There’s Nothing Like a Dame. Oh yes there is! And, this festive season, Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre once again welcomes back everyone’s favourite dame, David Ashley, for his eleventh year.As he returns to the stage as Nurse Nellie Nurofenna Nightcap, David takes us through his typical day as the larger-than-life, fabulous star of the show,Sleeping Beauty.
Ah, the glamorous life of a pantomime dame. If you think it’s all glitter, adoring fans, and standing ovations, you’d be right. Except for the part where you can’t sit down under your eight layers of taffeta and wonder if your eyelashes will ever stay on…
Nothing Like a Dame – David Ashley as a pantomime dame
11 AM – WAKE-UP CALL
My day starts the way it always does, reaching for the alarm clock in a groggy state and knocking over a small mountain of glitter pots. I know what you’re thinking… ‘That’s a late start.’ Well, my darlings,for you perhaps. But when you’ve tottered back to your digs at 10 PM in your 6-inch heels after a two-show day, trust me, you need your beauty sleep! You see, being a Pantomime Dame comprises more than acting. I need to be extra from the moment my foot hits the floor.
After a quick coffee (extra strong of course), it’s time to glue on my identity. You may think putting on false lashes this early is overkill, but when your career depends on outshining a fairy in a sparkly leotard, you can’t take any chances.
12 PM – READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP(Mr De Mille)
Arriving at the stage door, I sneak past my adoring fans waiting to get a glimpse of me. I do so using the clever disguise of a trench coat and dark sunglasses (to hide those exceptional lashes) and head to my dressing room. It’s time for the pièce de résistance… my face. The transformation from mere mortal to pantomime dame requires more foundation than you’d find in a new housing development. And enough lipstick to paint a fence.
12:30 PM – DRESS TO IMPRESS
Now comes the real challenge: squeezing myself into the first costume of the day. And please, let’s get this straight, these are NOT mere frocks. They’re architectural masterpieces. Today’s number is, in essence, a replica fountain with a full gushing water feature. Because nothing says ‘leading lady’ like dressing as your town’s most glamorous plumbing problem. There are ten more wild and wacky variations I’ll need to get into over the next two hours (I genuinely believe there should be an Olympic category for this!). Nothing says “comedy” like watching a grown man in flesh-coloured undies and a 48F padded bra shimmy into a giant Christmas pudding dress! Finally, comes the wig, the towering masterpiece, my crowning glory.
12:45 PM – AND SO, IT BEGINS
It’s a school show, and it’s noisy. And when I say noisy, imagine a stampede of elephants and that’s before the curtain even rises. But here I am, standing in the wings, waiting for my big entrance. After years of perfecting my craft, my one-liners are as sharp as my contouring, and I’m ready. Even an unexpected cream pie to the face won’t faze me – but I’ll get my revenge before the season is out! And I’m already scanning the auditorium for my latest ‘Dad’ victim in the front row to tease for the next two hours.
Before I step into the lights, I take a moment to ask myself the age-old question: ‘Will this be the year I trip and fall into the orchestra pit?’
1 PM – IT’S SHOWTIME!
As I step (or rather, ‘slide’ in my gushy water number) onto the stage, I’m greeted by a collective gasp from the audience. It could be awe. It could be fear. But it’s most likely the water feature. But as the lights hit my heavily made-up face, I feel the magic of pantomime flow through me. This is my moment to shine, or at least sparkle rather aggressively. I deliver a well-timed quip, wink at the audience like it’s my last night on Earth (I’m sure my ‘Dad’ victim winked back), and they love it. Or they’re confused. Either way, they laugh, and we’re off!
3:30 PM – TAKING MY BOW
By the time the final curtain falls, we’ve told the story, and we have a room full of excited children and happy families. Our job’s done. I’m a walking human snow globe of glitter, exhausted but exhilarated. There’s nothing quite like hearing 1,000 people, from ages 5 to 105, belly laughing together. But wait, it’s a two-show day…
7 PM –WE’LL HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN, WON’T WE?
After a quick break and a Pot Noodle (other brands are available). It’s back into the birdbath outfit for me for another whizz around panto land with a whole new load of panto friends. All ready to be whisked of to a fairytale land… THIS time will I get the prince?
