Lyric life

We caught up with Sarah-Louise Young to find out what it’s like to be the biggest panto baddie in town!

• What is the most exciting thing about playing Queen Rat in this year’s panto?

I love being Queen Rat because she gets to have fun with the audience, she has her own rat entourage and also because my costume is AMAZING! I shall miss my ears at the end of the run.

• What’s your top tip for someone who wants to become a performer?

Go to the theatre! See shows, understand your industry, study your craft and learn from others. Being a supportive audience member teaches you so much and keeps you focussed and passionate about your work.

• If you could sum up the Lyric pantomime in 3 words, what would they be?

Inclusive, warm-hearted and fun.

• If you could swap roles with one of the other characters in Dick Whittington, who would it be and why?

I love all the pigeons but Margaret does such an amazing job I could never fill her claws. I would also love to play Dame for all the costumes and interactive games and although I couldn’t equal what Carl does, I would like to see him have a go at Queen Rat! So maybe we should swap…

• What was the first Christmas show that you remember watching at the theatre?

My mum took me to see The Nutcracker when I was about seven and I never got over the thrill of the live orchestra. It blew me away!