AFTER visiting Chippenham for the Christmas lights switch-on, Warwick Davis is staying in the West Country while he appears in pantomime in Bristol.

Warwick Davis visited Chippenham on November 28 to switch on the Christmas lights, attracting hundreds of people to brave the weather to come and see it.

Mr Davis said: “Chippenham was lovely, though I didn’t get to see much of it because of how dark it was. People came out in the awful weather to see the lights switch-on, they were really up for the support.”

Mr Davis, famous for such films as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Willow, among many others, opened in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Bristol Hippodrome last week: the show will run until January 3.

“We have a few shows prepared, it is going really well so far. The audiences are loving it, which as actors, is what we are here to do. I play the character of Prof, the leader of the dwarves, who is a bit like Captain Mainwaring from Dad’s Army. He thinks he is in charge and acts with a little bit of pomposity, it is a lot of fun,” continued Mr Davis.

For the duration of the show the 45-year-old actor has left his Surrey home for a temporary base in the city. “I am staying near the theatre, it means that I don’t have to get caught commuting in the busy Bristol traffic. The people are really nice and they are making me feel very welcome.

"I am enjoying and very proud of the show, it is getting really busy. There are still tickets available, it is a great time of year to come and see a show, it is one of the reasons I do it. Panto introduces youngsters to theatre and acts as their first experience, they will then grow up to love visiting the theatre. Panto really is interactive, nothing like video games, and people really have a direct form of communication with everyone on stage,” he added.

Starring alongside Mr Davis in Snow White are actors Andy Ford, who has starred in panto versions of Aladdin and The Wizard of Oz, Andy Day from Cbeebies, and Kim Ismay who is a former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“Andy Ford is a resident of the theatre, he is absolutely fabulous, a master of the ridiculous and such a joy to work with. Andy Day is also fabulous, he does such a good job in his role, Kim plays the Queen and does some musical numbers and she does such a wonderful job,” added Mr Davis.

The pantomime has already spread fun and enjoyment to the number of people who have visited the theatre, with children getting into the spirit of panto season.

Mr Davis said: “The audience has been fantastic, it is such a lovely thing to do. Kids are coming on school trips to see it, so it acts as a day off school and a lot of fun, and they are all up for the show and having a ball. As performers you can barely hear yourselves think with everyone joining in and shouting at the stage.”

Starting his career as the Ewok Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Mr Davis has shed a little light on the new installment of the franchise.

“I can say that I do have a very small part in the new film, I cannot say who. But I am looking forward to seeing it as I am a massive fan. I am attending the premiere this week so I am looking forward to that,” he said.

Tickets for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Bristol Hippodrome are available now from atgtickets.com, costing between £11.80-£50 depending on seating area and availability.

For our review of Snow White please click here.