Just Imagine : Recent Episodes
Imagine Theatre
Just Imagine - a podcast series from Imagine Theatre, one of the biggest pantomime producers in the world. With over 200 professional pantomime productions under their belt, Imagine really are one of the global experts in the field of pantomime. We'll go behind the scenes to meet the people behind the company, listen to their stories and find out what 'they do for the rest of the year' when it isn't panto season. With our host Martin Ballard we'll find out what makes Imagine Theatre tick, and how they manage to put on so many productions all at the same time!
Episode 136 – David Ashley: Four Decades as a Pantomime Dame
In Episode 136 of the Just Imagine podcast, host Martin Ballard is joined by one of the UK's most respected performers, directors and educators – David Ashley – as he reflects on a remarkable career spanning four decades in theatre and pantomime.
From his early days as a chorister with the Royal School of Church Music to starring in major West End productions including Starlight Express, Cats, Me and My Girl and Les Misérables, David shares the experiences that shaped his journey into becoming one of pantomime's most celebrated dames.
The conversation explores the craft of creating an unforgettable dame, the importance of storytelling and tradition in pantomime, directing while performing, and why the relationship between the Dame and the Comic is at the heart of every successful production.
David also discusses his passion for theatre education, why pantomime deserves greater recognition in actor training, and the lessons he's learned from working alongside some of the industry's finest performers and creatives, including the legendary Susie McKenna.
To mark his 40th anniversary at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon, David reflects on the fitting return of Jack and the Beanstalk—the very pantomime that launched his professional career in 1986.
Packed with humour, warmth and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is an inspiring celebration of a career dedicated to entertaining audiences and keeping the magic of pantomime alive.
Episode 135 – The Comic: The Heart of Pantomime with Joe Pasquale & Liam Dolan
What makes a great pantomime comic?
In Episode 135 of the Just Imagine podcast, host Martin Ballard is joined by two of the UK's most experienced pantomime performers – Joe Pasquale and Liam Dolan – to explore one of pantomime's most beloved stock characters: the Comic.
From the origins of the role with Joseph Grimaldi to the slapstick traditions that still delight audiences today, Joe and Liam share their own experiences of creating mayhem on stage while keeping every performance firmly under control.
The conversation covers the art of audience interaction, the importance of timing, improvisation and tradition, building unforgettable on-stage partnerships, and why the comic remains the beating heart of every great pantomime.
Joe also reflects on working alongside legends including Rod Hull, Ken Dodd and Bob Monkhouse, while Liam discusses the influence of the legendary Krankies and the unique skills required to entertain audiences of all ages.
Packed with hilarious stories, fascinating insights and decades of theatrical experience, this episode is an entertaining celebration of the performers who bring laughter, chaos and magic to pantomime every Christmas.
Episode 134 – Richard Cadell: Magic, Sooty and the Magic of Pantomime
In Episode 134 of the Just Imagine podcast, host Martin Ballard is joined by one of British entertainment's most recognisable performers – illusionist, puppeteer, actor, writer and the man behind the nation's favourite bear, Richard Cadell.
From being crowned Young Magician of the Year and building spectacular stage illusions, to becoming the custodian of Sooty and directing some of the UK's biggest pantomimes, Richard shares the remarkable journey that has shaped his career over the past four decades.
Together, Martin and Richard explore the unique relationship between magic and pantomime, the art of bringing a silent puppet to life on stage, why slapstick remains such an important part of family entertainment, and how Sooty has continued to evolve for new generations of audiences.
Richard also reflects on directing and performing in pantomime, his favourite panto titles, the realities of producing theatre, and why creating unforgettable memories for young audiences remains the greatest privilege of all.
Packed with entertaining stories, behind-the-scenes insights and a genuine love of live theatre, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the industry's most versatile performers.
Subscribe now and join us for another celebration of the people who make pantomime so magical.
Just Imagine Podcast – Episode 133: A Year in the Life of a Pantomime Producer (Part 2)
In Episode 133 of the Just Imagine podcast, host Martin Ballard is joined once again by Imagine Theatre's Joint CEO, Business & Marketing Director, Sarah Boden, for the second instalment of our special four-part series exploring A Year in the Life of a Pantomime Producer.