9:30 PM – AND SO, TO BED
With the final show of the day over, as the excited chatter in the auditorium fades, I peel off the eyelashes that now feel like they’ve been glued to my soul, and finally take a breath. Another day done, another audience have made memories with their families.
And tomorrow? Tomorrow, it’s all good versus evil, and the eternal search for a lipstick that won’t disappear mid-performance.
Because in pantomime, darling, the show must go on. Even if your eyelashes don’t!
You can catch David in Sleeping Beauty from Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026.
Swindon Hub Safe Space – for anyone who finds Christmas difficult.
December can feel heavy for a lot of people. That’s why Swindon Hub in the town centre is creating a quiet space for anyone who needs support over the festive period. Rather than focusing on celebrations, the Hub will be offering somewhere to sit, talk and find practical information throughout the month.
Information from Citizens Advice will be available, including guidance on managing energy use and keeping costs down. The Hub has also arranged an in-person advice session giving local residents the chance to speak to an advisor.
Swindon Hub Safe Space – Santa at the Hub
More details to come
The Hub will share details of support available across Swindon during Christmas week. This will cover such things as:
Hot meals at The Haven through Christmas Care …
… and the Christmas Day lunch offered by Christ Church Community Centre for people who would otherwise spend the day alone.
Alongside this core support, the Hub will host a small number of activities designed to encourage creativity and connection. These include:
Citizens’ Advice information on energy use and winter budgeting – Friday 5th December, 12.30 -3.30pm
Art workshop with Ipsum Care – Wednesday 3 December, 1–3pm
The Shared Stories Wellbeing Discussion Group – first session Saturday 6 December, 1–3pm (upstairs)
Emily Funnell, Outreach and Inclusion Coordinator at Swindon Hub, said ‘Not everyone feels festive in December. Some people are grieving, some are struggling with money, and some are lonely. We want the Hub to be a safe place to land. You don’t need a reason to come in. If you want company, information or simply somewhere to sit quietly for a while, you’ll be welcome.’
The Hub’s gallery space will also display artwork created by young people in foster care in Swindon. Thus offering a gentle reminder of how creativity can make a difficult month feel a little lighter.
About the Hub
Swindon Hub is a volunteer-run community venue offering café space, creative workshops and inclusive activities for all. For opening hours and the full December programme, visit www.swindonhub.org.
Anyone wishing to attend the art workshop with Ipsum Care can email Emily at emily@swindonhub.org.uk for more details.
NUTRITION TAKING THE FOREFRONT at the care show. Mary Merheim, nutritionist and entrepreneur, will be one of two keynote speakers at The Care Show Swindon taking place next month.
The Care Show Swindon is the South West’s premier health and social care expo. There, care industry professionals, suppliers, and service providers will gather to share their insights and expertise. This all-day event on Thursday January 29 brings information and knowledge to relevant businesses and members of the public.
Debut
The Care Show debuted in 2025. It saw strong attendance from the public and service providers across the south west. With co-owners, Hannah Edwards and Kevin Griffiths at the helm, The Care Show is coming back for its second event in the new year.
Mary Merheim will be the afternoon speaker at The Care Show 2026. Mary is a nutrition adviser to the elderly. She founded award-winning brand Grandbar Snacks – now supplied around the UK.
‘Having Mary as one of our speakers at The Care Show is exciting. It’s an honour to have an entrepreneur of her skill and calibre from her field,’ said Kevin Griffiths, co-owner of The Care Show.
NUTRITION TAKING THE FOREFRONT – Mary Merheim, who is announced as the afternoon speaker at The Care Show
Top tips
Mary will speak to attendees of The Care Show providing tips on how to spot early signs of malnutrition. And why people might lose interest in food as well as simple and practical ways of boosting nutrition in later life.
