Sleeping Beauty star Jane Tucker determined to wave her magic over Crewe pantomime

Dec 16 2009 by simon halewood, Crewe Chronicle

Children’s TV legend Jane Tucker talks to Simon Halewood about her stint in the Lyceum’s pantomime

“EVERY night is at least one child’s first ever trip to the theatre and I want them to have the most magical time imaginable.”

So says children’s TV favourite Jane Tucker, who, as the good fairy Azuriel, is determined to wave her magic wand over this year’s Crewe Lyceum Theatre pantomime, Sleeping Beauty.

And as a professionally trained musician, dancer and actress, there is surely no-one better equipped for the task.

She said: “I once told my dad I wanted to be a straight and serious actress. He just looked at me and said ‘you are a singing and dancing girl’. You know what, he was absolutely right.”

Best known as one third of 80s loveable music trio Rod, Jane and Freddy, the Rainbow star says she is loving every minute of her starring role at the Crewe theatre, in which she last performed in 2001’s annual show, Aladdin.

She says: “Back then me, Rod and Freddy were all in the show so it’s different to be here by myself, but I have to say I am absolutely delighted with it so far.

“As soon as we read it through we knew we had something special and everything just looks fantastic. I don’t use the word lightly but I honestly think it is rather spectacular.

“It’s got all the right ingredients for the ideal pantomime. It’s funny, fast-paced and original, plus I get to wear a stunning dress so I’m very happy.”

And Jane says, with the recession and global fears about everything from climate change to swine flu, we could all do with some festive cheer this Christmas.

She said: “We’ve got the perfect mix of laughs, surprises and songs for both adults and children.

“When the Imagine Theatre team explained their plans to me I was delighted and I told them ‘I like your style’.

“The scenery looks amazing and as for the special effects, I don’t want to ruin the surprise but there is flying and the dragon, well, you’ll just have to come along and see for yourself.

“It’s a wonderful imaginative show and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Having worked with some of the UK’s most memorable comic characters, such as Rainbow’s Zippy, George and Bungle, Jane says her Crewe co-stars, including Heartbeat’s David Lonsdale, children’s TV star Kerry Newell and this year’s dame Leon Craig, fit the bill.

She says: “They are all fantastic. David is absolutely marvellous and so, so funny. And if you haven’t seen Leon yet, I can tell you he is sensational.”

The show runs until January 6. Show times vary. For tickets, priced from £10.50-£17.50, call 01270 537333 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.net.