Palace panto star to make his Mark

In the first of a series of ‘60 Seconds With’ features, we meet up with Palace Theatre panto star Mark James.

The comedy magician is the world’s only mousetrap juggling solo act!

He combines original comedy and magic with juggling, escapology and music. In his solo shows he breaks the world record for vanishing thousands of things in one and ballet dances with plastic carrier bags and has been known to leave audiences young and old giggling like children at his riotous act.

2015 sees Mark’s third consecutive year taking on a Panto role for UK Productions and here, he gives us an insight into his world and what he’s most looking forward to about being part of the Aladdin cast in Mansfield this Christmas…

Is this your first visit to Mansfield? (If not, when were you last here and with which show?)

Yes.

What is your usual daily routine and how do you think the Panto schedule will differ?

Most mornings, I wake up, put on my tights and make up then try to make people laugh! Panto will be pretty similar!

Tell us about the character you will be playing…

I’m playing Wishee Washee. During the show he is poor, rich, poor then rich again. It’s typical for a performer!

What fun-fact might people not know about you? (Such as your ‘party trick’ or unusual pet…)

My favourite food is Jaffa Cakes!

Can you give us any gossip on your fellow cast?! (For a family-friendly audience!)

The Genie loves to trump!

What would be your dream Theatre role? Who would you love to work alongside?

Any show in a theatre is a dream. I couldn’t be happier working with anyone else, than the cast of Aladdin this Christmas.

Who is the most famous person in your phone / following you on social media?

I couldn’t possibly mention them all!

What is your guilty pleasure? (For example, a cheesy song, unhealthy food, etc)

Tuna and prawn pizza.

Tell us your best joke? (Or give an example of a prank you have played on someone…)

Two snowmen are in a field. One says to the other, ‘can you smell carrots?’ I’ll get better for the show, promise!

Where will you be spending Christmas Day this year? Who with?

At home, door locked, with my wife Sarah and son, Joshua. Lots of smiles, food and hugs.

What are you most looking forward to about Panto/Christmas/spending time in Mansfield?

Meeting the audience… I’ve heard it’s always great here at Mansfield and I can’t wait to find out if that’s true!

What is your message to anyone who hasn’t bought tickets to Aladdin yet?!

Go buy one… no, wait, buy ten!

Anything else you want to add? 7x4=11, I think!

Aladdin can be seen at Mansfield Palace Theatre from November 28-January 3.

The theatre is urging customers who prefer certain performances and seats to book as soon as they can with more than 70 per cent off tickets already sold! Tickets are priced at £14.86 full, £13.84 concessions and £51.25 for a family of four (including a 2.5 per cent booking fee.) To book tickets call the box office on 01623 633133 or book online by visiting www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre

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