Theatre Royal Winchester will host a show exploring the life of panto dames.

An Audience with Dame Lily Trott-Twankey will take place on Sunday, November 10.

As the theatre prepares for its pantomime, Mother Goose, the event will delve into the history and allure of pantomime dames.

The show will be performed by Julian Eardley, the theatre's well-known panto dame, who will also play Mother Goose this festive season.

This marks his 15th pantomime with the venue and his 12th role as a dame.

READ MORE: Costume clearance sale at the Theatre Royal Winchester

Julian Eardley will play Mother Goose this year (Image: Richard Davenport) Julian's journey with the theatre began in 2008 when he played Smelle Bottom, Belle's sister.

Last year, he was Fairy Kind Heart in Cinderella, and he has also twice played the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.

Julian's fascination with panto dames started in 1972 after seeing entertainer and female impersonator, Danny LaRue.

He secured his first dame role in 2000 and has since spent many Christmases playing the part at Theatre Royal Winchester.

In 2022, he gave a lecture about his life as a panto dame to The Art Workers' Guild in London.

This special evening will include a post-show Q&A session.

An Audience with Dame Lily Trott-Twankey will start at 7.30pm on Sunday, November 10.

For more information or to book tickets, visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.