Interview with Ben Goffe. Sleeping Beauty is set to cast its spell over Swindon this Christmas. And back at the Wyvern Theatre for a second-year running is the brilliant Ben Goffe, who’ll be playing Muddles. We caught up with Ben to chat about his return to the stage this festive season.
Returned to Swindon
So Ben, you’re back in Swindon again this year… I’m thrilled to be back at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon playing Muddles the Jester in this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty. I so loved it last year, and I’m so excited to be returning. It actually feels like coming home!
So, it sounds like you’ve found your happy place on the Wyvern Stage?
Yes! It’s fantastic. I’ve been in the business for 25 years and done 18 pantomimes all over the UK, but I had the best time in Swindon. Last year, I loved hearing Dash (David Ashley) talk about families who always sit in the same seats waving from the front row every Christmas. And I’m looking forward to seeing those familiar faces again. And the Swindon audiences were so incredible…
David Ashley
Speaking of Dash, he’s a bit of a Swindon Legend, with over a decade of pantos at the Wyvern under his belt. Do you enjoy working with him?
Yes, he’s been in the panto for YEARS! It’s amazing. And you’re right, he’s such a legend of the Wyvern stage. The audience all know him and love him and to be back working with him again is brilliant. We had such a laugh last year. I can’t wait to do it all over again.
Award nomination
You were also nominated for Best Comic in the UK Pantomime Awards last year. That must’ve felt pretty special?
Oh, absolutely! I couldn’t believe it, to be honest. It was my first time as the principal comic, so when people backstage were saying, ‘Oh, you might get nominated,’ I was like, no chance! But then I made it into the final five alongside some comedy heavyweights like Steve Royle and Johnny Mac. All people I’ve admired for years. Being nominated was amazing. When Steve won, I congratulated him and he told me it was his first nomination too, after 25 years in the business. So I said, ‘Well done mate but next year, it’s mine!’ (laughs)
So, no pressure this year then?!
Ha yeah… a little bit! Last year we had tap dancing, trumpet playing, I threw all my tricks at it! So, I did think, ‘What else can I give the Swindon audiences this year?’ I’m gonna have to pull something special out of the bag that’s for sure!
But I love that this year the audience also knows me. It makes the whole show even more special and people love coming back for the familiar faces and in-jokes. So maybe I’ll get away with it. That’s one of the best things about panto, it’s like being part of one big family.
New faces
And you’ve got a new face joining the family this year with Jenny Ryan from The Chase!
Jenny’s joining us as our baddie, and she’s going to be brilliant. We did our press shoot back in May saying ‘Merry Christmas!’ in spring, as you do in panto and we had such a laugh. I’ve heard that she’s fantastic on stage, and I can’t wait to see her unleash her inner villain. Of course, audiences will know her as The Vixen from The Chase. So I’m sure a bit of that will sneak into her performance, but with a little more glitter and a lot more boos!
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… Definitely the audiences. They were so warm and welcoming last year. And that goes for everyone at the Wyvern too, the front-of-house team, the box office, backstage crew, wardrobe, everyone. It’s such a lovely theatre family. Oh, and of course, I’m looking forward to visiting the Cornish Bakehouse again, can’t forget that!
Nice plug there Ben… are you hoping for some freebies?
Maybe! You never know if I mention them enough, maybe they’ll sneak a pasty or two into my dressing room. I’ll take a cheese and onion, please!
Finally, why should Swindon families come along to see Sleeping Beauty?
Because it’s going to be magical! You’ll laugh, you’ll boo, you’ll cheer, and you might even see me fall over a few times…on purpose, of course! It’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family.
This year’s panto promises to have all the traditional panto elements you know and love – bags of comedy, oodles of magic and tons of fun. It’s the is the perfect festive treat, full of sparkle and spectacle, to make those magical memories with all the family.
Book tickets here:
https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB/event/pantomime/sleeping-beauty-tickets
