Chester theatre director Peter Swingler made an OBE

Dec 10 2009 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

A PANTOMIME director was centre stage at Buckingham Palace.

Peter Swingler took time out from rehearsals of Tip Top Productions’s Aladdin to travel to London to collect his OBE.

Peter was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June and was presented with his medal by the Princess Royal in a ceremony at the palace.

Peter, who lives in Wrexham, said: “I was thrilled and honoured to receive recognition for my work in the public sector and for my contribution to local theatre.”

Peter has also written the pantomime which opens at the Forum Studio Theatre on Tuesday, December 15.

He picked up his gong alongside X Men star Alan Cumming.

“Alan was a really nice friendly guy, not precious at all,” said Peter. “He was telling me all about his new movie with Cher and Christine Aguilera.

“The whole day from start to finish was a wonderfully unique experience.”

To book tickets for Aladdin, call 01244 341296 or visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk.