The Royal Vauxhall Tavern annual panto has now become somewhat of a Christmas tradition on the LGBTQI London scene, much like Santa unloading his big sack all over our shag pile on Christmas Eve. This year’s offering, Charming Dick, has a stellar team behind it both on and off stage. Jason Reid found out more from the RVT’s head of light entertainment Catia Ciarico.Â
Hi Catia, what’s the premise of Charming Dick?Â
Charming Dick is a modern love story set in a mixed up and very naughty (and occasionally filthy) panto/fairytale.
How are the cast feeling about it all so far?
They are very excited! We’ve had a fantastic rehearsal period; the cast and team are all very creative so it’s a real collaboration. At the preview show we were all completely overwhelmed at the enthusiastic response to the show. It’s the first panto at the RVT that I’ve produced where the entire audience were on their feet dancing at the end, all credit to the cast and the brilliantly talented Tim McArthur who directed the show.
I know, I was there. It was a great night. You’ve enlisted two drag cabaret stars this year: Topsie Redfern and Vinegar Strokes. What do they bring to the show?
They bring dazzle, razzle, make up and gowns, really big gowns. But underneath the glamour, make up and hair, they are fully trained musical theatre actors, so it’s taken the panto to a whole new level. I was actually chatting to them the other day about what they thought the other brought to the the show. Topsie said ‘Vinegar brings Herpes’. Vinegar said ‘Topsie brings variety like a KFC bucket. Except her bucket isn’t finger licking good’
Now there’s a mental image! Topsie loves a good thigh slap, so I’ve heard…
Yes! She’s worked in panto with the Chuckle Brothers, Bradley Walsh and The Krankies. Panto royalty.
Your Prince Charming is a total hottie, too. Where did you find him? And do you have another spare?Â
A good old-fashioned audition; he turned up and blew us away! Especially when we found out that he was Poland’s entry for Eurovision in 2010, we could barely contain ourselves. I have to say Jason, pearls were clutched and smelling salts administered at that point.
Every time I see you, you’re clutching them. Who do you think the show will appeal to?Â
Anyone who likes a good laugh, is a bit naughty and likes charming dicks as well as a good song to sing along to. This panto won’t appeal to those seeking Brechtian style theatre. #justsayin
The RVT has a proven record for delivering great adult pantos under your guidance. What’s the winning formula for the perfect panto in your opinion?Â
It’s really simple: a good director, a good cast and a good writer, and as a producer, get out of their way and let them make the magic, but provide what they need – that includes doughnuts.
Who’s your favourite Dick of all time? I bet it’s Dick Van Dyke, isn’t it?
You know, I just googled famous Dicks from the UK to see if there was one I could find, and… erm… I think I need to lie down in a darkened room now and drink strong tea. That wasn’t what I was expecting.
You are pure filth! Finally, any gossip for me from the RVT? What’s coming up? I want an exclusive. And so do the readers. Don’t disappoint them Catia.Â
This is a lot of pressure you’re putting me under Jason, but since you’re asking here is a few of the events we have coming up: Toyah, T’Pau, the hilarious octogenarian Lynn Ruth Miller, Mari Wilson, Sonia, a show about the actual time Diana came here with Freddie Mercury, David Hoyle will be back, Drag Idol, plus all our usual iconic nights: Duckie, Bar Wotever, Big Bingo Show, Push the Button and new club night Beef Mince from the creator and promoter of Hot Fuzz and I am working on a biggie; it’s not quite ready to announce and if I talk about it publicly I will be thrown into the bramble bushes, as that is the official punishment at the RVT. But keep your eyes peeled on our social media for updates.
• Charming Dick is at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern from 2nd Dec – 7th Jan, more info at vauxhalltavern.com
• There will be an additional showing on the 5th December in Hastings for one night only, held at St Mary in the Castle. Doors 7pm, Show 8pm, Tickets £15. For more information please visit stmaryinthecastle.co.uk/
