THERE is nothing like a dame!
A great-grandad who’s played a panto dame for almost four decades has waved a spotted handkerchief goodbye to the role.
Bob Stott, 66, from Springwell Village, took his final bow as alter ego Dame Dotty in Dick Whittington at the Customs House in South Shields, marking the end of his 37-year panto partnership with Ray Spencer who played Dotty’s son Tommy.
It was a poignant performance for the charismatic character who received a five-minute standing ovation on the show’s final night.
He said: “Saying farewell to Dame Dotty has been incredibly sad, incredibly moving and incredibly humbling.
“As an actor I’m incredibly proud of Dotty. I have so many wonderful memories and wonderful friends for life.”
Look North presenter Jeff Brown from Sunderland made a surprise appearance on stage to acknowledge Bob’s time in pantoland dubbing him “one of the country’s best dames.”
Bob was then presented with a holiday for him and his wife Jan from panto sponsors Wearside-based Hays Travel.
Ray Spencer said: “It has truly been an honour to share the stage with Bob for almost four decades.
“It has been emotional saying goodbye to my pantomime mother.”
Such is the popularity of Bob’s character that a beer was brewed in his honour. Dotty’s Spiced Porter ale was available at The Sir William de Wessyngton in Concord, Washington.
Brewed by Houghton-based brewery, the Temptation Brewing Company, the ale was also be available at pubs in South Shields and Newcastle.
Twitter: @sunechokaty
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