Joining the walkers on the last day is none other than pantomime legend, Chris Clarkson! You may remember him better as Nanny Fanny from Sleeping Beauty (2018/19) or Dame Winona Whittington from Dick Whittington (2017/18)!

 

Chris Clarkson as Nanny Fanny in Sleeping Beauty

 

Chris has been a proud supporter of Theatre Royal; taking part in everything from our pantomimes, to community projects and the annual Golf Day. We are incredible thankful for Chris’s work with the theatre and his willingness to help out wherever possible. Now, as much as we’d love the Dame to take part in the walk, we think those hoop skirts would get in the way. Chris will be walking alongside 92 other volunteers on Mon 22 Apr, ending at Theatre Royal with a welcome back party.

 

When asked about the walk, Chris said:

‘When I first heard about all the events that the theatre were planning for their 200th birthday I jumped at the chance of being involved. Honestly, it’s such a wonderful space to play, building to work in, theatre to look at and asset to the Bury St Edmunds community, I’d do anything for it! I’m lucky enough to have appeared on stage there in 3 pantomimes along with The Love Gala last year and also a community project, too, so I feel deeply embedded in the recent history of the place. Having said that, though, it’s nothing when you consider the 196 years the theatre was around before I rocked up, but hopefully events like this will help the theatre remain established and keep it creating such wonderful and thought provoking entertainment for the local community for years to come. Also, with it being the 200 for 200 walk, can I add in the 209 miles I’m driving down from my house in Manchester to participate? ?’

 

Chris Clarkson as Dame Winona Whittington in Dick Whittington

 

A huge thanks to Chris for taking part and his continued support of Theatre Royal. Good luck Chris! (And maybe leave the heels at home! 😉 )