Panto Star Rob Madge Shares Childhood Home Videos to Thank Family
Coventry-born panto star Rob Madge, starring in Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium, shares cherished childhood home videos to thank their family for unwavering support.
A Coventry-born performer has surged in popularity online after sharing treasured videos from their childhood home, highlighting the crucial role family support plays in pursuing theatre dreams.
Rob Madge is currently starring in the London Palladium pantomime Sleeping Beauty, alongside well-known names like Catherine Tate, Nigel Havers, and Julian Clary.
From a toy theatre at home to a viral sensation
A widely viewed clip features Madge describing a puppet theatre built by their grandparents in the family home. The makeshift stage, painted in red and white stripes with a red curtain and star decorations, was described as a space that could hold all the puppets and their characters.
The video has drawn more than a million views on TikTok and over 830,000 likes on Instagram, attracting comments from public figures such as barrister Rob Rinder, actress Jennifer Garner, and journalist Stacey Dooley.
School life and the love of theatre
Madge reflects on growing up feeling different, often preferring to recreate scenes from classic musicals in class rather than joining lunchtime games.
Family support turned the home into a sanctuary, and the public reception to their childhood stories has helped Madge feel less alone and more inspired.
Turning memories into a West End show
The journey began in 2020 when Madge started posting family videos online, a project that evolved into a live show called My Son's A Queer. The show toured across the country and eventually moved to the West End.
Being cast as the Diva of Dreams in Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium was a lifelong dream realized; Madge used to attend the pantomime with their mother, imagining a day on stage themselves.
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Expert comment
Expert comment: Open family support and early creative opportunities are common building blocks for successful theatre careers, helping performers build resilience and audience connection.
Summary
Rob Madge’s story demonstrates how a supportive family environment can nurture artistic talents from childhood to the professional stage. A home puppet theatre became a launching pad for a modern stage career, culminating in a prestigious role at the London Palladium. The narrative resonates with aspiring performers who find belonging and healing through creativity.
Family support can turn childhood creativity into a lasting stage career. Source: BBC News
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