TGtS Meets...Jennifer Greenwood

TGtS headed down to Roves Farm to chat to Jennifer Greenwood about working with Keith Chegwin, swapping Shakespeare for panto and why she's not your typical fairy!

We heard that it's your first time in panto, are you looking forward to it?

It is indeed, I'm looking forward to being steered towards the helm by Kieth and David, which is very exciting. Panto was such a huge part of my childhood and I'm really excited about telling the story to a new generation.

Which other projects have you been involved with lately?

I graduated from the Bristol Old Vic theatre school just last year, my most recent show was only a couple of days ago at the Salford Shakespeare Festival, I played the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream - I do love a bit of Shakespeare but it will be nice to do something a little more light hearted like playing the fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk. 

What got you into acting in the first place?

I was actually in a school production when I was 8 years old, it was a little known play called A Wonderful Wish and I played Princess Snowflake and I stood up on the stage with my glitter make-up (very similar to what I'm wearing now actually) and sang my song, and thought yep, this is where I belong. I've been very lucky because I've been able to do a mixture of musical theatre and straight acting.

You play the fairy in Jack and the Beanstalk, what can you tell us about your character?

As the fairy it's my role to watch over Jack on his travels up and down the beanstalk, I'm very excited because the role of the fairy is usually played by older actresses, so I'm looking forward to breathing some new life into the role. I'm only 26 so I'm a fun fairy, a bit of a Tinkerbell if you please. 

What would your dream role be?

Shakespeare wise I'd love to play some more heroines, in the distant future when I'm much older I'd love to take on the role of Lady Macbeth. Musical theatre is another passion of mine, so something like Les Mis would incredible - there are so many characters that I'd adore playing. In terms of panto, I'm thrilled that I'm starting off as the role of Fairy. 

Are you looking forwarding to starring alongside Keith Chegwin?

Keith was a part of my childhood - I know you wouldn't think it because I look so young. I used to watch him on the telly all of the time so it's quite inspiring to be working with him now that I'm graduated and in the world of acting. He's so nice to be around and he's such a team player. David who plays Dame Trot has worked with him before and told me about what an incredible guy he is to work with. Everyone's already been pulling out their best panto quips, I think I need to brush up on mine. 

How long is the rehearsal process?

It's a quick one, can you believe that it's only two weeks? Basically we spend one week in a rehersal room with our cups of tea and then a week in the theatre with all of our pyrotechnics, costumes and props. It's pretty quick. We get the scripts in advance so that we can learn all of our songs (hopefully we'll be getting those pretty soon). Everyone comes prepared, so they can go in and smash it and get the ball rolling. 

Your costume is incredible, do you get a say in what you wear?

Unfortunately I don't but I'm so thrilled with the choice. I'm wearing a rather racy fairy costume - it's quite mermaid like, there's even a couple of cheeky nude parts! It's green, blue and turquoise with lots of shimmery sparkles. I love that it's not a big meringue dress, it's actually rather sleek and sexy. I'm a very modern fairy. I'm definitely channelling my inner Tinkerbell, I like to think I'm a bit of a naughty fairy. 

Do you have any exciting plans whilst you're in Swindon?

I'm looking forward to chilling out and not having to go the GYM because I'll be doing 2 shows a day - So i'll be pretty much put through my paces. I'm looking forward to having a nice Christmas in Swindon too. I'm from Norfolk so it will be nice to bring my family down to Swindon for a change. I always think that it's a bit of a holiday, you get to relax, eat and then do a lovely show. Swindon isn't too far away from London as well, so I'm really pleased that I get to support local theatre. 

What's your favourite thing about panto?

I think that it's really important because it's what gets a lot of people into theatre and it's accessible to people old and young. A lot of people associate the people with the upper classes but it shouldn't be like that. Everyone loves a good panto, I think it's a very British way to celebrate Christmas - I think that's what makes so nice.