THERE ain’t nothing like a dame, and it has been announced that Truro pantomime stalwart Edward Rowe – aka Kernow King - will play his first Dame in the Hall for Cornwall production of Jack and the Beanstalk.
Following his appearance as Captain Hook in last year’s smash hit Peter Pan, Edward will ditch the hook and step into the high heels and voluminous petticoats of hero Jack’s hapless mum for a show that promises to combine the very best pantomime traditions with Cornish myth and legend.
The Cornwall Playhouse Production comes from the creative team behind Peter Pan, which broke all previous records and won national critical acclaim.
Edward, who also won the hearts of Cornish audiences with his turn as Long John Silver, said: “It’s been firmly on my bucket list to take on the role of the Dame, following in such a strong pantomime tradition.
“If you’re ready to have nightmares about a six-foot Cornishman in a pretty dress, then come and see me and the brilliant team in what’s sure to be a riotous and heartwarming show.”
As an actor, writer, comedian and Cornish Bard, Edward has devoted himself to Cornish culture, language and heritage. He wrote, produced and starred in stage plays Trevithick!, Hireth, The Cornwall Coliseum and The Cornish Caretakers, and the short Cornish language film Mab Hudel (Magical Son).
Edward is also a co-writer and host of BBC Radio 4's sketch show Wasson Cornwall, starring opposite with Dawn French. Nationally, he’s known for his roles in BAFTA-winning film Bait, Fisherman’s Friends the Musical, and TV roles in Strike, Alex Rider, The Witcher, House of the Dragon and Beyond Paradise.
HFC chief executive and Jack and the Beanstalk executive producer Julien Boast said: “We know Edward will be a perfect fit in our new take on an historic fairytale.
“Expect a dash of Cornish mythology, a large helping of pantomime joy and all the magic and mayhem you know and love.”
To book for Jack and the Beanstalk at the Cornwall Playhouse from December 6 to 31, visit www.hallforcornwall.co.uk