As the pantomime season begins to gather momentum, Sarah lifts the curtain on what happens behind the scenes during the crucial spring and summer months. From casting decisions, auditions and understudy planning to costume fittings, photoshoots and production meetings, discover the vast amount of preparation that takes place long before rehearsals begin.
The conversation also explores the evolving world of theatre marketing, the growing role of AI in production and promotion, the complexities of managing children's auditions and licensing across the UK, and the meticulous planning required to bring 21 pantomimes to life each Christmas.
Packed with fascinating insights into the scale, logistics and creativity involved in producing large-scale pantomime, this episode offers a unique glimpse into one of the busiest periods in the producer's calendar.
Whether you're a theatre professional, a pantomime enthusiast, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this is an episode not to miss.
Subscribe to the Just Imagine podcast wherever you get your podcasts and join us next time for Episode 134, featuring illusionist, actor, writer and Sooty's right-hand man, Richard Cadell.
Episode 132 – Building a Greener Future for Pantomime
Released during Great Big Green Week 2026, Episode 132 of the Just Imagine Podcast sees host Martin Ballard joined by Imagine Theatre Joint CEO Sarah Boden and Operations & Production Administrator Jaz Evans to explore the company's sustainability journey and commitment to greener theatre-making.
Following the recent Theatre Green Book assessment of Sleeping Beauty at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sarah and Jaz discuss how sustainability has become embedded in every stage of Imagine's production process — from set, costume and prop reuse to transport, energy efficiency, waste management and long-term planning.
The conversation looks at how Imagine Theatre achieved Advanced Status under the Theatre Green Book framework, why collaboration with venues and partners is essential, and how sustainable practices can benefit both the environment and the business. Sarah and Jaz also share insights into the company's ongoing carbon reduction journey, the importance of continual improvement, and their ambitions to roll out the process across more productions in the future.
As communities across the UK come together for Great Big Green Week, this episode highlights how the theatre industry can play its part in creating a more sustainable future.
For more information and to read the full Production Environmental Impact Report, visit imaginetheatre.co.uk.
Episode 131 of the Just Imagine Podcast features pantomime writer, producer, director and dame Brad Fitt.
Host Martin Ballard chats to Brad about his lifelong love of theatre, which began with childhood visits to the pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal, and the magical moment that inspired his career in entertainment.
Brad reflects on his journey from front-of-house usher and stage manager to becoming one of the UK’s best-loved pantomime creatives and performers. Along the way, he shares stories of working with legendary names including Christopher Biggins, Victor Spinetti and Paul Henry, and explains how a chance opportunity at Cambridge Arts Theatre led to his first pantomime script — and eventually his first appearance in a frock!
The conversation also explores the enduring traditions of pantomime, favourite titles including Dick Whittington and Mother Goose, the art of playing dame, and why pantomime continues to capture the imagination of audiences generation after generation.
A warm, funny and fascinating conversation celebrating the magic, history and heart of British pantomime.
Episode 130 of the Just Imagine Podcast takes a closer look at one of pantomime’s most colourful and fast-growing titles — Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Host Martin Ballard is joined by Scottish actor, singer and director Andrew Agnew — best known to many as PC Plum from Balamory — alongside pantomime historian and curator Simon Sladen for a fascinating discussion exploring the history, evolution and growing popularity of this unique panto title.
From its origins in Scottish folklore and Victorian theatre through to the modern circus-inspired spectaculars audiences enjoy today, the episode uncovers how Goldilocks has transformed over the decades. The conversation explores everything from Howard & Wyndham productions and the influence of writer John Morley, to the changing portrayal of the bears and the rise of immersive circus-style pantomime.
Andrew also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Imagine Theatre’s ambitious production staged inside a real circus tent in Kilmarnock — including immersive staging, speciality circus acts, technical challenges, stormy Scottish weather and why performing panto “in the round” created such a special experience for audiences.
Along the way, the episode celebrates pantomime’s enduring links with circus, clowning and music hall traditions, reflects on the future of immersive theatre, and asks whether Goldilocks and the Three Bears could become one of the defining pantomime titles of the modern era.
The episode also features archive contributions from the late pantomime legend Nigel Ellacott, discussing the history and resurgence of Goldilocks on the British stage.
A must-listen for pantomime fans, theatre lovers and anyone fascinated by the continuing evolution of Britain’s unique festive artform.
