Not only will Jill Ross be Phoenix Theatre’s first female panto dame, but she will also be taking over the role her dad Bill originated 16 years ago.
Jill will play one of the two cooks (and dames) in the amateur theatre’s production of Snow White which will soon bring festive cheer to Aberdeen Arts Centre.
“Historically, the dame has always been played by men, but this year we’ve shaken things up a bit and we have one male and one female dame,” said Jill.
“Much like her other half Aggie, my character Ruby is very quick-witted and cheeky and they’re both very much on the lookout for a man.”
But the man whose reaction Jill will really be on the lookout for will be her dad’s who will cheer her on on the opening night.
She said: “They are pretty big shoes to fill to not only be the first female dame in the company but to also be stepping into the role that my dad played so well 16 years earlier. It’s a lot of pressure.
“I very much remember seeing the show with my dad in it. It was the second panto the Phoenix put on, with the first one being Cinderella where my dad played one of the dames and I played Cinderella.
“When I got the script for Snow White, a lot of it came flooding back in my dad’s voice and I could picture him – especially singing some of the songs.
“He will be there on the opening night and he’s coming with my mum and his mum.”
Family affair
And that’s not all, Jill’s daughter Lucy, 9, will also be part of the festive show.
Jill said: “I’ve been in nearly every production – I just missed a few when IÂ had my daughter and the odd production here and there.
“My first production was Oliver and the second one was Sweeney Todd and they needed more men so I roped in my dad and my brother and we’ve all been part of Phoenix ever since.”
So now Jill, who was the same age as her daughter when she joined Phoenix Theatre, cannot wait to see Lucy make her debut and to have four generations of her family in the Arts Centre.
It’s certainly going to be one big family affair, with Jillian also considering members of the theatre group part of her extended family.
“Phoenix really feels like a family/ community,” said the dental nurse and amateur actor.
“A lot of members have been part of Phoenix for a long time. It’s so much fun and you make lifelong friends.
“And I’ve had so many opportunities to do things that we would never normally get to do.”
Performing with Boyzlife
One of the most recent thrilling experiences was performing with Boyzlife when the duo played Aberdeen’s Music Hall.
Jill said: “We were contacted by the tour manager as they needed a choir for one of the big songs. So we got to go along, watch the whole concert and then we were on stage with Brian (McFadden) and Keith (Duffy) as part of the professional tour.”
About 10 Phoenix and Phoenix Youth members performed A Different Beat with the popular supergroup.
“Being a lady of a certain age, I was exceptionally excited to get to stand next to one of my first crushes,” laughed Jill.
“We sang with them and got to meet them afterward. You don’t do that very often!
“It was fabulous and amazing.”
Phoenix Theatre to stage Snow White in Aberdeen
Speaking of all things fun and fabulous, Jill is certain “classic panto” Snow White will put a smile on everyone’s face.
“There’s slapstick comedy for children, but – as any good panto – it also has plenty of jokes for the adults too.
“It’s such a good story that shows that good always conquers evil. And it’s more fun being good! And Snow White has the best love story.
“It’s a really good feel-goof family panto – everyone will leave with the last song stuck in their head.”
Phoenix Theatre and Phoenix Youth Theatre’s Snow White is at Aberdeen Arts Centre from Wednesday November 16 to Saturday November 19. Tickets can be booked here.
Conversation