Fairy Fortune's First Flight!

Lucinda Rigby has been a member of The Wight Strollers since she was four years old, and this year's pantomime will mark her twelfth production with the company.

In Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lulu will be taking her first ever speaking role with The Wight Strollers as the magical Fairy Fortune, the good fairy who watches over Snow White and acts as a narrator for the audience, book-ending the story and saving the day in the way that only pantomime fairies can!

So we thought we'd talk to Lulu about how she's finding her first role, about her time in The Wight Strollers and, of course, why everyone should book tickets to see the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs...

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Hi, Lulu! I have to say, it's very strange sitting down to interview you now - I remember you when you were tiny,  and now you're 15 years old and taking a speaking role! How time flies! 

For those that don't know you, tell us about your first pantomime...

My first Panto was Robinson Crusoe in 2005, when I was four. I'm now 15, so I can hardly remember it, but I'm sure that in our little seahorse costumes we stole the show just as much as the little ones will do this year - they're so cute!

They are indeed! How did you feel when you were asked to play Fairy Fortune?

When I was originally asked if I wanted to play Fairy Fortune, my first thought was 'Me? Really?' - for as long as I remember I'd been looking up to the 'big girls' who played the fairy and I was so excited at the thought that this year it could actually be me, so naturally I pushed all nervous thoughts aside and said yes only about 5 minutes after I'd been asked!

What's been the most enjoyable thing about playing Fairy Fortune?

The most enjoyable part of playing Fairy Fortune has definitely been embracing my inner magic. It sounds silly I know, but it gets to a point at rehearsals where I genuinely think my wand is freezing and unfreezing the scenes.

It doesn't sound silly at all - it sounds very magical! So what are you most looking forward to about getting an audience?

When it comes to getting an audience, the thing I'm most looking forward too is the interaction and the whole thing just becoming more real, especially for the young children and maybe even some adults who still believe in magic.

In your opinion, what is it about the Strollers that makes it so special and keeps people coming back, both on and off stage?

The thing I love most about Strollers, and the reason I think people keep coming back, is that we're not just a cast but more of a family. There is definitely a huge amount of love between all members of Strollers whether they're in the current production or not, and any stroller rehearsal or outing that we may do is genuinely just a happy (not to mention hilarious!) place to be.

If you could describe this year's pantomime in just 3 words, what would they be?

Three words would be...awesome, jazzy and magical!

Why do you think the 'good fairy' role is so important in pantomime?

I think the good fairy role is important in pantomimes as, aside from the main characters, it gives the audience someone to root for in the rivalry between the goodies and baddies in the story. Also, what happy ending is really complete without a little bit of magic on the way?

I totally agree! Well, we're certainly all rooting for you, Lulu - the very best of luck for your first speaking role, and enjoy every second!

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To see Lulu in action as the magical Fairy Fortune, come along to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Medina Theatre this half term, on February 13th, 14th and 20th. Tickets are available from Medina Box Office by phoning 01983 823884 or by visiting their website.