Berwick Kaler

Berwick Kaler (born 31 October 1946)[1] is a British actor most famous for playing the dame in York Theatre Royal's annual pantomime, which he also wrote and directed until 2020.

[3] Towards the end of each pantomime at the York Theatre Royal, Kaler throws Wagon Wheels, as one might a Frisbee, to the audience, as well as handing out a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale to a father seated in the stalls.

[10] Despite retiring, Kaler was still heavily involved in the 2019 panto Sleeping Beauty, as he wrote the script, co-directed (with Matt Aston) and appeared via films that were screened on stage.

However, he was forced to pull out of the production after testing positive for Covid-19 and wrote a letter, read out during the final performance, by fellow cast member David Leonard.

[14] On 26 February 2024, Kaler announced his retirement, following the Grand Opera House's Christmas 2023 production of Robinson Crusoe, saying: "After 47 years getting away with complete nonsense it’s time to bow out gracefully.