Episode 129 – Live from the UK Pantomime Awards 2026!
In this episode of the Just Imagine Podcast, Martin takes you right to the heart of the action at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026 – the biggest night in the panto calendar.
From the buzz of the red carpet to behind-the-scenes conversations with some of the industry’s brightest stars, this episode captures the energy, excitement, and celebration of everything that makes pantomime so special. Expect candid chats, standout moments, and a real sense of what it means to be part of the panto community.
Plus, find out if we won any awards!
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of panto or just curious about what goes on beyond the stage, this is your all-access pass to one unforgettable night.
🎧 Tune in now and experience the magic of the UK Pantomime Awards!
Martin is joined by panto comic Ste Johnston
Laughter, graft and life behind the greasepaint take centre stage in this episode of Just Imagine.
Martin sits down with Ste Johnston, the much‑loved panto comic, for a brilliant conversation about comedy, confidence and carving out a career that’s anything but ordinary. From winning over family crowds to mastering the art of controlled chaos, Ste shares what it really takes to make people laugh for a living — especially when the audience include children, grand parents, and everyone in between.
Whether you’re a performer, a creative, or just someone who loves a good laugh, this episode is a joyous reminder of the power of entertainment to bring people together.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
In Episode 127 of the Just Imagine Podcast, Martin sits down with Lighting Designer Matt Ladkin to explore the creative and technical craft behind lighting that truly transforms spaces and experiences.
Matt shares his journey into lighting design and the thinking behind creating atmosphere and emotion through light, this conversation highlights how great lighting goes far beyond illumination — it tells stories, shapes experiences, and elevates everything it touches.
Whether you’re a creative professional, producer, designer, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of practical takeaways.
Featuring BBC Radio’s Richie Anderson
This week on Just Imagine, Martin is joined by the brilliantly energetic and endlessly warm Richie Anderson, BBC Radio presenter and much‑loved personality from The One Show and BBC Radio 2.
In this lively conversation, Richie shares stories from his journey behind the mic, from growing up with a love of performance to becoming one of the BBC’s most recognisable voices and of course his pantomime debut.
Whether you’re a theatre fan, a podcast regular, or simply someone who loves a good laugh and an inspiring story, this episode is packed with warmth, insight, and the kind of infectious positivity only Richie can bring.
This bonus episode of the Just Imagine Podcast has been released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
In this special conversation, Martin Ballard chats with actor and director Jason Marc-Williams about neurodiversity, his own lived experience, and how the theatre industry can evolve to better support neurodivergent individuals so their creativity can truly thrive. The episode also features a contribution from Molly Grace Cutler, adding another perspective to the conversation.
Together they explore the importance of understanding different ways of thinking, the barriers that can exist within creative industries, and the positive steps that theatre makers and organisations can take to create more inclusive environments.
This bonus episode celebrates the strengths, perspectives and creativity of neurodivergent people and highlights why conversations like this are so important across the arts.
To learn more about the initiative and the work being done to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions, visit www.neurodiversityweek.com
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Listen now and join the conversation.
Welcome to Episode 125 of the Just Imagine podcast – and the start of something brand new.
This week marks the first instalment of our brand-new series, “A Year in the Life of a Producer.” Over the coming months, we’ll be lifting the curtain on what it really takes to produce large-scale family entertainment and pantomime across the UK.
Producing isn’t just opening night and applause. It’s long-term planning, problem-solving, collaboration, and a huge amount of passion behind the scenes. In this first episode, we set the scene for the year ahead – sharing where the process begins, what’s already in motion, and why this stage of the journey is so crucial.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens before a show reaches the stage, this series is for you.
🎧 Join us as we begin A Year in the Life of a Producer – and discover what it really takes to make the magic happen.
This week on the Just Imagine Podcast, we’re joined by a true British screen and stage favourite – Sue Holderness!
Best known to millions as Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses, Sue has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning television, theatre and radio – including appearances in The Green Green Grass, West End productions, touring theatre, and, of course, pantomime!
In this episode, Sue shares stories from her time working alongside some of Britain’s most beloved comedy legends, reflects on the enduring legacy of Only Fools and Horses, and talks about her love of live theatre and performing for audiences across the UK. It’s a warm, funny and fascinating conversation packed with behind-the-scenes insights and plenty of laughs.
