CULTURE EDITION
PANTO
Starring as Cinderella at Cambridge Arts Theatre, Chloe shares her thoughts on this rags-to-riches tale 5 MINUTES WITH CHLOE GENTLES Cambridge Edition: What excites you most about playing Cinderella at the Cambridge Arts Theatre this year? Chloe Gentles: I get the chance to fly on stage! I’ve always wanted that opportunity and finally it has arrived! CE: Pantomime is known for its interactive and comedic elements – how do you bring your own spin to the role? CG: As with every great panto writer, Al Lockhart-Morley has tailored the script to what’s going on with current affairs, making the show relatable and current. I try to put my own spin on the character by adding my own personality and mannerisms to the role. I want to represent a modern young woman in today’s society who is fun-loving and creative. CE: What’s your favourite thing about performing for young audiences? CG: I love the joy and excitement they bring. Whether it’s their first visit to the theatre or they have been before, seeing certain theatrical magic tricks and beautiful costumes brings the joy to their faces. The reaction to hearing one of their favourite songs is brilliant as they sing along and some even love to boogie in their seats! I remember watching pantos as a child and loving the singing and dancing, although the pyrotechnics used to petrify me! If my mother knew about Relaxed Performances, I think we would have definitely attended those and that’s why I’m so grateful and proud that the Arts Theatre offers a Relaxed Performance, meaning everyone is welcome to enjoy the pantomime. CE: Do you have any pre-show rituals? CG: Yes, I love to drink a herbal tea and put on some uplifting tunes to get me into the spirit of the character. CE: What’s your background in acting? CG: I’ve been performing professionally since graduating in 2018. I trained at the Brit School before being awarded the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship to continue my training at Urdang Academy. One of the roles I enjoyed most was being a swing and assistant dance captain for Beautiful – the
Carole King Musical UK tour. Unfortunately, we were only able to complete ten weeks of performances before we got shut down due to Covid-19. Also, last year, I played Belle in Corn Exchange Newbury’s pantomime; I had such a blast playing another princess and living out one of my childhood dreams. More recently, I made my West End debut earlier this year when I played the Warrior Princess in The Addams Family concert at the London Palladium. CE: Looking ahead, are there any future projects you’re excited to pursue? CG: A dream role of mine is to play Jenna in Waitress: The Musical or young Ali in the new musical The Notebook . So I just need them both to open on the West End! CE: What do you love most about performing in panto? CG: I love the festive joy that’s around the theatre and town of a local pantomime. I love being a princess for a couple of months and wearing beautiful costumes! I also love that this show is a lot of people’s first time to the theatre, and it’s a show that all members of the family can enjoy. Cinderella takes place at the Cambridge Arts Theatre from 28 November to 5 January cambridgeartstheatre.com I love the festive joy that’s around the theatre and town of a local pantomime
26 DECEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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