We Are Pompey: 'Portsmouth means the world' to panto dame Jack Edwards as he backs City of Culture bid

Portsmouth is bidding to become the 2029 City of Culture. Here we meet one of the people in the city backing the bid - and find out why Portsmouth is so special to them.

Jack Edwards - Deputy CEO of Portsmouth Theatres

Born and raised in Wymering, Jack is synonymous with the entertainment scene in Portsmouth. Today he is not only a superb panto dame, but also the deputy CEO and artistic director for Portsmouth Theatres, combining the efforts of The Kings Theatre and Theatre Royal.

Why Jack is backing the bid

He said: “I am so proud to be from Portsmouth - winning the City of Culture bid would be huge. We’re very much ‘on the map’ already, but this would make us more recognisable across the world. Portsmouth has something very different to offer, and winning would not only bring in more culture and more money, but more jobs and more visitors to our city. It would be a massive achievement.

“The best part is that Portsmouth doesn’t need to change anything to win - we’ve got everything here already, from blossoming culture to all these different festivals and events, plus the history from the Dockyard and the forts. Most importantly though, we have the best people; our city is a great community, no matter where you go you’ll bump into someone you know.”

Portsmouth in three words: Portsmouth is amazing

Behind the Bio / Pompey Particulars

Jack started his life on stage at the age of 13, learning his craft with Portsmouth Players. Briefly moving up to London for work, he returned to Southsea and has had a major influence on the city’s theatrics ever since. You know him best for playing the dame at The Kings Theatre panto each year, but he works hard behind the scenes to not only make every state production a success, but ensure that theatre is accessible to everyone.