PANTOMIME Interview: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Worthing – Grant Neal

“It went really well last year,” said Grant. “I really enjoyed it. I didn’t have to sing too much. You could just enjoy the whole experience without the extra pressure.”

All he had to concentrate on was making the Prince likeable – a key part of the performance: “And you have to get the right line between comedy and serious.

“He is not a comedy role. He is quite a straight role and can’t do all the messing around, but you can still have little moments of fun!”

Grant, who trained at the London Academy of Performing Arts, brings to it a wealth of panto experience.

“I’ve done quite a few pantos. I think it must be about 10. It hasn’t been every year.

“I did the first one when I left drama school. I was Daisy The Cow in Colchester and then I did a few dancing in the ensemble, and then I was Dick Whittington a couple of times and then in Snow White twice.

“I do enjoy them. There have been years when I haven’t been able to do them, but when I can, I do.

“They are a good way to earn money and they are good fun. You don’t get the pressures that you usually get.

“You just go out to enjoy them – though they are quite hard work.

“You’ve got to have lots of energy on stage. But it’s just nice to be in an environment where you are always wishing people a Happy Christmas!”

Originally, Grant intended to become a musician, playing flute and piano: “But from that I got pushed into doing shows.

“I enjoyed them and then I decided I would go to drama school.

“I did a broad training across acting and musical theatre. It was just right for me.”

Since then he has gone on to appear in The New Yorkers from Ian Marshall Fisher’s Lost Musicals series at Sadler’s Wells, following West End appearances in Imagine This at the New London Theatre, Chicago, Evita and Into the Woods.

Grant also appeared in the final cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, where he understudied the Childcatcher.

Tickets on 01903 206206 or online at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk.