The panto life of Brian
2:42pm Thursday 29th November 2007
Watch a video of the Cinderella press launch here
HAVING children, comedian Brian Conley says, makes panto all the more enjoyable. "I can relate to panto, and I honestly enjoy it because of my two.
"They have helped backstage with dresses, and it is a wonderful treat for them."
Brian has two young daughters, five-year-old Lucy and Amy, ten, and the Bucks-based funnyman is looking forward to being near them, after panto seasons in Birmingham and Manchester over the last few years.
"I am only 20 minutes away, so I said I would love to come to High Wycombe. It means I can spend Christmas at home with my family."
The production of Cinderella is the same as the record-breaking one that ran in Birmingham last year, making more than £2 million in ticket sales, and playing to more than 100,000 people across 71 performances.
Brian, playing Buttons, says: "It is a well-oiled machine. No-one is in it for the sake of it, everyone entertains and performs to the highest level. It is so tuned up, people go away absolutely gobsmacked. Everyone has a good night, and it is visual comedy which plays to the whole family. People say it's just for the kids, and they never think they will enjoy it as well."
He adds: "From the moment it starts, it kicks in. I am on within three minutes of the curtain coming up. It's hard work, but I don't mind a bit of it."
Brian has a total entertainment background, starting out as a Pontin's Bluecoat at the age of 16. He made his name in the early 90s with The Brian Conley Show. The show ran for three successful series, and regularly attracted viewing figures of more than 12 million. Acting soon followed, with parts in ITV comedy Time After Time, and a stint in the West End in Me and My Girl. He has since starred in Jolson and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End, a UK tour of Elton John's Glasses, appeared at seven Royal Variety Performances, rekindled The Brian Conley Show, starred in a film opposite Sean Bean, and even released albums.
So with that background, panto is a natural fit, as Brian says: "I love it because it plays to my strengths - comedy, pathos, great songs, ad libbing with the kids - and I really feel fulfilled as an entertainer. It ticks all the right boxes. I hate it when people ignore the art of doing panto."
Although comedy is Brian's background, he believes that is not always the most satisfying part of performing in a panto. "It is very easy to get a laugh, but when they are silent and enthralled, that's when you know you have them," he says. "It is just a fantastic evening of entertainment."
For someone so extrovert and entertaining, Brian prefers to live a quiet life: "I very much prefer being under the radar," he explains. "I have turned down Big Brother and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, because it just doesn't appeal to me. I am a family man, and I am enjoying my life.
"I like entertaining, it's my vocation. There are a lot of people out there who are famous for not doing anything."
Brian is clearly a panto fan, and the December ritual has become a part of his life. He says: "About six years ago, I was doing a film and had Christmas off, and I didn't know what to do with myself. Panto is Christmas, it's what it's all about, and it makes it even better that it is local."
Cinderella runs at the Wycombe Swan from Friday, December 7 until Sunday, January 6 2008. Details: 01494 512000 or www.wycombeswan.co.uk