It takes some performance to make an impression on audiences when your character spends a large portion of the show asleep, but that’s exactly what Isabella Kibble managed to do in the title role of Sleeping Beauty in pantomime at Lighthouse last year.
And, as much as audiences took her to their hearts, so did she fall under the spell of Poole. In fact, she’s back this year to play Alice in Dick Whittington – and she can’t wait!
“Oh, I had an amazing time last year,” she says, genuinely excited. “It’s a really special building and this company is just wonderful to work for; really lovely.
“I had so much fun and just really appreciated being in such a warm, creative and supportive environment. It was just such a blast. And it was lovely to spend Christmas by the seaside!”
Made in Poole especially for Lighthouse audiences, Dick Whittington is the latest in a run of hit productions in recent years that has included national Panto Award winners Aladdin and Cinderella. Written and directed by CBeebies’ Chris Jarvis and with production design by James Smith, it’s the original pantomime adventure story – a quest for fame and fortune on the streets of London, with a slight detour to Poole Quay.
“I’m thrilled to have been asked back by the team this year, and looking forward to spending my Christmas by the sea again – Poole is such a pretty town.”
Isabella has been pursuing a showbiz path since childhood, training in Musical Theatre at Guildford School of Acting, and landing her first major West End role in Lucy Bailey’s acclaimed adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution. Sleeping Beauty was her first pantomime role as an adult and it rekindled her passion for the artform.
“When I was young, I just remembered it being the most magical experience ever and that’s exactly what it was in Poole last year.
“I have a feeling that Alice is going to be a bit of a feisty gal. She’s quite different to Rose in Sleeping Beauty. For one thing, she’s grown up in London instead of with the squirrels on Brownsea Island so maybe she has a different view of things.
“She’s going to be fun and have a good sense of humour, and I’m really looking forward to working with Chris again to bring Alice to life on stage!”
And, of course, Alice was a real person…
“Yes, you don’t often get in touch with real people through pantomime. It’s amazing that the story has translated into such a big and famous story today.”
So, did you know the original story?
“I did know the story, yes. There’s a cat I can’t wait to meet – played by the fantastic Corben who I loved working with last year – and of course, Dick has got his infamous bindle. The most famous bindle in history!
“I’m just really excited to be playing Alice and bringing that story to life in Poole.”
:: Dick Whittington is sponsored by National Express and Raymond James Poole and can be seen at Lighthouse Poole from Thursday 11 December until Sunday 4 January. Tickets available at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/dick-whittington/ or on 01202 280000.
(NC)