Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has revealed he once slipped on a feather in the wings and "went flying", falling flat on his fake breasts. The Australian-British dancer, judge and performer, known as the show's harshest critic, shared the anecdote while discussing his long career in pantomime.
Revel Horwood, 61, is currently starring as Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at the Bristol Hippodrome, his first time in that production. He typically signs a three-year contract for a single role, playing it at three different theatres, because his Strictly commitments leave him no time to learn a completely new part each year. The script is refreshed with topical gags, and performers may ad-lib when the moment calls for it.
Panto injuries and mishaps
"When things go wrong audiences love it even more," Revel Horwood said. He recalled playing the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella when his wig fell off, adding: "It got such a laugh we kept it in the show."
He also described other mishaps: "One time though I slipped on a feather in the wings and went flying, falling flat on my fake breasts. That hurt," he laughed. "I have had shoulder injuries, pulled muscles and one winter had really bad flu and sounded like Barry White for two weeks, which was a real killer. But you have to just get on with it. I take really good care of myself and make sure there aren't any dance moves in the choreography that I can't manage. I'm afraid I can't do the splits any more darling."
The Book of Panto
Revel Horwood has written a book about the history of pantomime, titled The Book of Panto, published by Faber & Faber at £18.99. He explained that he once "pooh-poohed panto before I did it," but after 20 years of performing and researching its history, he has "an even greater respect for it as an art form."
In the book, he writes: "I started to appreciate what an art there is to pantomime, and how difficult it is. It's more difficult than doing a musical. You're dancing, you're acting, but then there's a much more symbiotic relationship with the audience." He also explored its origins in 16th-century Italian commedia dell'arte and its links to Shakespeare, noting that in Shakespeare's time most people were illiterate and would shout out and join in, an element he loves.
His favourite role is the Wicked Queen in Snow White, which he says involves playing three parts: the queen, the old crone, and himself as the Strictly judge. He also shared that he prefers northern audiences: "In the North, audiences lean forward in the seats. In the South, they lean back. In the South, they are a bit more reserved and sit there as if they are saying, 'go on, entertain me'."
Strictly and new presenters
Revel Horwood remains the longest-serving and only original judge on Strictly, which began its 24th series two weeks ago. He defended the new presenting trio of Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, despite criticism from fans and critics. He called Emma a "fantastic presenter," Josh "really funny," and said Johannes asks him "proper technical dance questions for the first time."
He also reflected on past rows with contestants, including comic actress Jan Ravens, who had a tense fallout with him during the 2006 series. "One contestant even came up to me live on air and blamed me for her going but it is the viewers at home that voted her off," he said.
Last year, 260 professional pantomimes added £60million to the UK economy, and Revel Horwood stressed their importance: "They are a huge money-spinner for theatres and often help to keep venues afloat for the rest of the year." He added: "I'd be hard pushed to think of anything that's given me as much joy as pantomime."
