Haverfordwest actor and returning dame, Lloyd Grayshon will play– Belinda Beehive, a glamorous hairdresser and friend to the stars. Lloyd is delighted to be returning to the Torch stage this Christmas following his previous Torch pantomime roles including the loveable Titiana Trott. Anwen went to find out more ...

Tell us about your roles in the Torch pantomime over the years – you’ve become quite a celebrity!

I have had many different roles in the Torch panto. The first panto I was involved in was in 2009 as the Lighting Op as part of the Torch Technical Team but the first pantomime I actually performed in was in 2013 as The Genie in Aladdin. I then came back to play the same part in 2019 (I think).

My next panto roll came in 2023 as Belle’s Father and understudy for the Dame in Beauty and the Beast. It was here that I got my first chance to play the Dame. I had to go on stage towards the end of the run due to a cast sickness. I was given the warning the night before so, lots of work had to be done the next morning to get ready. It was a complete blur if I’m honest. Chelsey told me to go out there and do my thing but most of all, enjoy it! I haven’t look back since. 

The following year was my first real opportunity to create my own Dame playing Tatiana Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk and it was one of the most fun experiences I have ever had on stage. Luckily, I was asked back again this year to play the fabulous Belinda Beehive in Rapunzel. 

What can people expect from Belinda Beehive in this year’s pantomime?

Belinda is a big, bright, energetic beauty who has a keen eye for the opposite sex. Once she has you in her sights…… look out. 

What’s your favourite part about playing the wonderful Dame who everyone adores?

I love the freedom it gives me to have fun with both the audience and the cast. It’s so much fun reacting in the moment to ever changing situations that may come about. I really enjoy throwing myself around on stage and giving 100% energy from start to finish. 

How do you get in character and how much of a challenge is it?
I usually find one line in the play that works well within the vocal range I use and then repeat that. The physicality usually comes when I’m in those fabulous costumes. The challenge isn’t so much getting into character, it is more about keeping the energy up through the whole process. 

You have two weeks of rehearsals before you are on stage for a month long performance – do you miss your character after the pantomime comes to an end?

There’s always a small part of me that does miss the character when I’ve finished the run but mostly I miss the whole environment and the people I’ve worked with. I’ve had the fortune of meeting some fantastic people over the years and also been fortunate to work with a few of them on multiple occasions. But by the end of it all, I’m usually ready to grow my beard back and become Lloyd again - even if he is less fun.

There’s a lot of audience participation – how do you select your victim? 

It’s just the luck of the draw really. When I enter onto the stage, usually through the audience, I have a good scout around and look for somebody who may be up for a bit of fun. Or it could just be as simple as the one I first lay eyes on. Put it this way, no man is safe! 

If someone wanted to be a pantomime Dame, what advice would you give them?

I think the best piece of advice I could give to anybody wanting to become a dame is they should  be open and willing to, pretty much do anything. Have as much fun as you possibly can and everything else will fall into place.

Describe Belinda Beehive in three words.

Excitable, lovable, naughty.

How close do you stay to the script – does it all depend on audience reaction?

I try and stay as close as I can to the script. I’m sure Chelsey would tell you otherwise, but there are always times where something comes up and I just can’t help myself. But I suppose that’s one of the perks of being a Dame.

Image: Chris Lloyd