If you love British comedy, theatre, and hearing from the people who’ve helped shape it, this is one you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Episode 124 is available now wherever you get your podcasts.
JustImaginePodcast #SueHolderness #OnlyFoolsAndHorses #TheatreLife #PodcastRelease
After producing 21 Christmas shows across the UK, Imagine Theatre Joint CEO's Sarah and Steve Boden sit down with Martin to reflect on the 2025/2026 season.
They reflect on the scale of the season just gone and look ahead to what 2026 will bring for Imagine Theatre.
A proper behind-the-scenes listen for anyone who loves theatre, creativity and the future of live entertainment.
This week, Martin is joined by two much-loved faces of the Royal Spa Centre pantomime, JP McCue and Sean Dodds, as they take their final bows after a decade of starring in the pantomime each year in Leamington Spa.
In this episode, JP and Sean reflect on their time in panto, sharing memories, laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from more than a decade of entertaining audiences. They talk about what makes Leamington Spa so special, how their partnership has evolved over the years, and what it means to say goodbye after their final season.
Join us as Martin has a warm, nostalgic and celebratory conversation with this amazing double act that captures the heart of pantomime.
This week, Martin is joined by comedy legend Andy Ford—a true stalwart of British entertainment.
Starting in show business at a young age, Andy starred on Jonathan Ross’s Big Big Talent Show in 1997, before going on to appear on The Royal Variety Performance, Havakazoo, Talking Telephone Numbers, Today with Des and Mel, and many more.
A beloved favourite of the pantomime world, Andy began his panto career in the 80s and has worked with many icons such as National Treasure Dame Barbara Windsor, Sir David Suchet, David Hasselhoff, Henry Winkler, Louie Spence, Warwick Davis and many others.. He has also shared his incredible journey in his autobiography, Panto’s For Life, Not Just for Christmas.
Join us as Andy reflects on decades of laughter, live theatre, television fame, and why panto truly is in his blood.
This week on the podcast, Martin is joined by the fabulous Suzanne Shaw, currently appearing as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington at De Montfort Hall, Leicester.
Suzanne is a true all-rounder with an exceptionally varied and fascinating career. She began training in dance and theatre from the age of three, made her television debut at just 12, and shot to fame in 2001 as a member of the chart-topping band Hear’Say. Since then, she has gone on to star in leading roles in major musicals, spent three years in Emmerdale, won Dancing on Ice, and become a familiar face on television as a presenter on shows including Loose Women. More recently, Suzanne has turned her focus to wellbeing, developing her own successful health and fitness brand.
Tune in to hear Suzanne reflect on her incredible career, share behind-the-scenes stories, and talk about her enduring love for pantomime.
This week, Martin is joined by the brilliant Elaine C. Smith, a true icon of Scottish showbusiness with a career spanning more than 40 years.
Elaine is best known for her standout roles in City Lights, Rab C. Nesbitt, and the hit sitcom Two Doors Down, for which she earned a Scottish BAFTA. She’s also a beloved panto legend, captivating audiences year after year.
In recent years, Elaine has been honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award from the UK Pantomime Association and granted the Freedom of the City of Glasgow—a testament to her lasting impact on stage and screen.
Tune in to hear Elaine share stories from her remarkable career and the passion that continues to drive her.
Simon Sladen and David Ashley join Martin on the podcast this week for another deep dive into a classic pantomime title — this time, Aladdin.
First staged at Covent Garden in 1788, Aladdin has become one of the most frequently reinvented pantomimes in the canon. Simon and David explore how the show has evolved over the centuries, from shifting settings and new characters to bold reinterpretations in modern productions. They unpack what makes Aladdin such a versatile story and why it continues to captivate audiences year after year as well as the challenges and creative decisions involved in staging it today.
Singer, comedian, impressionist, actress, musical theatre performer and pantomime veteran Hilary O’Neil joins Martin on this week’s podcast.
Although she loved to dance as a child, Hilary never initially planned a career in show business. But after training at Laine Theatre Arts, her talent and drive quickly took her into the spotlight — beginning as a dancer with the legendary Ken Dodd. From there her career went from strength to strength including being a founder member of the Stutz Bear Cats and becoming a familiar face on TV in The Fame Game and Copycats, as well as performing in the West End.
