This week King Nigel of Norwich took a break from panto and made a Royal Visit to Captain Fawcett’s Marvellous Barbershop Museum in King’s Lynn. Actor Rufus Hound is currently starring as King Nigel in Jack and the Beanstalkat the Theatre Royal, Norwich, until 7th January. Before Tuesday’s matinée Rufus whizzed over to Fawcett HQ for tea with Fawcett founder Richie Finney. After a quick tour of the Museum he said “What a place! Everything is totally in character. Honestly, everyone should come and see what’s been created here. It’s just amazing! As well as being known for his acting talent and frequent appearances on comedy panel shows, Rufus is famed for his trademark whiskers, saying “I’ve chosen to wear facial hair since I was able!” He was sporting a particularly lush ‘English handlebar’ moustache when a chance meeting led to Captain Fawcett’s collaboration with the bewhiskered comedian. The result was ‘Triumphant’, a rather splendid Signature Series Gentleman’s Grooming range which made its debut in 2019 with a Moustache Wax. ‘Triumphant’ was such a success, six months later the range was expanded and now includes a Beard Balm, Beard Oil and magnificent Eau De Parfum with a heady fragrance reminiscent of the balmy days of Spring. The scent was inspired by Rufus riding his beloved motorcycle through England’s green & pleasant countryside. Rufus says: “Captain Fawcett’s melange of magical moustache managers and array of oils, waxes and parfums are never far from my washbag or my whiskers. When we met he asked what my favourite smell was. My answer was immediate. I ride a Triumph motorcycle in an open face helmet. On those glorious days of summer, to be on a British bike, riding through the twisty, turny B roads of the British countryside is an exceptional treat. Whizzing through little villages on a bike designed to do just that is heavenly. The combination of sunshine, flowers and williwaw arrives olfactorily but manifests spiritually. If there was one smell, I wish there more of in the world, that’s it. “Being asked to collaborate with Captain Fawcett is one of the most flattering things that’s ever happened. When ‘Triumphant’ was mentioned in Vogue it was just unreal. I mean, I’m not Beyoncé, I’m just a bloke from the theatre with his own fragrance. It’s brilliant and completely nuts!” Rufus first fell for Norfolk when he starred in the touring production of One Man, Two Guvnors, also at the Norwich Theatre Royal. He says “Norfolk audiences are an excellent bunch. I was immediately up for coming back here to do panto. I like Norfolk very much and I could happily live in Norwich Market! It’s incredible!” Talking of Jack and the Beanstalk he says “Joe Tracini (who plays Jack) was born to be in pantomime. The roots of panto are brilliantly disruptive, they’re shows where communities take stock of themselves. They’re about local in-jokes and references to things like street names get the biggest laughs. It’s exhausting doing two shows a day but when people are really joining in, screaming and shouting, that’s where the energy comes from. There’s no buzz like it.” Oh yes there is…and it smells ‘Triumphant’! Jack and the Beanstalk is playing at the Theatre Royal, Norwich until Saturday 7th January 2023. Tickets start at £10.
