A talented charity shop employee is swapping bargains for boos as he prepares for a dream panto role this Christmas.
Kenny Moore, a popular Sales Supervisor at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Unthank Road, Norwich, will be taking centre stage in the Theatre Royal’s glittering production of Cinderella.
He is playing one of two devilishly wicked sisters and joining a cast that includes Coronation Street’s Georgia May Foote, EastEnder Danny Hatchard and Hollyoaks’ Joe Tracini.
“I’m so excited and, as an actor, don’t think it gets better than panto in your home city,” said Kenny, who has been busy learning songs ahead of the first performance on 6th December.
“Several shows have sold out already, and it’s incredible to think we’ll be performing to thousands of people across the festive period.
“It’s quite a thought, but I always say if you don’t have butterflies, you haven’t got the passion.
“They’re good nerves, and it’s great the theatre is recognising local talent like me. I see it as a real positive and am very proud.
“Playing one of the baddies and getting lots of boos is going to be great fun.
“For someone who’s always kind and polite in everyday life, it’s going to be odd playing such a wicked character. Poor Cinderella and Buttons!”
Kenny landed the part within a fortnight of joining EACH. He thought he might have a tough decision to make – only to be given the green light to take unpaid leave, from mid-November until after the last performance on 4th January.
“Everything happened at once,” said the 57-year-old.
“I had my interview here at roughly the same time as the panto audition – then both came off within a fortnight of each other.
“I thought I’d have a big decision to make, but everyone at EACH has been so incredibly kind and supportive. As I was new, it would have been easy to say ‘tough – you’ve got to choose’.
“Instead, everyone has been right behind me, and I’m incredibly grateful, because they’ve recognised what an opportunity this is.
“I’ve been acting and dancing my entire life but am now in the latter stages of my showbiz career, so this is important.
“My colleagues and our brilliant volunteers are excited for me, and it’s going to be a real joy coming back and being with them again in the new year.”
Kenny is no stranger to treading the boards, having been dancing since he was eight. He was ten when he first appeared in panto – a production of Snow White in Cromer.
“My mum used to run a dance class and I’d be there with her, bopping away in my buggy in the corner of the room,” he said.
“Performing is in my blood, and I started touring when I was 16, going on to be part of touring theatre shows and working on cruise ships. I also had a spell working in the Canary Islands.
“I absolutely love it, but I’ve also had a passion for retail and visual merchandising. It’s something I’ve always done on the side.
“I managed a charity shop in the city and then, after a break, started working for EACH.
“It’s an incredible job and something I absolutely love – even more so after being given a tour of The Nook.
“I found it so inspiring and motivating, knowing every penny we make here in the shop directly helps funds the services EACH provides. It’s an amazing thought.”