A passionate pantomime performer, Hilary has now appeared in an incredible 42 productions — and counting! When she’s not bringing festive magic to the stage, she can often be found entertaining audiences aboard cruise ships around the world.
This week, Martin is joined by Divina De Campo and Andy Hockley to dive into one of the most deliciously wicked ingredients of any good pantomime – the panto baddie!
Together, they explore the fascinating history of the villain’s role — from the origins of the classic characters to the curious tradition of always entering from the left-hand side of the stage. They’ll unpack the art of playing the baddie, the magic of that love-to-hate dynamic with the audience, and what makes a truly unforgettable pantomime villain.
The UK Pantomime Association recently hosted their second Panto Panel at the North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford, this time shining a spotlight on the art of scriptwriting and Martin was there to talk to some of the country’s top panto writers.
A panel of top writers from across the country gathered to share insights into their creative process — from crafting jokes and choreographing slosh scenes to writing stage directions and choosing the perfect songs for panto.
All good pantomimes begin with a good panto script and as the Association’s Vice-Chair, Sam Munday-Webb, puts it, panto is “one of the most progressive art forms that changes year on year” and the script is key to this change.
So don’t miss this lively and inspiring episode that celebrates the evolving craft of pantomime writing.
Actor, singer, and dancer Anita Harris has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades. From chart-topping hits to memorable roles in the iconic Carry On films, Anita has shared the stage and screen with some of the biggest names in show business, including the legendary Morecambe and Wise.
A lifelong lover of pantomime, Anita has appeared in countless productions over the years and still delights in attending them whenever she can. Join us as we explore her extraordinary journey through entertainment, filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable stories.
This week’s guest on Just Imagine is true panto legend, TV presenter, and all-round entertainer Bobby Bennett.
Bobby’s love affair with panto began at just seven years old, when he stepped onto the stage for his very first show. From that moment, he built an extraordinary career in showbusiness. In 1964, he made his mark on Opportunity Knocks, and just a few years later became a household name as the presenter of ITV’s popular children’s variety show Junior Showtime (1969–1974).
On stage, Bobby first delighted audiences in “silly billy” roles before embracing the much-loved tradition of the panto dame. His favourite role? The outrageous Dame Henrietta in Robin Crusoe, where he shared the stage with pop legend David Essex.
Panto isn’t just Bobby’s passion—it’s a family tradition. His daughter, Emma Bennett-Goodridge, now carries that same love into her role as one of Imagine’s very own Marketing Managers.
This week, Martin sits down with Pravesh Kumar, Artistic Director of Rifco Theatre Company, to talk about Surinderella — his brand-new, Bollywood-inspired pantomime, touring this autumn. Produced in association with Imagine Theatre, Wolverhampton Grand, and Watford Palace, the show promises a dazzling mix of East and West.
In the episode, Pravesh shares the story behind Rifco Theatre Company, what inspired him to reimagine the classic Cinderella tale, and why he believes panto is the perfect stage for blending his South Asian heritage with his British roots. Drawing on the shared vibrancy of early Bollywood films and traditional pantomime, Surinderella offers a fresh, contemporary twist while keeping all the beloved elements that make panto magical.
Pravesh hopes this production will welcome new audiences into the world of panto while delighting long-time fans. With its colourful
This week on the podcast, Martin is joined by the brilliantly funny Jarred Christmas.
Originally from New Zealand, Jarred has called the UK home for over two decades, carving out a successful career as a stand-up comedian. He's a familiar favourite at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, where he's been delighting panto audiences since 2021.
In this episode, Jarred chats with Martin about his journey from a shy child to a confident performer, his first taste of pantomime, and how he’s had to adapt his comedic style for the unique world of panto.
This week we are going behind the scenes into the world of the DSM. We are joined by Jazmyne Evans and Kayleigh Alstin who both have a range of experience in theatre including as DSMs.
Martin talks to them about how their interest in theatre led to working in stage management, the training they have received, how they developed in the role and just what a day in the life of a DSM is like!
This week Martin is joined by dazzling La Voix.
La Voix will be spending her third pantomime season at Wycombe Swan this year for Imagine in Jack and the Beanstalk.
