Balamory star totally unrecognisable in lead stage show – 19 years on from playing iconic children’s TV character
From children's TV to Christmas panto, he really can do it all
HE rose to fame as the much-loved PC Plum in the iconic children’s show Balamory nearly two decades ago.
But now, 19 years on, Andrew Agnew looks unrecognisable in a new stage show, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Andrew became a household name thanks to his appearances as the happy-go-lucky PC Plum in the iconic Balamory series, set in his homeland of Scotland.
The popular show ran from 2002 to 2005 and introduced Andrew into living rooms up and down the country thanks to it being a staple of children’s television at the time.
His character patrolled the crime-free village of Balamory as he dreamed of becoming a detective one day.
But these days, he’s switching the police uniform for over-the-top costumes as he takes on the role of a pantomime dame.
Andrew plays circus owner Dame Dolly Dundonald in the Kilmarnock production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Dame Dolly is on the hunt for a spectacular new act to rival fellow circus owner Roger Von Riccarton’s circus, which has the money to fund bigger and better acts.
Goldilocks plays a circus acrobat who goes for a walk between shows and finds a small cottage where she meets the three dancing bears.
Ahead of the panto, Andrew said: “I am delighted to be back in Killie this year with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Especially as it’s going to be a brand new show and a different experience for us all. Audiences are going to love it.
“It’s an unusual title for a Killie panto, certainly my first time doing this show, but people are going to enjoy the change I think.
“I love the circus and we are going to have our very own in Kilmarnock with all the comforts that we all need to keep us cosy, but most importantly, entertained over this festive season.”
Andrew, who directs the panto as well as being the star lead, is no stranger to the panto circuit, having played Muddles in festive pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Sunderland since 2014.
He’s also made appearances in Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and Peter Pan, has gone on to direct kids TV programmes and had his own CBeebies live theatre show.
Casting is exceptional in the new show, with Gary Morrison playing Donald Dundonald, James McAnerney as Roger von Riccarton and Craig McDougall as Scott the Ringmaster.
Andrew is not the only Balamory star to sport a new look.
Last year, Balamory co-star, Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played the beloved school teacher in the show, starred in her own new kids show, Olga da Polga.
The show, based on Paddington creator Michael Bond’s children’s books, features Julie and her partner Greg Hemphill as on-screen couple Mr and Mrs Sawdust.
The 51-year-old actress debuted long, red hair in the show – a look worlds away from her bob haircut days on Balamory.