of Mother Goose follows a lady who, unable to pay her rent, befriends a goose that lays golden eggs, making her rich.
However, she is tempted to trade her goose for youth and beauty, a mistake she soon regrets.
This production marks the first time Mother Goose will be performed at Theatre Royal Winchester.
The annual pantomime, suitable for families, is filled with original songs, live music, and audience participation.
It is produced in-house by Play to the Crowd and directed by Robin Belfield.
Tickets are on sale now, with a number of accessible performances available.
Mother Goose will run at Theatre Royal Winchester from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, January 5.
For more information or to book tickets, visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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