Interview: Debbie Kurup On JACK AND THE BEANSTALK!

Hi Debbie! The Hackney Empire panto is always special - what can we expect from it this year?

I would say tradition with a mix of fun, funk and lots of laughter! What I love about Jack and the Beanstalk, it has the traditional panto elements but with a really nice twist, it's contemporary and appeals to a modern day audience.

Hackney always manages to attract brilliant musical theatre folk into its cast - what's the lure of Hackney as opposed to a more traditional panto?

The Hackney panto is world renowned so if you are going to a do a pantomime, it has to be at the Empire. When you're asked to do it, you jump at it. We're all having so much fun; the audience are in for a real treat.

One of the things I love about panto is all the toying with characters - the pantomime dame, the principal boy...how much fun is it donning the breeches and doing a spot of the traditional thigh-slapping?

Fantastic, something I've never done before. I've mastered the art of thigh slapping and now my thighs are red raw to prove it, haha! But it's great doing the classic stride, it's a lovely traditional element of panto that we've kept. It's nice to have all the traditional bits, like the thigh slapping, as well as the funky aspects. We're staying true to panto!

It must be a huge change from playing Reno Sweeney, anyway...

It's very, very different - although they are both roles that are very high in energy. What I would say with Jack and panto in general is the vocal placement is different. As you are making the story more widely accessible, to adults and children too, your diction is slightly higher and more heighted. Pantomime requires a lot of energy and we are definitely kept on our toes.

I know it's also very hard work, particularly on two-show days on the frantic Christmas schedule - how do you prepare for this kind of demanding run? Do you do anything differently than you would usually?

I don't think anything is different really, our Christmas week we have 12 shows which is a lot but our most. A lot of pantomimes have three-show days so this is not as gruelling as most! We are very lucky! You just have to be sensible and take care of yourself, not speaking when you don't have to, eating probably, sleeping and just generally looking after yourself.

And what do you have lined up for 2016?

There's something in the pipeline for the end of January but I won't give any details just yet - so watch this space!

Debbie Kurup stars in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Hackney Empire.

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