A NURSE turned actor will be stepping into the heeled shoes of a dame character for the first time, in this year’s Salisbury Playhouse pantomime.

Written by Andrew Pollard, the tale of Robin Hood will be bringing comedy, music, dance and a traditional panto feel to the Christmas season.

This production with a twist will be introducing Nurse Nora Virus - the nurse and nanny for leading lady Maid Marian - who will be played by Adrian Grove (The Night Before Christmas, Salisbury Playhouse; Follies, National Theatre).

This will not be Adrian’s first time performing in Salisbury, but it will be his first time playing a dame, as well as his first time starring in a pantomime.

Adrian has just finished his run starring in Cats, and in the lead up to panto rehearsals he said: “This is big shoes to step into, but it has always been on my bucket list so now I can finally tick it off.

“It’s exciting but so nerve racking, I just hope I can do a great job.”

Before starting his career in acting Adrian was a nurse for ten years, and so will be bringing his caring for patients experience to the stage for this new nurse-inspired role.

“I want to give people escapism for two hours like I did when I tried to keep patients entertained,” he explained.

“I just always wanted to make patients happy, especially around Christmas when it was tough for some people, and now I want to do this as Nurse Nora Virus.”

When asked what audiences will expect from Robin Hood, Adrian said: “There is only so much I can say, but there is a moment that the audience will just not believe. Even when I read through the script I couldn’t believe it!

“The real show is going to be great. Spectacular costume, extraordinary set, panto just brings smiles and joy for everyone.

“This will be my first time wearing heels, so if for nothing else come along to see that.”

Adrian will be accompanied by a star-studded cast including Westend’s Giovanni Spano as Robin Hood, Greg Barnett as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Leonard Cook as Friar Tuck and Alice Stokoe as Maid Marian.

The show will run from November 30 until January 12, 2020.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online or by calling 01722 320333.