MKWeb Meets Henry Winkler

MK Web was lucky enough to join Henry Winkler at a press conference this week. Henry Winkler plays Captain Hook in this years Pantomime Peter Pan. He is best know for playing the part of Fonzie in Happy Days

Picture thanks to MK News

How do you feel about playing the role as Captain Hook in Peter Pan?
HW – There is no better role in panto, this is my 3rd year playing Captain Hook. I feel that First Family Entertainment offer the Rolls-Royce of Pantomime in the UK. I am incredibly proud to be part of this production. In these tough times I promise that you will get incredible value for money. This year you will see an amazing set with fabulous costumes that sparkle.

What is the best and worst thing about being in a Christmas Pantomime?
HW – The pantomime is a complete theatrical experience for people of all ages. I find it amazing that it could be a child’s first experience of the theatre and to see there little faces light up is just amazing.
The worst experience is being away from my wife and kids, oh and my bed and dogs.

Have you had the chance to explore Milton Keynes and what do you think of the city?
HW – I visited a school where I introduced one of my 15 children’s novels where the main character is Hank Zipzer, the worlds greatest under achiever. I am dyslexic so this is something very close to my heart.
I have visited the shopping mall and did my food shopping in Waitrose. Everyone is very friendly.

Did you always want to be an actor?
HW – From a young age I knew I wanted to act. I saw Bells are ringing featuring Judy Holiday and that inspired me. My favourite musical is Billy Elliot which I saw in Wimbledon.

Will we be seeing any Fonzie moments in the pantomime?
HW - Perhaps, you will just have to wait and see….

Are your family visiting you this Christmas?
HW - My family came over last year but this year I will be visiting an English family who I have known for 25 years and will enjoy Christmas dinner with them.

What is it that attracted you to pantomime?
HW - I can’t believe the energy of the audience and how they seem to know the rules of the show. They get involved but still allow the play to go on. In America the audience would swamp the performance with their excitement and not let the show flow. Also working with children and watching their performance develop is the most uplifting part of all.

How have you found your co-stars?
HW - Louisa is a natural Peter Pan, she is a beautiful woman with a real sense of fun. Andy and I hit it off straight away and the communication was spot on. I have great respect for the pirates as they have to learn such complicated dance routines.

Have you ever had a problem with your hook?
HW – During my first year of panto my hook became attached to Peter Pan whilst she flew across the theatre, so I just pulled down my shirt and performed without my hook and carried on, you have to be able to improvise in panto.

What was your impression of our Theatre?
HW – The entrance to the theatre is amazing and looks big enough to hold a banquet. The theatre has an intimacy of a small theatre and is quite deceiving, but just beautiful.

What will you get up to in your spare time?
HW - Pantomime is the hardest job I have ever had after being a parent. I have sword rehearsal, vocal warm-up, and physical warm up each day and must follow a strict routine, so there is not much time for anything else.

Are you a sports fan?
HW - I am actually going to an MK Dons match whilst I’m here. My son use to play American football at college and we got involved in the team so I love to watch that. One of the things I ask in my contract is to have an American sports channel to watch so I can keep up-to-date.

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