Linda Lusardi's Very Special Birthday Present

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In that time there's been so many different mirrors! We've tried every effect: television screens; boxes on stands with people inside and lights shining on them; people pushing their face through gauze. Sometimes things have gone terribly wrong. For example, when we've had voices on tape, you asked it a question and it didn't answer or the wrong answer came! Oh, but the magic mirror this time is just… Well you know the mirror in Shrek? The way it's kind of holographic. We've got exactly the same kind of effect. It talks and the mouth moves and everything.”

It's a busy time for the couple, but surely they get plenty of time to prepare for such a complex production? “No, we only have 10 days rehearsal,” says Linda. “And it really is a busy schedule. We usually get Christmas Day and New Year's Day off, but I think we're working Boxing Day.” “That's right,” Sam agrees. “Two shows every day, it is a busy schedule, it's exhausting.” All the more exhausting because they have an hour's journey home at the end of each day. “Well we have to,” says Linda. “Because the kids are at school.”

The logistics may be a challenge, but Linda and Sam are veterans, having done seven or eight pantos together. Working together provides a welcome opportunity for them to see more of each other. The nature of both careers has meant more time apart than they would like.

Brookside

“Sam was in Brookside for three years. He lived in Liverpool until he met me and moved to London. Then he got the Brookside job which was back in Liverpool, and he had to commute from London for the three years.”

And where did they meet? “In a panto, of course! I was Snow White and Sam was the Prince.” Linda has done her share of acting outside of pantomime too. Her first role was in the stage play Funny Peculiar which gave her a taste for acting. “I also did Pygmalion with Philip Madoc. Philip played Higgins and I was Eliza.” Linda hesitates for a moment. “I'm not sure I should really tell this…”

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