BEING branded evil is not a label that is usually welcomed — unless of course, you are playing the role of The Wicked Witch of the West.

But it’s a great feeling, according to Fiona Egan, who is used to being booed off stage in the current production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Darwen Library Theatre.

“I enjoy playing the baddies. It’s always good to be in character and to be hated,” said Fiona, who is also takes on the role as the tormenting Miss Gulch.

“But as well as being wicked, it’s important to be a comic as well and make sure that I don’t scare the children too much, although it’s not really that possible because I do look really scary.”

This year the pantomime, a PMA productions piece, has been a success with children and families. The musical version is based on the original book by Frank L Baum.

Making it hard for Dorothy as she takes a trip down the Yellow Brick Road, Fiona said she was particularly looking forward to tomorrow’s production when her own children, including her four-year-old son Jed, will be coming to see her.

“I will be looking forward to seeing my son. It will be the first time that he has seen me in panto. I am sure he will be fine.”

When she’s not appearing in panto, Fiona works as a presenter on Jewellery Maker, a Sky channel dedicated to selling products live on air, as well as working as an actress.

Fiona also said that it has been a good experience working for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz director George Critchley for the fourth time, having previously been cast as characters such as the Wicked Queen in Snow White.

The mother-of-two is no stranger to Lancashire, as previous tours of New Life and The Pendle Witches for Blaize Theatre Company have taken her all round the surrounding countryside. Shakespearean touring shows have also brought her to East Lancashire.

“I love pantomime and Christmas isn’t Christmas if I am not performing in one.” she said.

“It is fantastic to be working with George again as we originally met in 1997 when we were both working for the same theatre company.”

Fiona is busy this season combining panto with caring for her two children, but she admitted that she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It is a really nice cast this year and we are all there to support each other.

“I enjoy being wicked and I am looking forward to taking the production to Billingham Theatre after Christmas.

“It is hectic, but when you see the children’s faces in the audience it’s all worthwhile.”

One thing Fiona won’t be missing once the panto season is over is the application of the Chrome Cake Mac make-up used to make her green.

“When the show is over, I struggle to get the make-up off.

“I am constantly walking around with a green tinge to my face, having to have another wash to de-green myself.”

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is at Darwen Library Theatre until Christmas Eve. Details from 01254 706006