‘I’m so looking forward to attending The Care Show. As a nutrition adviser for the elderly, it’ll be great to speak to people affected by the consequences of appetite loss,’ said Mary.
Mary is also an author of nutrition guide, ‘Navigating Nutrition in Later Life’. Her father losing his appetite in later life, inspired her to create Grandbar Snacks. She designed the brand for those who are older with low appetite and wanting to eat healthier.
‘If a family member loses their interest in eating and drinking it can become a very emotional experience for both sides. My advice is always look at what they ARE wanting and work slowly to upgrade it somehow,’ said Mary. ‘I hope people at The Care Show will leave reassured that making small changes can have a big impact. It can be very upsetting watching someone fade away because they don’t feel like eating a meal.’
Experienced speaker
Mary has been a professional speaker for many years. And, as an entrepreneur, she leads workshops, offers courses and provides one-to-one support for families experiencing nutrition struggles with the elderly.
‘At The Care Show, we want to give attendees the opportunity to learn and realise what is out there in terms of support. It also allows service providers to collaborate and connect. To have Mary introduce her amazing Grandbar Snacks, the concept behind her brand and nutrition for the elderly is something we’re looking forward to. We can’t wait to welcome her in January,’ continued Kevin.
The Care Show Swindon takes place on Thursday 29th January 2026 at The DoubleTree by Hilton. To book your attendance for free, visit: https://www.thecareshow.co.uk/
I held the launch at Fika Coffee and Wine on Havelock Square. We had a full house and a fun time. But I’m been ill pretty much since then thus I’ve not got round to posting anything about it until now.
Front cover of the new book.
Below find a small number of photos from the launch:
Jeremy Holt and Angela Atkinson, author of Swindon in 50 More BuildingsAngela Atkinson with Brian CarterAngela Atkinson with Heidi Alexander
Where to buy
The great thing about local history books is that they make great gifts for any occasion.
You can obtain the book – they’re generally signed – from:
Me! There’s a widget on the right hand menu of the blog from which you can order a copy. You’ll also find the widget inside this page on the top of the blog.
Financial Planners Support Toy Appeal. Wroughton based Southby & Co. Financial Planning has donated £500 worth of toys to this year’s Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal. Thus they’re helping families across the town who may otherwise wake up to very little on Christmas morning.
The appeal runs from 10 November to 1 December. It brings together people, schools, churches and businesses across Swindon to collect brand new toys for children aged 0 to 17. Last year, 420 families took home:
Three main presents
A book
A soft toy …
… and a handful of stocking fillers for more than 830 children.
Financial Planners Support Toy Appeal – the Southby & Co. team dropping off £500 worth of toys for the Swindon Christmas Toy Appeal.
Ever increasing need
A 2024 report showed the need for such support is rising. Around 27.5 per cent of households in Swindon with children under 18 were living in poverty. Across the nation, 4.5 million children across the UK were living in relative poverty in 2023 to 2024. Numbers like this mean appeals such as this one are becoming more important every year.
Dave said ‘We’ve bought £500 worth of toys to donate this year because Christmas can be a real struggle for some families. If a few presents from us help a child wake up to something special on Christmas morning then it’s worth doing. We’re very aware of how lucky we are. And that there are many families who aren’t in that position, so this felt like a simple way for us to do our part.’
The team bought toys for a mix of ages, with a focus on older children who are often overlooked. Donations included Squishmallows, footballs and wireless headphones. Cristina, who recently joined the business as an apprentice, helped coordinate the collection and drop off as part of the team effort.
The firm has also been named as a finalist for Professional Adviser Firm of the Year – South West for the second year in a row. That places them among the top performing financial planning businesses in the region.
Dave has taken part in a range of fundraising challenges over the years. They’ve ranged from running events to long distance walks, often in fancy dress. He says these experiences have shown him how much difference even small acts of giving can make.
Local agencies, churches and schools refer families to the toy appeal.
Each receives a personalised voucher which they can redeem at venues across Swindon in the run up to Christmas. Volunteers will support sorting, packing and hosting days throughout early December.
