Alex Forman: Potentially the Tallest Panto Dame?

Alex Forman, known by his stage name The Great Dame, suggests he might be the tallest panto dame, standing at 6ft 6in (2m). When wearing his distinctive Doc Martens, his height reaches 6ft 7in (2m), and with a panto wig, he achieves a height of 7ft (2.1m). This year, Forman, an actor and part-time powerlifter, is portraying Dame Do’nut in the production of Beauty and the Beast at Shoreham’s Ropetackle Art Centre in West Sussex. Regardless of whether he holds the title of the country’s tallest dame, Alex undeniably commands a significant presence on stage. The 33-year-old actor states, “When I’m in my outfit, it gets a really good reaction from the crowd.” Forman is currently cast as Beauty’s mother, a baker responsible for providing donuts to the Beast. He remarks, “It’s more a giggle than a scream when the children see me come out on stage. When you get that reaction from the crowd, you know you’re doing something right.” Originally from Essex, the actor, stand-up comedian, and impressionist now resides in County Durham. He states, “My belly is as real as they get.” Forman adds, “I have a 56 inch (142cm) chest and enjoy my food. It serves me well in this industry because there are other tall men but a lot of them are quite chiselled – I’m not.” The production of Beauty and the Beast is scheduled to run from 20 December to 5 January. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.