CITYIST – DECEMBER v2.qxp_Layout 2 21/11/2022 15:32 Page 1
THE CITYist
My
BRISTOL Meet legendary Bristol Hippodrome pantomime star, Andy Ford
Bridging gaps Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), The Exchange project supports local people to train as researchers and explore museum collections. In November 2021, parents from Hannah More School and members of the Bridging Gaps Community Group, Shani Whyte, Iwona Salamon, and Soumia Seradj, became the SS Great Britain Trust’s first Community Research team. The group worked with the museum collection and archive to uncover the ship’s global history. The project sparked vital conversations around the misconceptions about the SS Great Britain, unravelling false narratives, discovering untold stories and creating new ways to explore and share history. Iwona produced a learning box for schools, based on food the passengers would have to live on for two months at sea. Shani, Iwona, and Soumia each brought a fresh perspective to the role Brunel’s pioneering ocean liner played in history, exploring the ship’s involvement in migration and the story of the British empire. Soumia, who has written a booklet explaining the background of the ship for people who do not have English as a first language, loved how the project brought together people from different communities. Bridging gaps between local opinions and the ship’s real legacy, Shani Whyte’s book, Tying The Tides – The Colour Within the SS Great Britain, highlights people of colour who either travelled or worked on the ship. A fantastic new free outdoor exhibition in Brunel Square explores the community researchers’ journeys and discoveries. • ssgreatbritain.org
10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
|
I have been performing in and around the Bristol area for many years. Since performing quite regularly at the famous Bristol Hippodrome, I have to admit that the affinity with the city and it’s fabulous people has grown and grown. I was born in Exeter but to some extent I feel as though I was reborn in Bristol. Ever since I was a little’n I have performed; from entertaining my fellow nursery school pupils on the school hall stage if it was raining outside during lunch to giving shows in my back garden and selling tickets to my friends to come and watch. I was head choirboy for many years at our local church and entered as many talent shows as I could with my cousin Steven. To be honest, I can’t remember a time when I haven’t been an entertainer. My first panto at the Bristol Hippodrome was in 1997 in Peter Pan, which did a week at the theatre before moving on to a season at the Bournemouth Pavilion. In the build up to 2009, I had been performing in pantomimes all over the country from Croydon, Dartford and Bromley to Sheffield, Doncaster and many places in between. The producers put to me the idea of performing back at the Bristol Hippodrome and I was so excited to take them up on their kind offer. However, it was only after the show opened that I realised something very special was happening. Panto has always been a good vehicle for my comedy, but when it’s done in front of a West Country audience, it hits another level for me. Of all the fabulous theatres that I have appeared in pantomime, the Hippodrome is the one that definitely pulls at my heart strings. Local references in panto are essential and we performers try to make sure we get them right before we open. I’ll never forgot the reaction I received from the crowd the first time I said ‘Cheers Drive’… priceless! I just feel that the audience wants me to do well and that makes me feel special. I’ve been so lucky over the years to perform alongside legends of film, TV and stage. I had to pinch myself when I starred alongside the Fonz himself – Henry Winkler from the cult 70’s show Happy Days. He was an absolute joy to perform alongside as was the Hoff (David Hasselhoff). As well as playing alongside American legends including Paul Michael Glaser, I was blessed with being able to work next to UK acting and showbiz royalty including Steve McFadden, Warwick Davis, Lesley Joseph, Rob Rinder, Nolan sisters Bernie and Maureen, Letitia Dean plus many more, but the Queen of them all has to be the late Dame Barbara Windsor. Barbara
DECEMBER 2022
|
No 217
first asked me to appear with her after she saw me on the Des and Mel Show on ITV. The plan was to appear as Buttons to her Fairy Godmother in Cinderella but unfortunately Barbara became quite ill that year and was unable to do the pantomime. About seven years later, I found out that Barbara was leaving Eastenders and doing a panto. I got a call from the producers to say that Barbara had specifically asked for me to be on the show. In fact, I later discovered that she had included my appearance as one of the clauses in her contract. It was a wonderful experience working with a national treasure and one of the loveliest people I have ever met. For me, Buttons has always been my favourite role because of the relationship with Cinderella both as loyal friends and Button’s secret love for her. That is why I am so excited to be asked to reprise the role agin for this year’s panto working alongside the wonderful Lauren Hampton from Bristol who has appeared on stage with me on many occasions as a member of the juvenile ensemble. This year, she gets the chance to be in the starring role. To young performers reading this: dreams can come true, just believe in yourself and keep going. If I could have dinner with anyone from any era it would Eric Morecambe in the hayday of Eric and Ernie. I would have loved to have had the chance to pick his brilliant comedy brain. To me, Eric was and will always be THE comic inspiration for Andy Ford. I love the fact that he loved and cared about his craft so much. A perfectionist and a genius. My philosophy in life is: be nice to each other! • See Andy Ford in Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome from 4 – 31 December
