Making his pantomime debut in 1984 at Richmond Theatre with the stars of the Carry On films, Simon Bashford this year celebrates 40 years in show business and 10 consecutive years in panto at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill. He features in the book It’s Behind You! by Peter Lathan.
Simon had the pleasure of working with the late great Danny La Rue on several occasions at venues including Birmingham Hippodrome and understudied Danny in his last ever pantomime appearance as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon.
Simon’s diverse career started as a juvenile actor in Musicals, playing: Tom in Camelot, Young Denry in The Card and later singing at the Royal Albert Hall aged 11, before training at London Studio Centre aged 16.
He made his West End debut in Sinderella at the Cambridge Theatre, before transferring to Blackpool Opera House.
Theatre/Tours: Oh Camille! (West End), Me and My Girl, Crazy For You, Salad Days, Little Shop of Horrors (UK Tour), The Wizard of Oz, Pinocchio (Westminster Theatre and UK Tour), Hello Jerry! – a tribute to Jerry Herman (Lichfield Garrick), Annie starring Su Pollard (UK and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Day By The Sea (Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne), Seaside Special and Let’s Go Panto! staged by Alan Harding (Qdos Entertainment).
Regional: My Fair Lady, Annie (both with Bernie Nolan), A Bedfull of Foreigners, The Boyfriend, Oklahoma!, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, also Les Follies de Paris at Swanson’s, Jersey (Variety Club Award Winner – Best Show). Simon Directed/Choreographed The King and I at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre.
A founder member of the West End Singers, Simon regularly appears as a Soloist in their acclaimed Songbooks in London and on UK National Tour.
Film/TV: Just Like a Woman with Julie Walters (Zenith), Sophia and Constance, Silent Witness (BBC), The Big and Bigger Breakfast (Channel 4) and CITV with Stephen Mulhern.
An established Concert, Cabaret and Jazz Performer, Simon has released three Solo CD’s – Connections, Tomorrow and Believe In Christmas.
Most recent projects include: streamed and live concerts for the CAA, BMHS and the Royal Variety Charity, with a credit in the Royal Variety Performance programme, which Simon is very proud of. He was a guest on Times Radio, interviewed by Hayden Parker for The Panto Podcast and John Orchard for a documentary on Simon’s 40 Years in the Business!
Simon recorded the new title song for Circus Wonderland the UK’s premier touring circus and choreographed their 2021 tour. Most recently he has been performing his new one-man show with Stephen Dickinson at the piano.
Check out Simon’s website and follow him on social media.
Making his pantomime debut in 1984 at Richmond Theatre with the stars of the Carry On films, Simon Bashford this year celebrates 40 years in show business and 10 consecutive years in panto at the Harlequin Theatre, Redhill. He features in the book It’s Behind You! by Peter Lathan. Simon had the pleasure of working […]