La Voix was most recently seen wowing judges in the final of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. No stranger to the screen she has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Celebrity Weakest Link; Queen of The Universe and in AbFab The Movie. She was a Finalist in 2014’s Britain’s Got Talent. Touring with her own shows around the UK, she is also a regular performer onboard P&O Cruise ships and had enjoyed many years performing in pantomime.
In this episode we explore the rich, provocative history of cross-dressing in theatre with acclaimed author and performance scholar Janet Tennant, author of the book It’s a Drag: Cross Dressing in Performance.
From ancient Greek theatre to Shakespearean stages to modern drag performers, gender has always been more fluid under the lights than many realise and has always played a significant role in pantomime in particular.
In this episode, Janet dives into the historical and artistic significance of cross-dressing in performance — why it was necessary, how it evolved, and what it reveals about the societies behind the curtains.
On 19 May Imagine held an open day to mark the official opening of our new home Trafalgar House. We were delighted to be able to welcome many of the people that have been instrumental in Imagine’s growth over the years as well as many of the Trafalgar team who have helped to make the move a reality.
On this episode Martin joins Sarah and Steve on a tour of the building, shares highlights from the day and talks to some of the guests about the amazing new building.
Comedian, actor, presenter and panto legend Joe Pasquale joins Martin on the podcast this week.
This season Joe is performing in his first ever Imagine panto, returning to Swansea Grand, where he performed panto alongside Swansea legend Kev Johns 35 years ago.
Joe talks through his extensive and fascinating career, from early days on New Faces and being taken under the wing of comedy legends Ken Dodd, Des O’Connor and Bob Monkhouse to winning I’m A Celebrity in 2004 and taking part in Dancing on Ice. He also discusses his approach to panto, his love of the genre and how he overcame his fear of flying to become a pilot!
Ahead of starring in Aladdin this Christmas Joe is currently touring with fellow comedians Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley and Shane Richie in The Prat Pack which sold out within a day of going on sale.
This week Simon Sladen and Robert Marsden join Martin to discuss the panto Puss in Boots.
One of the rarest pantomimes to be performed in recent times the panto is usually based on the Perrault version of the story from 1697. It is a typical rags to riches tale with baddies, fairies, skin characters, a panto dame, principal boy and a love story.
It has a fascinating history and was central in cementing the tradition of the female principal boy with Eliza Povey playing the role in 1823 in Covent Garden and Simon and Robert discuss this history along with some of the problematic themes and morality within the story.
This week Martin is behind the scenes at the UK Pantomime Association Awards at The New Victoria Theatre in Woking. The UKPA Awards are an exciting opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate this special art form.
Amongst others Martin talks to Anita Harris, Elaine C Smith Simon Sladen, Sam Munday-Webb, Ben Goffe, Andrew Ryan and Basil Brush about the awards and their love of the genre.
They say there is ‘nothing like a dame’ and that can certainly be said to be true of pantomime. This episode Martin is joined by two performers who have played the role for many decades, Eric Potts and Iain Lauchlan.
They discuss the development of the panto dame from ancient Greek theatre to the dames of the early 19th century, where what we recognise as a panto dame today came into being.
They also discuss those performers who have influenced their style of dame and their own individual approaches to playing the role.
In this episode Martin chats to performer Ben Goffe who has recently been nominated as Best Comic in the UK Pantomime Awards for his role as Buttons for Imagine’s production of Cinderella at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon.
Ben comes from a theatrical family and learned to dance at his mum’s dance school from the age of 3. During his career Ben has spent two years with the RSC and two seasons with the National Theatre. A talented musician Ben has also appeared in the West End in the smash-hot Choir of Man where he played the trumpet and tap-danced, and has also made an appearance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
We have reached 100 episodes of the Just Imagine podcast, and to celebrate our host Martin Ballard shares snippets from interviews with some panto legends including Morecambe and Wise, Roy Hudd, Danny La Rue, Larry Grayson, Nigel Ellacott, Bob Monkhouse as well as some favourite panto memories from the Imagine team.
Don’t miss out on the special celebratory edition!
This week’s podcast takes place in Coventry, taking you on a tour around our brand new premises and HQ. Martin is joined by Sarah and Steve Boden who will be talking about the move and the need for a bigger space to house all of Imagine Theatres sets, costumes, props and office staff.
