Cinderella star John Evans ‘charmed’ by Llandudno

Dec 2 2010 by Alex Hickey, North Wales Weekly News

THERE must be something special about the coast which keeps bringing pantomime star John Evans back year after year.

The quick-witted Scouser is in Llandudno for his fourth consecutive year playing panto’s equivalent of Hamlet – Buttons in Cinderella – a role he has always yearned to play.

He will join former Page 3 pin-up Linda Lusardi as the Fairy Godmother, and her husband Sam Kane will direct and star as the dashing Prince.

When asked what keeps drawing him back to North Wales, the veteran stand-up was as quick as a flash with his response: “The cheque!”

And a little bit more besides: “I really like the town, the people are lovely in the theatre and the audiences are great.

“I can get back to Liverpool after a show which is another big draw for me.”

That’s because he spends the best part of every year on stage doing panto or stand-up comedy for corporate gigs and cruise liners.

Despite being just 42, the dad-of-three has been in the entertainment business for 25 years and probably wouldn’t have it any other way, but he knows its tough for his loved ones.

“I have a very understanding family, I’m away for most of the year. My wife works as well so we rely a lot on the wider family. Without them we wouldn’t be able to do it,” he says.

“I always wanted to be an actor and at the time you needed an Equity (actor’s union) card, and to get that you had to get contracts so I would do stand-up around the clubs,” John said.

From there he did a bit of TV work, starring in classic shows such as The Comedians and Des O’Connor before he moved on to corporate work and the theatre.

And this year he’s promising audiences some first rate family entertainment.

“We have fantastic musical numbers, great special effects with a Pegasus coach and horse which takes off and flies across the stage, brilliant dancers – and I’m very handsome! Two and half hours entertainment. What more do you want for £18.50?”

Fairy Godmother Linda Lusardi is also looking forward to casting a spell on Venue Cymru’s audiences.

As well as working with husband Sam, her daughter Lucy is playing her assistant, and son Jack is in the dance troupe.

Linda said: “I love doing panto as you’re guaranteed a full house and it’s a great event for children as it’s so important for them to see live theatre.”

Cinderella at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, December 11 to January 2. Call 01492 872000 or log on to venuecymru.co.uk