A MORE shy, retiring and perhaps less camp man than the mighty Christopher Biggins surely couldn't get away with walking around Plymouth dressed as a woman..., writes Lee Trewhela.

"I'm used to getting funny looks," giggled the man who has become a bit of a national institution since winning I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here a couple of years ago.

Biggins was in the city to launch the Theatre Royal's Christmas panto Aladdin in which he plays Widow Twankey.

"There is nothing better than panto – I love the instant rapport you get with the audience. It's truly wonderful, especially when you get the kids on stage."

Biggins' countless television appearances include being crowned King of the Jungle in 2007, winner of Celebrity Come Dine With Me on Channel 4 as well as making regular appearances on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

"I'm so lucky – I've had an amazing career, from filming the Rocky Horror Picture Show, when we were all very stoned, to The Tempest with Derek Jarman, which was an amazing experience.

"Then, of course, I did Porridge with Ronnie Barker, the comedy actor of his generation, which led to Nero in I Claudius, which in turn got me the role of the sex-crazed vicar in Poldark. I particularly love Cornwall thanks to that.

"I then went on to Surprise Surprise with Cilla and then the programme that seems to have spawned my catchphrase, 'safari so goodie', On Safari with Gillian Taylforth.

"I'm amazing myself as I sit here, recalling it all," he giggled again.

I mentioned how I was impressed with his impassioned use of the eff word in a recent episode of the deliciously dark comedy Psychoville, written by the League of Gentlemen's Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

"It's not often I get to say that word on screen so I savoured it! I've known Steven for a while as we've both played the Narrator in Rocky Horror. He told me ages ago he'd written a role for me, but I didn't really believe him. But here it is and I absolutely love working with them – they're geniuses."

Biggins is well-known for being a bit of a name-dropper and I received a choice example – on telling him I saw him in the audience for Mary Poppins at the Theatre Royal last year, he said:

"I was a guest of the producer, Cameron Mackintosh, and afterwards he whisked us off on his jet to his private island for a holiday. Sorry if I'm making you jealous." Ha, I'd been Bigginsed!

This year's panto includes an array of incredible 3D special effects and a unique co-star for Biggins – an amazing 3D Genie! Wearing 3D glasses at points throughout the panto, the audience will see the Genie rise from his lamp and move around the auditorium as he interacts with the audience and cast on stage.

You can also rub the magic lamp as it appears right in front of your nose and further visual wizardry will transform the stage into a 3D cave of riches, where Aladdin finds his fortune... as well as a few other 3D surprises!

Joining Christopher and the 3D Genie on stage will be Ben Langley in the title role of Aladdin. Ben has many theatre credits to his name, including 10 pantomime appearances. Amy Samantha Andrews will add a touch of glamour and elegance to the show in the role of The Princess.

Aladdin runs at the Theatre Royal from Friday, December 18, to Saturday, January 23, 2010. Tickets can be booked on 01752 26722 or online at www.theatreroyal.com