'I love you Portsmouth' - EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson salutes the city after special Kings Theatre honour
Actor is made first patron of Portsmouth Theatres after starring in stunning home-grown production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
The spectacular showing of Chitty was given a surprise gala night bang bang with the unveiling of star Shaun Williamson as the first patron of the recently enlarged Portsmouth Theatres.
The popular former EastEnders actor and Pompey panto regular was handed the honour on stage just before the curtain came down on what had already been a pulsating evening’s entertainment of the home-produced and locally cast amateur show
Shaun - who stepped in at the last minute to play both the Toymaker and Lord Scrumptious for part of the run - was given the additional honour of having one of the theatre’s dressing rooms named in his honour.
Accepting the accolade on stage from Portsmouth Theatres CEO Richard Pearce and artistic director Jack Edwards, Shaun said: ‘Thank you Portsmouth - I love you.’
Shaun is no stranger to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, having previously appeared in the 2016 UK and Ireland tour, where he played Baron Bomburst and Lord Scrumptious. But he took time to congratulate the high quality of the Kings’ self-produced show, especially the support of local amateur actor Stuart Warner who he is sharing the two roles with.
Both actors were called in after original cast member Christopher Marlowe had to pull out for personal reasons.
‘You talk about professionalism and non-professionalism but it’s all about attitude and if you’ve got professional attitude it’s irrelevant if you get paid or not. This cast and this show could easily be a West End show, right?’ he asked the highly-appreciative audience to cheers and applause.
‘Stuart did all the hard work - he did seven shows and I stepped in for the gala night - and normally they’re supposed to push you down the stairs. But all this man has done has been so kind and brilliant and helped me to rehearse. He is an amazing person.’
The Kings Theatre has a number of patrons including Fred Dinenage, Emma Barton, Hugh Dennis, Anita Harris and Dillie Keane. But Shaun is the first of the newly-enlarged Portsmouth Theatres which now includes the New Theatre Royal.
Jack said; ‘I've known Shaun for a very long time. He is one of the best and kindest people you will ever, ever meet and I really, really hope that one day Shaun will be back gracing this stage.’
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang continues its run until Sunday. Shaun, best known for playing Barry Evans in EastEnders, will continue in the role until Friday (April 17) and then Stuart returns for the final shows on Saturday and Sunday (April 18 and 19).
Tickets for the spectacular local production are available at the Kings Theatre website.