Interview: Dick and Dom on performing in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST this Christmas at Fairfield Halls
Photo credit: Paul Clapp - Limelight Studios
Imagine Theatre return to Fairfield Halls this year with classic fairy tale, Beauty & The Beast, starring the ever popular comedy double act, Dick and Dom. We caught up with them on their panto press day earlier this week to talk about the upcoming show and what makes them work as a duo.
How are you both and how have managed to navigate the last 18 months or so?
We’re good thanks! Over the past 18 months and a lot of cancelations of most of our live theatre, festival and DJ work, we had to find new ways of working from home. We released a wake up app, recorded a new podcast, did online DJ gigs and quizzes and even a few drive-in gigs! It was a tough time for everyone in the live entertainment industry but it’s great to see it bouncing back stronger than ever.
Are you looking forward to being back on stage together in panto at Fairfield Halls?
We are really looking forward to getting back on stage at Fairfield Halls. The last theatre performance we did was in 2019 so this will be extra special!
You are no stranger to the stage but much of your career has been on the TV. Do you enjoy the live interaction aspect of theatre?
There is something very special about performing in the theatre; the rich history of it, the live aspect and of course, the audiences. For some young people, panto will be the first time they’ve been to the theatre so it’s great to be making memories.
Who are you both playing in Beauty and the Beast this year?
Dick: Dick
Dom: Dom
Both: Dick and Dom!
How does it feel to be performing alongside Derek Griffiths?
Dick: Amazing! He was a childhood hero of ours, I remember seeing him at the Cruicible Theatre in my home town of Sheffield when I was about 5! I still have one of his vinyl albums from back then to this day.
Dom: I went to see him perform in the West End and it was Beauty and the Beast weirdly!…it was meant to be.
What are your first memories of panto?
Dick: I saw panto many times in Sheffield, starring local legend Bobby Knutt. I remember starring in my first ever panto, an am dram production of Snow White and I was one of the dwarfs!!
Dom: At 19, I played Buttons in Rhyl and had to spend Christmas Day on my own!
Being a duo, do you feel like you’re missing a limb when you work on projects without one another?!
We very rarerly do projects without each other. We’ve spent more of life together than with our own partners!
You have been working together for over two decades. What makes your double act work so successfully?
Friendship and communication.
What can audiences expect from Beauty and the Beast?
It will be a magical rip roaring production and a much needed load of laughter for all ages!
Beauty and the Beast runs at Fairfield Halls in Croydon from 10 December 2021-2 January 2022. For more information and to book tickets, please click here.
