Tonight sees Sleeping Beauty open at The Hawth Theatre, with Scott Paige making his pantomime debut in the role of the Good Spirit Moonbeam. The pantomime is running in Crawley until the 31st December and Scott is working with a cast including Carrie Hope Fletcher as Carrabosse and Andy Day as Jangles. Scott plays Michael in the world premiere of Debbie Isitt’s new musical I Should Be So Lucky, and he will be returning to the show (which features Stock Aitken Waterman’s music) when he finishes his run in Sleeping Beauty. Amongst his theatre credits, Scott originated the role of Jim in The Great British Bake Off the Musical in Cheltenham and the West End, and having understudied the role of Uncle Fester in The Addams Family Tour in 2017, he went on to play the character full-time in 2021 for a new UK Tour. In Debbie Isitt’s Nativity! The Musical, Scott played Mr Poppy and, in her Netflix film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, Scott was in the cast playing Beano. Catching up with Scott, he talks about playing the Good Spirit Moonbeam at The Hawth Theatre for his pantomime debut, being in the cast of the world premiere of I Should Be So Lucky and starring as Beano in the Netflix film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm.

You are performing in this year’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime at The Hawth in Crawley, can you tell us about your character and what will you bring to the role?

I’m playing the Good Spirit Moonbeam and he’s essentially the fairy godmother of the show. I will bring all the camp, all the overdramatic acting and plenty of fairy dust.

What are you looking forward to most for opening in the show at The Hawth and how are rehearsals going?

This is my very first pantomime so I’m thrilled to be debuting at The Hawth, it’s such a lovely space with such a feel-good community spirit to it. Rehearsals are going well and we’re all very excited to show you all what we’ve been up to.

What is it like working alongside Carrie Hope Fletcher, Andy Day and the rest of the cast?

The cast are AMAZING!!! I’m learning so much from them all. This is my third show with Carrie so to be doing my first ever panto alongside my bestie, it’s truly wonderful.

How do you think you’ll find the experience interacting with a pantomime audience?

I shall tell you after my first show on Friday as I have no idea what to expect, haha! I’m very excited to hear all the audience participation and the excitement they bring when watching the show.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see The Hawth’s pantomime of Sleeping Beauty this year?

Because it’s going to be the best panto this year!!! You’ll be a fool to miss out!!

You are currently in the cast of the new jukebox musical I Should Be So Lucky as Michael, what are you enjoying most about touring with the world premiere?

It’s always very exciting premiering in a new musical, this one is so much fun. It’s camp and joyous and has Kylie Minogue in it! What’s not to love!! Plus, it’s filled with so many nostalgic 80s classics, it really is a great night out.

What is Michael like to play and how is it performing the Stock Aitken Waterman songs?

SO MUCH FUN! My character gets to sing some absolute BANGERS. Sinitta’s Toy Boy being one and it’s so much fun.

How was it originating the role of Jim in The Great British Bake Off the Musical in Cheltenham and the West End?

It was truly one of the best times I’ve had in theatre. Cheltenham is gorgeous and premiering Bake Off the Musical there was a dream. I love the show so much and to originate the role was so special.

What was it like touring with The Addams Family as Uncle Fester in 2017 and 2021?

The Addams Family holds a very special place in my heart. I covered the wonderful Les Dennis who played Uncle Fester in 2017, so to get to play the actual part in 2021 was an incredible experience and a bit of a dream come true.

What are some of your favourite memories from starring as Mr Poppy in Nativity! The Musical?

All of it, very generic answer but the whole show was JOYOUS! It was possibly one of the hardest roles I’ve played, very energetic and doesn’t leave the stage so it was vocally and mentally very demanding, but again, one of the best experiences I’ve had in theatre, Debbie Isitt is a genius!!!

On screen, you played Beano in the Netflix film Christmas on Mistletoe Farm, how was it getting into character and what was Beano like to play?

Beano was so fun to play! My first time doing film and working with Netflix so it was another dream come true moment! Working with Debbie Isitt again was a complete joy and I have so much to thank her for. I love the film so much, we had the most wonderful time filming it out in Banbury. I will never forget it.

What was it like on set of Christmas on Mistletoe Farm and how was it seeing the completed film for the first time?

The farm was BEAUTIFUL and was all rebuilt for the film so when I saw it for the first time I was so taken aback. There was a moment in the film where we sang It Will Be Lonely This Christmas for Mr Cunningham outside his house and as soon as Debbie shouted action, it started snowing… we filmed in March! So we were all so shocked and got so emotional. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

From a young age I’ve always been interested in performing and putting on little shows for the family when I was a kid, so I guess it’s always been in my blood. I just love it and can’t do anything else really. I worked in Currys for a few months and I was very miserable.

Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch?

My favourite three shows of all time are: Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray and Ragtime.

How do you like to spend your time away from your career?

Sleeping, eating, and spending as much time with friends and my family as I can! I have five nieces and I love spending time with them and my dog Chip!!

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