‘It’s good being bad!’

Dec 19 2008 by Will Harris, Flintshire Chronicle

Television veteran Frazer Hines reckons being evil isn’t all that bad!

The former Emmerdale and Doctor Who actor is putting in a star turn as the villainous Fleshcreep in the Lyceum Theatre panto Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas.

Frazer, 64, is taking on the role with relish. “I’m a baddie for the first time ever and it’s great,” he says. “I always said if I’m doing the panto I would want to do the baddie’s role.

“It’s much easier and you can slag the audience off.

“And if someone heckles you, you’re given licence to get them back. If a child doesn’t cry, I haven’t done my job!”

Frazer has made numerous appearances at the Lyceum in Crewe during a 50-year acting career.

“It’s my first time here in panto, though I’ve been here in comedies and serious plays. It’s a lovely theatre to work in,” he said.

Frazer says playing Emmerdale’s Joe Sugden for 22 years continues to follow him in any job he does.

Jack and the Beanstalk has already been running for a fortnight at the Lyceum, and Frazer says there’s a togetherness among the cast members, which include Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger, Fame Academy runner-up Carolynne Good and children’s presenter Kerry Newell.

“We’ve got a lovely cast and the script is very good,” he said.

“After panto, I’m off to Australia where I have a record company that my nephew and I own, which has got the likes of Bob James and Paul Weller involved.

“I’m looking at the music more now and I’ve got an idea for a musical. The trouble is you’ve got to keep working to pay the bills.”

Jack & The Beanstalk runs at the Lyceum until January 3. Ticket prices range from £10.50 to £17.50, concessions available, and family tickets (four people with a maximum of two adults) are £41, £51 and £55. Call the box office on 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net