'If I've been down South I always feel I'm home when I see the cathedral'.Byline: PLACE NEIL NEIL Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited NEIL Network Engineering and Integration Lab PEARS PANTO panto Noun pl -tos Brit informal short for pantomime (sense 1) Noun 1. panto - an abbreviation of pantomime dame and Elvis impersonator An Elvis impersonator is someone who impersonates or copies famed American musician Elvis Presley, either as a hobby, a career in entertainment or occasionally for fun. Elvis impersonators can range in ethnic background, size and talent. Neil Pears is performing as one of the Ugly Sisters The Ugly sisters are characters in the fairy tale and pantomime, Cinderella. They are the daughters of Cinderella's cruel step mother, who treat her poorly. They are traditionally played by male actors in drag and wear outlandish exaggerated clothes. in Cinderella at The Empire Theatre, Consett next month. He's been performing with community theatre groups in the Consett area since he was just 11, working initially with the Consett Theatre Workshop and more recently with the CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) See cell broadcast. group. Neil has also performed in an Elvis tribute show as an Irish dancing "Elvis Flatley" alongside his seven-year-old son Thomas. The 43-year-old lives in Consett with wife, Kate, son Thomas and identical twins identical twins pl.n. Twins derived from the same fertilized ovum that at an early stage of development becomes separated into independently growing cell aggregations, giving rise to two individuals of the same sex, identical genetic makeup, and James and Matthew, three. His day job is as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities as well as working at the Villa Real Special School. Now Neil is looking forward to his first professional performance with Pantoni Pantomimes in Cinderella which runs from December 9. PERFORMER Neil Pears. luxury, what would it be? Top-of-the-range people carrier to comfortably transport the family. What are you working on at the moment? The big thing in my life at the moment is learning the script for my first professional pantomime at Consett's Empire Theatre. I am playing the part of an Ugly Sister in Cinderella. I am also rehearsing for the local amateur pantomime Sleeping Beauty Sleeping Beauty sleeps for 100 years. [Fr. Fairy Tale, The Sleeping Beauty] See : Enchantment Sleeping Beauty enchanted heroine awakened from century of slumber by prince’s kiss. in January. Where do you live? I've lived in Leadgate near Consett all my life. What's your dream house? My dream house would have four bedrooms, a large garden, and be placed right in the middle of the northern fells of the Lake District. What's your favourite part of the North East? I love the fact that we have areas of outstanding natural beauty virtually on our doorstep. I can get on my bike on a Sunday morning and within minutes be in the heart of the countryside. What is your favourite building in the North East? My favourite building is Durham Cathedral. If I've been down South I always feel I'm home when I see the cathedral. What is the best holiday you've ever had? In 2001 I was lucky enough to cruise out of Boston up the east coast of America, into Canada and take in the sights en route of Bar Harbour, Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Toronto and the amazing Niagara Falls. What's the favourite thing in your home? TV - great for relaxing once kids are in bed. If you could have one Who or what is the love of your life? My wife and my family. Where is your favourite place in the North East? Blanchland, Northumberland - because it has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. What is your favourite shop? Knitsley Farm Shop and Cafe - they are friends of the family and give a first class service to all. What is your favourite restaurant? The Pavillion Cantonese restaurant in Iveston, half a mile walk from home. Favourite pub? The Demi, home of Consett Rugby Club - many a good night after playing a game of rugby, over a period of 15 years. Favourite meal? Mince and dumplings, mashed potatoes, mushy peas and gravy - I'm salivating at the thought! Are you any good at cooking? I trained as a chef at Derwentside College in the early 1980s. I've had many jobs as a chef down the years, including four years at Shotley Bridge Hospital. Does my wife cook? No, she says "Why have a dog and bark yourself?" What's the last play or film you saw? Mary Poppins DVD DVD: see digital versatile disc. DVD in full digital video disc or digital versatile disc Type of optical disc. The DVD represents the second generation of compact-disc (CD) technology. , with the kids. What book are you reading at the moment? I'm not a book reader - no time! What are you listening to on your music player at the moment? The songs for the forthcoming pantomimes. What is your favourite TV programme? Currently, The X Factor, but I do like Corrie and EastEnders. What are you proudest of? My three lovely sons, my wife and the respect I have for my parents. When and where were you happiest? My wedding day and the days my sons were born. Do you have any wisdom to share? To treat people as I would wish to be treated and be happy. What does the future hold? I'm very excited about the forthcoming production of Cinderella and the opportunities which may arise from this. Next year, after the amateur pantomime, I will start rehearsing for My Fair Lady, on stage in June. CAPTION(S): FAVOURITE Durham Cathedral IN CHARACTER Neil Pears, right, with Donald Marshall, as the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella at The Empire Theatre, Consett. |
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