Norfolk drag legend Kenny Moore will be putting Cinderella through her paces at Norwich Theatre Royal next month. Here, Kenny looks forward to working alongside one half of the Nimmo Twins, Owen Evans
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Kenny Moore! Actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, costume designer, songwriter… just a little bit more than your usual triple threat. I started out in showbiz at my mum’s dance class as a little kid. Then, later in my professional years, I tried to know everything about every department. I was everybody’s shadow, creatively, it helped me to the career that I have been doing, for as long as I have been doing it!
Are you Norwich-born and raised? What do you love about the city?
I am Norwich-born and bred; Norwich will always be in my heart. I have had the privilege to travel all around the world in my job, but Norwich will always be my home. The Castle, the Cathedral, creative buzz and the universities are just some of the reasons to love it. The city is just so eclectic, with the music, creativity and theatre. It is just such a wonderful city to live in.
What led you to become a drag artist and one-half of The Squirrels?
I had always done a lot of performing and productions, as a singer and a dancer, where I wore heels and wigs, so that part came very easily to me. But then a friend from the Canary Islands called me, looking for a new drag artist to come and perform. I said I would do three months, but I was there for over half a decade! I started as a dancer but was promoted to producer, choreographer, and casting…that is where I met Christopher Nicoll, we hit it off and became really good friends.
After the final tour around the Canary Islands, we returned to the UK and created the lady birds, a group of four of us, then we created the squirrels! We went to The X Factor. We performed at Wembley Stadium, were part of the Robbie Williams group, and did the Six Chair Challenge, the really daunting stuff! But it was such an incredible experience.
Are you something of a panto stalwart?
My professional career started in Snow White panto at Cromer Pier; at nine years old, I played Dopey. The costume designer had these big ears for us to wear; took one look at me and said, ‘Hmm, his ears look big enough.’ Welcome to the world of showbiz! I have done a handful of other shows, and this will be my third time playing a wicked character #uglysisters! Panto brings all ages into the theatre, the fun, the magic and that Christmas spirit!
How much are you looking forward to performing in Cinderella at the Norwich Theatre Royal this year – is it your first time at the Theatre?
For me to come full circle, back to Norwich Theatre Royal, I first performed here in my first dance show at the age of 10. From there, I was part of the Junior Star Time shows, and the group I was with won the group dance trophy twice! I performed in it once but choreographed both! And to have the opportunity to be in Norwich’s biggest panto is such an honour, and I am so excited.
Is playing one of the Wicked Sisters pretty much a dream role for you, and how much are you looking forward to working alongside Owen Evans?
Oh my goodness, playing a wicked character is a dream! The audience can hiss and boo at you, the louder the better! I just love that they can get involved with our characters as much as they’d like.
I worked with Owen Evans last year, doing his makeup and helping him get into the role for his character in Aladdin. And to see him absolutely transform and take on character as I did his makeup was an incredible experience. We had so many laughs, and who knew that a year later I’d be sitting next to him, playing wicked sisters together. Oh, it is going to be great!
Any other projects on the horizon? Where can people find out more about what you do?
Having performed, produced and toured, I have the privilege of knowing so many people and getting asked to do so many projects. I have things like hosting some festivals, judging at drag competitions, and cabaret shows all booked in. All my details can be found on my Instagram (@msspecialk3). I am just so excited for this year’s panto, the biggest in the city where I was born and raised, an absolute joy!
Cinderella Pantomime at the Norwich Theatre Royal runs from December 6 2025 to January 4 2026. Visit norwichtheatre.org.
Featured image of Kenny Moore by Richard Jarmy Photography
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