J’AIME DECEMBER 2021

there’s no other show where this happens, and he
can’t wait to give a warm welcome to the city of
Lichfield.
“The most important thing is laughter, if you
don’t laugh you can stay at home, but we just want
laughter in the room that’s why we do it,” he says.
“Panto can be a long few weeks, we are working
doing two shows a day, if you go to West End they
won’t do this many shows so it’s a very intense
month-and-a-half. It’s also over the holiday period
where people would normally be spending time with
their families but we choose to do this and entertain
families because there’s no better thing at Christmas
than hearing a room full of laughter so it’s great
when you get the family together.
“And panto is brilliant because a grandma will be
laughing at something similar to the grandchildren,
and there’s no other show where that happens.”
Getting back to life pre-Covid times may feel a little
unusual but we are getting there slowly and it’s
the small things that we have learnt to appreciate.
Whether that be, going for walks, seeing friends and
family, going to eat at a restaurant, even returning to
work and simply putting passion into everything you
do – giving it your all, just like the production team
and cast of the wonderful Peter Pan.
“I’m looking forward to working with people again;
it’s going to be so nice to have creative people in the
same room and choreographers, lighting technicians,
musicians, actors as well,” says Sam.
“Although I direct the production it’s nice to have
actors’ input as well because everybody is different,
and you want to be able to bring peoples’ own
personality to the role.
“I can’t wait! It’s been too long since we’ve done this,
it’s nearly 18 months for most of us and nothing is
the same as panto or as theatre so the thought of
being able to just walk back and cry those lovely
words of ‘Hello Lichfield’ will be beautiful.”
This showstopper of a performance is not to be
missed and can be enjoyed by all of the family at
such a beautiful time of year, so take the time to
relax, sit back and laugh your way into the new year.
After all, as Captain Hook himself says, “It’s
magical, unmissable and joyous”.
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan will
be on at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre from
November 25 to January 22, 2022. For tickets
visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call the
box office on 01543 412121.
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