PG Plays It For Laughs In Panto, But Is Very Serious About Guildford

Published on: 14 Dec, 2012
Updated on: 14 Dec, 2012

94.6 Eagle Radio presenter Peter Gordon is treading the boards again this year at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s in its panto Aladdin. Here he tells MARIA RAYNER the enjoyment he gets from being on stage, but also his passion for Guildford and its community and how serious he is about the wellbeing of the town.

When Peter Gordon tells me he finishes his show on Eagle Radio, walks down the hill and takes part in a pantomime, I remark that he makes it sound really easy. Of course, it’s not. But I get the feeling that the biggest buzz this passionate Guildfordian gets from performing at the Yvonne Arnaud every Christmas is the fact he’s supporting his home town.

Peter Goordon playing the Empress of China in Aladdin at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

I’m speaking to Peter a few days into a five week run of Aladdin. Guildford Dragon review.

Peter, in his seventh year of ‘panto’, enjoys the contrast with his day job.He says: “At the radio station I’m a programme director. On the pantomime it’s great to be part of a team, take direction and put the ego to one side. Every year I learn something new.”

His first pantomime was in Woking about 10 years ago, part of a marketing exercise by the radio station. But his participation in Guildford’s pantomime is no media stunt.

Peter is passionate about the town and relishes the yearly event. “It’s a big commitment, but it’s all about being part of the community. It isn’t the biggest and glitziest but it is a really good family show with lots of music and singing.”

He urges local people to go along and show their support for the Yvonne Arnaud. The theatre is independently funded; a lot of its money comes from ticket sales. A successful pantomime run will sustain the Arnaud for the rest of the year.

“I know Guildford well which can be a bad thing as I’m aware that it tends to sleepwalk, people have to get involved more,” warns Peter. “It’s only when things don’t happen that people get animated. This goes for local businesses as well as people.

“We all need to get behind the town. There can be a dangerous underlying arrogance.

“The Yvonne Arnaud has a great tradition. A number of famous actors have performed there. There’s a lovely team. But why aren’t there more banners around the town promoting the pantomime when other events that also get some money from council central funding have banners.

“We can get 17,000 out for the fireworks and 7,000 out for the switching on of the Christmas lights in the High Street.”

Peter Gordon (right) with Royce Mills in a scene from Aladdin.

Warming to his theme, Peter continues: “It’s all about momentum, and that’s what keeps me going. Guildford really showed itself off this year with the Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations, the Olympic torch procession and the various world class cycling events. I was lucky enough to be involved; there was something really special about it.

“But it’s not just up to the council. What are people doing to carry the momentum forward?  We need to remember 2012, crystallise it as a catalyst: schools, charities, organisations.”

Peter tells me he and his supportive team at Eagle Radio have plans for next summer, using what they have learnt this year; the town’s businesses should be doing the same.

He is sorry the set up around GuilFest has changed but relates it back again to ticket sales. A section of people didn’t go and now wonder why it’s not on. “The money’s got to come from somewhere,” he says.

“It’s the ‘entertainment business’, both elements are important.”  I get the impression Peter Gordon loves them both.

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