In this episode Martin gets an exclusive look at the new Imagine Theatre HQ, with a guided tour by Sarah and Steve and gets an understanding for the much needed move.
This week’s podcast subject is set design and Martin is joined by award-winning set designer Ian Westbrook. Ian has designed for theatre, television and film since 1985 and despite working on some high-profile productions he retains a deep fondness for panto and has designed a number of sets for Imagine Theatre in recent years.
In this episode Martin learns how Ian came to be a set designer, how the design process and technology has changed since Ian first started in his career and the process he uses himself when designing sets.
This week some familiar voices return to the podcast as Robert Marsden and Mairi Cowieson join Martin to talk about Sleeping Beauty.
Variations of the story have existed for hundreds of years all over the world. Rob and Mairi discuss the different ways in which they and others have approached the pantomime and the way the pantomime is forever evolving in line with the changing attitudes of the audience.
This week Martin catches up with Steve and Sarah Boden to talk about how the 2024 season has gone.
The 2024/25 panto season saw Imagine create their first ever panto in a big top circus tent, perform two brand new titles in Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Robin Hood and produce the first ever panto in the brand-new Fareham Live alongside continuing to develop their digital sets with the additional of digital versions of Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk.
They discuss all this, as well as what the team gets up to now the shows have closed and the exciting news that Imagine HQ is relocating to larger premises in Coventry within the next few months.
This week Martin catches up with some of the cast of Beauty and the Beastie in Glasgow: Liam Dolan, Valissa Scott and Nikki Auld.
The Pavilion panto is a big part of festive tradition for many Glasgwegians as well as the actors themselves – this year is Liam Dolan’s twenty-sixth panto with Nikki just pipping him having done twenty-eight!
With the longest run of any of all of the Imagine pantomimes is not surprising to learn the cast are more like family than friends and Martin talks to them about why they love it so much and why the Pavilion panto in particular is so special.
This week Martin is joined by The Chase’s Jenny Ryan who is spending the festive season in Crewe as The Enchantress in Beauty and the Beast.
Jenny talks to Martin about how she was influenced by theatre from a young age due to her grandparents links with the Octagon in Bolton, how she came to be one of the legendary Chasers and about why panto and live theatre in general is so special to her and the different ways in which a theatre visit for a child can inspire and enrich them.
This year due to the refurbishment of the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock East Ayrshire Leisure took the decision to do pantomime in a big top circus tent – and what better panto to choose than Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a panto set in a circus!
Martin talks to director and dame Andrew Agnew; Goldilocks herself, Ailsa Erskine, who is making her professional panto debut; Gary Morrison who is appearing in his tenth Kilmarnock panto and Craig McDougall who returns as part of the Killie panto team to play the ringmaster, to talk about the benefits and challenges of producing panto in the big top and how much they are enjoying the show!
Listen now!
Andy Hockley is a hugely experienced theatre and TV actor, despite having originally trained in theatre design. He has appeared in 18 pantomimes at The Belgrade since 1989 in a variety of roles including both dame and baddie and this year he is playing King Rat in Dick Whittington.
As well as pantomime Andy has appeared in some of the UK’s most popular musicals and is possibly the longest serving Wizard in Wicked in the West End having been in over 1,000 performances. He also appeared in The Phantom of the Opera on tour and the West End followed by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang before his long stint in Wicked.
Andy talks to Martin about his vast career and deep affection for pantomime as well as what it is like working with panto legend Iain Lauchlan.
This week Martin is joined by two choreographers, Mitchell Harper and Claire Darcy.
Mitch has a wide range of choreography experience from opera and musicals to pantomime.
Claire has been appearing in the Inverness panto since she was a child and has appeared in over 1,000 performances at Eden Court - going on from being a member of the Junior Ensemble to a professional performer and now also their choreographer.
In this episode Mitch and Claire discuss the processes and methods involved in creating the routines for panto, how they are influenced by the music choices, the special effects and the performers themselves and much more!
Have you ever wondered why ticket prices cost what they do?
In this episode Martin delves into the complex world of theatre finance with Sarah Boden to discuss this very question.
Sarah talks Martin through the various different aspects that influence the cost of a ticket – from size of venue to the type of casting and all the extras that people may have never considered such as VAT, royalty fees, levies, transport and more!
