Sleeping Beauty is stirring at Lyceum

Dec 2 2009 by simon halewood, Crewe Chronicle

How life changes. After years as cloth-capped stooge David Stockwell in teatime favourite Heartbeat, David Lonsdale is now living the life of a king.

The popular actor, who is returning to pantoland after an eight-year break, says he is loving every second of his role as King Bumble in Crewe Lyceum’s Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

When the Chronicle caught up with David a week into rehearsals, it was easy to see why.

Climbing the central staircase of the town’s beautiful Edwardian theatre, David and the rest of the cast could be found on every floor in whatever space they could find, rehearsing scenes and skits ahead of today’s grand opening.

David said: “Everyone’s rushed off their feet but that’s the way it should be. It’s exhilarating.

“I’m convinced it’s going to be absolutely great.

“I think it’s brilliant that the show runs for a month and finishes soon after Christmas. It’s a great short, sharp burst because pantomime is all about the Christmas spirit and I’m sure the people of Crewe have got bags full of it.”

After ITV’s decision to put Heartbeat on indefinite hold earlier this year, David, who has played loveable rogue Stockwell for more than 15 years, says the timing was perfect for him to come back to panto.

“No-one knows what is going on with Heartbeat but we are all moving on and finding new projects,” he said.

“Personally, after being away from my young family for many years, Sleeping Beauty has been a blessing because it means I can get home to Southport every night and see my children.

“I’ve done pantomime four or five times before but my last one was in 2001 because Heartbeat took over after that.

“The thing with panto is you can plot which role you are going to play throughout your acting career.

“I used to be the Wishy Washy silly character and now I’m older there is the fresh challenge of playing barons and kings.

“Hopefully, one day I’ll get to play the villain but I think it’s still too soon as my Heartbeat persona in fresh in everyone’s minds.”

And now he is out of Yorkshire, David is ready to show the Crewe public what he can really do.

He said: “Over the years I’ve done a number of stage musicals, including Sweeney Todd, and I’ve always found singing, dancing and acting is so much fun.

“The best thing about panto is it is an opportunity to be very silly and hear that instant response from the audience.

“The show is looking fantastic and we have a great cast. All we need now is our audience, I can’t wait to see everyone.”

Joining David in Sleeping Beauty are Kerry Newell as Prince Valiant, children’s TV favourite Jane Tucker as good fairy Azuriel and West End star Zara Warren in the title role.

The show opens at the Lyceum today (Wednesday) and runs until January 6. Show times vary.

For tickets, £10.50-£17.50, call the box office on 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.