by Angela Cole
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

He may be in disguise but there is a familiar face underneath the theatrical make-up and wig at the Hazlitt Theatre this Christmas.
Andy Couchman, singer with rock band Vertigo, is playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin.
The band plays at pubs and bars in and around Maidstone and when Andy is in his role as lead singer, he loses the dress, heels and adds a goatee beard.
His dame days really took off when he understudied for the legendary performer Roy Hudd. He says: “I watched Roy and thought his was the sort of Dame I’d like to create and it’s still what I’m going for.”
And his performing looks must still have some rugged appeal as he met his wife while they were performing in the same show – he as the dame.
A theatrical pro, Andy, who lives in Tunbridge Wells with his wife, now a dance teacher, and sons Oliver and Sam, has been in some huge productions. He was in the cast for Oliver! at the London Palladium and Mamma Mia! opening the show’s run.
The former Maidstone Art College art foundation student added: “I’m expecting Aladdin to be really good fun.”
The panto also stars Holby City’s Jeremy Edwards and Sapphire Elia from Emmerdale and runs from Saturday, December 3, to Sunday, January 15.
For tickets call the box office on 01622 758611 or visit www.maidstonepanto.co.uk