Pantomime role is not a drag for Gary

The actor, who lives in Bletchley, is performing as one of the most famous pantomime dames in a much loved role.

Gary said: “I am playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin and it is a show which is great fun.

“I have worked with Kev Orkian before and he is great.

“It is a challenge playing the Dame, especially with the panto frocks and getting changed very quickly. But it is extremely good fun.”

And the stage is like a second home to the star.

Gary said: “I do live for the stage to be honest. I like the live reaction that you can get from the audience.

“I wouldn’t appear on television at the moment as some of the things are not to my taste. However, I am currently in the middle of writing a comedy/drama.

“I don’t want to say too much about it as it’s early stages.

“I have been very lucky with the career I have had.

“Doing Me and My Girl was great fun, Copa Cobana and even doing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was a lot of fun.”

And he is delighted to be returning to the theatre, having previously performed at the venue in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in September.

Gary added: “I think with the MK Dons going up to the Championship and the theatre, they are two things that people in the area can be very proud of.

“I live in Bletchley, so it is nice that I don’t have a long commute when I am performing.

“I have done pantomime at Milton Keynes before. I did Dick Whittington 12 years ago and it is a great venue; a great theatre.”