Talking Panto With Tam Ryan And Ian Adams

Ahead of the Wolverhampton Grand Panto Season, which this year is Aladdin, I chatted with a Tam Ryan and Ian Adams. Both are returning to Wolverhampton this year after a very successful season in Cinderella last year, and both were keen to talk about what this years show will bring.

Fashion-mommy: Ian and Tam, welcome back to Wolverhampton, can you tell me a little about your characters this year?

Tam: Well I’m Wishy Washy, Aladdin’s brother. He’s cheeky and hapless and totally drives the comedy. He is also a character that brings the audience into the show through participation.

Ian: I’m Widow Twanky, Aladdin’s mom and a poor washerwomen, it is one of the iconice ‘dames’ in panto. (I mentioned that my first panto ever was Aladdin and that I saw Danny LaRue in the role and Ian revealed he had been the first to wear Danny’s Widow Twanky costumes after his death.)

FM: You’re both returning to Wolverhampton this year, what has drawn you back?

TR: Had such a good time last year, Wolverhampton has such a good audience who really appreciate panto, felt I had such a good connection with the audience. It has every ingredient that makes a panto fly.

IA: I have to agree, it’s a great place for panto. I had to say that I knew Tam would be perfect for Wolverhampton!

FM: What has been the highlight of your career so far?

IA: I really would struggle to pick one. The pantomime in this auditorium, it’s like having a hug. Doing the school tours where I teach all about panto is pretty special. And then there is the memory cafe at the Grand. To be honest, my highlights are all about here!

TR: Elf was pretty special, the second year at the Wembley Arena, seeing my name at the top of the poster was a real pinch me moment – Wembley’s for Queen! And then, bringing it back to Wolverhampton, last year I was nominated for best comic performance, which felt like a nod to everybody, and then to win it, that was a brilliant moment on a personal level. I thrive on panto!

Wolverhampton Grand Pantomine Aladdin opens on 3rd December and you can get your tickets here.

Sharing is caring!