Beaconsfield’s own Vernon Kay is returning to the Wycombe Swan this December after picking up a UK Pantomime Award for his stint two years ago, and is excited for ‘more of the same’ – that is, post-performance drinks at Yates, a cheering family in the audience and, hopefully, a few less tellings-off for enthusiastic ad-libbing.

The 50-year-old, who was born in Bolton but has lived with wife Tess Daly and daughters Phoebe and Amber in Beaconsfield for over 20 years, first took to the stage at his local theatre in December 2022 for a “nerve-wracking” turn as Dandini in Cinderella which won him the title of Best Newcomer at last year’s UK Pantomime Awards.

After missing a year out – prioritising family time above rehearsals last Christmas – Kay is more than ready to get back under the glare of those spotlights, not least because of the “amazing” fun he had trying out something new on his home turf the first time round.

“I really enjoy living in Beaconsfield – I think we’re spoilt by everything you’ve got around here. So many great restaurants and pubs, the accessibility to London and loads of nice people.

“It also meant Wycombe was quite easy to commit to – I can do the (BBC 2) radio show in London, jet over to the Swan, do rehearsals then nip up the road to bed.

“We did sit down as a family and talk about whether I should do it again or not and the kids really wanted me to. They both came with different groups of friends last time which was nice because it made me lift my game a bit so I didn't embarrass them.”

While he’s often up and down from the big smoke for his morning programme, Kay is still in touch with the comings and goings of the place he’s called home for around a quarter of a century – thanks in part to this newspaper, which, if not bought outright, regularly warrants a cursory flip-through from the presenter while he’s waiting at the supermarket checkout.

“I love the BFP – if I don’t buy it, I always skim through it in Waitrose or while I’m in Rickis News, next to The Crazy Bear.

Kay as Dandini in the Swan's production of Cinderella in 2022 (Image: Ian Olsson)

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“When we first moved here, we spent more time in the town than we do now, but it was fun going to Yates (in High Wycombe) after the panto last time, and I think a couple of the cast members ended up in Trilogy a few times too.

“Not me though, I’m not going in there! That’s where my daughter goes!”

He got told off for excessive adlibbing during his last onstage stint, but, with the title of BBC presenter now under his belt, he's confident – and excited – at the prospect of bringing more of himself to the role this year.

“I find it very difficult to stick to a script and I like reacting (in live time) to what’s going on around me. That’s why pantomime’s the perfect thing, though I've learned that I can only adlib if I put the actors back on their line!

“I do think there's traditionally been a bit of stigma around doing pantos, but we’re in an age now where live theatre is becoming cool again. 

“Everyone I know is getting into the pantomime game – Scott Mills took my advice and he’s doing it again this year. And there’s a few people who were absolutely adamant they weren’t going to do it but as soon as they did, they were hooked.

“I really, really enjoyed it the first time around. I’m just hoping for more of the same.”

Vernon Kay can be seen in the Wycombe Swan's production of Aladdin alongside RuPaul's Drag Race's La Voix from December 13 to January 5, 2025. Head to www.wycombeswan.co.uk to book your tickets today.