Kat B: panto-view
Hackney Empire’s pantomime is one of the frosted jewels in the wintry crown of London at Christmas. While the east London venue may not have always enjoyed year-round success, its festive offering is widely considered one of the very best in the capital. Comedian Kat B is a regular in the annual family show. This year he’s going full-on dame. He’s pulling on the wigs and corsetry to become one of the Ugly Sisters as Hackney Empire tells the story of Cinderella. He’s joined in the production by writer/director Susie McKenna, who also plays the Wicked Stepmother, Darren Hart as Buttons and Aisha Jawando in the title role. And though fellow Hackney regular Sharon D Clarke is not performing this year, she is lending her voice to one of the show’s mice. Kat B tells us more about the magical tale and why he loves pantomime: [youtube id="f0ct0fTn4EE"]
Why is Hackney Empire such a special place to see a panto?
It tells the story truthfully and encapsulates childhood. And it does not rely on celebrities doing their own individual acts!
What can you tell us about this year’s Hackney Empire panto?
This year we are doing Cinderella, which is the ultimate fairytale. I play one of the Ugly Sisters along with Tony Whittle. You have to see us to believe us, so come along!
Given the choice, goodie or baddie?
Both are challenging in very different ways and I have enjoyed playing both. But King Rat – the baddie in Hackney Empire’s Dick Whittington And His Cat – is the character of which I am most proud. [caption id="attachment_240358" align="alignnone" width="300"]
Kat B and Tony Whittle in Hackney Empire's Cinderella (Image: Perou)[/caption]
How different is pantomime from working as a comedian?
If stand-up is a sprint, then panto is a marathon! Panto is one of the hardest genres in theatre. It’s both physically and mentally demanding but also one of the most rewarding.
What was the first panto you saw?
It was Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Royal Stratford East.
What’s so special about pantomime?
The good old-fashioned family fun and the escapism. Kat B stars in Cinderella at Hackney Empire from 18 November to 31 December. Find out about more London pantomimes.