Coronation Street star delighted to be performing in 'stunning' Crewe theatre's Christmas panto
By Ryan Parker
9th Dec 2022 | Local News
A 2022 Coronation Street star is delighted to be performing at Crewe's 'stunning' Lyceum Theatre - for this year's Christmas pantomime.
Jamie Kenna who played Phil Whittaker in Coronation Street from 2021 to 2022 - is starring in Crewe Lyceum Theatre's Aladdin Christmas panto.
The Crewe Christmas production runs from Friday (December 16) to Sunday (January 8) - also headlining Louie Spence, Kiera-Nicole and Malcolm Lord.
"Its great to be starring in this Christmas production. I've been a huge fan of pantomime ever since I was a kid, it's what sparked the creative urge in me," says Jamie.
Jamie has acted in a number of famous productions, including Peaky Blinders, The Bill, Stormbreaker and most recently, Coronation Street.
The 48-year-old is excited to perform at this year's pantomime - playing magician and primary antagonist, Abanazar.
Jamie exclusively told Nub News: "I've done loads of pantomimes over the years.
"To be actually starring on the poster at this beautiful Lyceum Theatre - it's a real honour and privilege.
'We have a really fun show. Hopefully it's well supported and audiences enjoy it."
Crewe's 2022 Christmas panto cast have already built a strong relationship.
Jamie says he gets on well with the team - most notably famous dancer Louie Spence.
The Coronation Street star said: "The cast are brilliant. We don't have much rehearsal time which is a panto tradition.
"Everyone has got on like a house on fire straightway.
"Me and Louie are finding lots of funny moments which will grow and grow."
This is the first time Jamie has ever worked in or visited Crewe Lyceum Theatre.
He says the historic venue is even better than what he expected.
Jamie said: "Crewe Lyceum Theatre is absolutely stunning. I had heard about how beautiful it is, it hasn't disappointed.
"Its lovely and it feels intimate. That is actually how you want it to feel for panto.
"You want people to be immersed in the experience and come on the journey with you."
Jamie was positive about Crewe. Since rehearsing at the Lyceum he has visited a number of town centre shops and businesses.
One of them was Wattalotta Sweets - located inside Crewe Market Hall.
The famous British actor said: "I have had a couple of wanders around Crewe - the people have been really friendly.
"There have been a lot of Coronation Street fans recognising me in the shops I have visited.
"Crewe has been very welcoming. My experience so far has been very positive.
"I would like to go to a Crewe Alexandra match while I am here after Christmas. I love visiting different football grounds.
Jamie, a former semi-professional footballer for Rusthall FC, loved his time on Coronation Street.
He first played the role of Phil Whittaker, on 16 July 2021 - dating character Fiz Stape (Jennie MCAlpine).
Jamie last appeared as the character on 21 July 2022. Fiz realised she didn't love Phil and returned to ex-partner Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall).
Jamie told Nub News: Playing Phil Whittaker was so much fun and the storylines grew and grew.
"Me and Tyrone got up to all sorts of antics and the people there were lovely.
"It was a real dream job. I initially went in for seven episodes and ended up staying for 80 episodes.
"It was brilliant. To go into a show like that and have the impact like Phil had, it was so much fun.
"People still stop me in the street about the character and are desperate for him to come back."
Despite all of Jamie's roles in TV shows over the years, his most recent is his favourite.
He believes Coronation Street felt more special than anything worked on before.
The Aladdin actor added: "I've been really lucky to star in a lot of high-end jobs. When I'm working I feel alive.
"If I had to choose my favourite production to have starred in I would say Coronation Street.
"It was a very different experience to anything else I have done."
The first performance of Aladdin at Crewe Lyceum Theatre starts at 7pm on Friday (December 16).
For more event information and online ticket purchases click HERE.
READ MORE: Emergency services rush to car 'well alight' on road in Crewe.
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