Toti actress brings British humour to annual panto

It has long been a tradition in Durban to celebrate the festive season with a trip to the naughty adult pantomime: A well-known story with a decidedly grown-up twist, a smattering of well-known songs and a fair amount of risque one-liners. Under the scripting and direction of Darren King, it is set in Durban during the late 1950s – the age of rock ‘n roll.

“I was absolutely thrilled when I was given the lead,” said Katy. “I love adult panto and the chance to work with Darren again was an opportunity I could not refuse.

I have played Juliet before, when I was at university. I rate this as one of my biggest roles in SA. It’s great fun, but lots of work. I will bring energy, passion and a touch of British humour to the role.”

Katy was born in Newcastle, England. “We are known as geordies. I trained at Newcastle College and my degree is from the Cumbria Institute of the Arts. I always want to act, ever since I played the Snow Queen when I was 8-years-old.

I moved to SA in 2010 because I wanted a tan and was sick of the British weather. I’ve lived in Toti for three-and-a-half years, close to the beach, so I can catch a tan and surf regularly.”

Katy is married to Devan, who is a personal trainer and sports conditioning coach.

She has appeared in Kickstart’s Beauty and the Beast, as Cinderella at the Playhouse, ‘When Life Gives You Lennons’ at the Heritage Theatre and ‘Shall We Dance’ at the Playhouse.

In the UK she worked in TV and the theatre. “I worked with the Cragrats Theatre Company, the Panto Co, Faceless Theatre, the National Theatre with the Trestle Theatre Company, and on a national soap opera called Emmerdale Farm.”

Romero and Juliet opens from Sunday, 10 November to Tuesday, 31 December at Suncoast Casino. Show times are from Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm and on Sundays at 2pm. Bookings at Computicket or via Ailsa on 083-250-2690 or email ailswn@mweb.co.za.