GIRLS just want to have fun, but this pair of 'ladies' are planning to whip up the crowd in Redhill this Christmas.
Dean Horner and Oliver Gray in their alter egos as Lavinia and Louisa Hardup, took to the stage at Redhill's Harlequin Theatre from last night (Friday) as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella and they are looking forward to getting to grips with the local crowd.
As they put the final touches to the show, the pair took a moment out to give me a first-hand look at how long it takes them to don Louisa and Lavinia's outrageous outfits – which they made themselves.
The pair have performed around the country as the dastardly duo for the last five years and despite the hour-long pre-show preparation and constant costume changes, they have not lost their passion.
"The best bit is you get to be really horrible," said Dean.
"The Ugly Sisters are just the best part ever. We will pick on a guy in the front row and that can be fun because you don't know what they are going to come out with.
"If he's called Mike it is 'muscular Mike' and we'll sing a little song."
Though they have performed together around the country Dean and Oliver are looking forward to their first foray into Redhill and have already made an impression on the town, helping to open Santa's grotto in the Belfry Shopping Centre.
Now they are looking forward to meeting the crowd.
"It is a great stage at The Harlequin," said Dean.
"The crowd are right there in front of you so it is a great place to play to the audience."
Rehearsals began on December 1 but despite only having ten days to put it all together the pair, who have moved into a house in Redhill for the show's run until January 11, say they have no doubt it will work out.
"Pantomime is like nothing else," said Oliver. "You rehearse it in separate little bits and then you don't put it all together until the last minute, but it always works out."