This week’s podcast was recorded at the North Wall Arts Centre in Oxford at the UK Pantomime Association panel event on Relaxed and Accessible Performances.
The panellists were Jess Thom, Annie Bannister, Chris Jarvis and Dr Chris Abbott all of whom also took the time to speak to Martin directly on the subject of making performances as inclusive as possible.
People from theatres across the UK attended the event to hear more about the variety of needs that audience members might have and how to create an environment that is welcoming, comfortable and accessible for all.
This week Martin is talking to David Lloyd-Jones. From early memories of Punch and Judy in Llandudno and his first panto experience at Swansea Grand aged 9, David has gone on to have a varied career in the theatre industry, including being a current trustee of the UK Pantomime Association.
As a young performer he was predominantly a vocalist but he decided early on in he had an interest in teaching which he tied in with his theatrical training and he was also the first in Wales to undertake an apprenticeship in pantomime directing. Learn all about this and more in this latest episode of Just Imagine!
Martin joined the team at a photoshoot and caught up with some of the Imagine team and casts from a number of different pantos.
Jack Malin who is part of the team running the Theatre Café in London and is also playing Prince in Swindon’s Cinderella this year in one of the people chatting to Martin as well Maisie Scarlett who will be playing Cinderella alongside him.
Martin also talks to panto dame Steve Elias who has had a strong career in musical theatre and has also gone on to teach at many of the UK’s top performing arts schools and Nathan Morris and Aled Thomas Davies who are playing Starkey and Captain Hook in Halifax this season.
Andy Nurse has spent many years working as a production manager for Imagine Theatre and also specialises in many of the technical aspects of live performance.
From an early love of playing musical instruments Andy changed course to work behind the scenes in the industry and has worked in many different areas.
He discusses his career with Martin and offers advice on how to get into the industry and gain the necessary knowledge for a successful career as well as going into detail about the role of a production manager on a pantomime.
From playing a mosquito aged 3 in Alice Through the Looking Glass to the present day Nathan has always loved performing.
Coming from a strong theatre family Nathan was actually in a panto in the Junior Ensemble before he had even been in the audience to watch one and his love of the genre has been with him ever since. He has spent many years as a comic with Imagine Theatre in Porthcawl and Rotherham and this year will be playing Will Scarlett in Robin Hood.
Not only has Nathan worked extensively in theatre he has appeared on television in shows on CBeebies and Nickelodeon and he also teaches and directs.
Simon Sladen and Steve Boden join Martin to talk about the history of Mother Goose. Although it is not that frequently performed these days it historically enjoyed great success with Dan Leno and Joseph Grimaldi both appearing in early versions of the show and more recently we have seen Ian McKellen playing the role to great success.
They discuss the themes of the show and how many of them have relevance today and how the panto has influenced other productions as well as how its popularity differs between the regions.
A great podcast for anyone interested in the history of the pantomime genre.
Musical Director Paul Burnett’s daughter Caroline joins Martin this week to talk about her father’s career and life growing up with theatrical parents.
Paul was a prolific musical director in the 1950s to the 1980s in the true heart of variety. He conducted multiple royal variety performances, was the MD of choice for people like Morcambe and Wise and many many others. He was also musically involved in countless pantomimes across the UK and spent many years working for Bernard Delfont.
Have you ever wanted to know more about the music in the pantomime? This week Martin is joined by Miles Russell who has spent a number of panto seasons as an MD and Arranger with Imagine Theatre.
From starting out age seven learning to play the trumpet Miles is now a multi-instrumentalist. He has worked as an actor-musician, Musical Director and Arranger amongst other roles.
He talks to Martin about how panto differs from other productions, how the songs are selected, how the music is created – including parts, backing tracks and backing vocals. He also reveals which panto title is his favourite!
Join Martin as he goes back stage at this year's UK Pantomime Awards. Taking place on Tuesday 18th June at G Live in Guildford, the 2024 pantomime awards were another star studded, glittering evening celebrating all things panto!
Martin talks to presenters Ore Oduba, Angelica Bell alongside lots of the award winners and members of the UK Pantomime Association board!
This week Martin is joined by former contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee and current Deputy Head of Wardrobe at Imagine Theatre, Adam Brooks.
Adam talks about those early influences that led to his love of theatre and costume. He also discusses his varied career from drama school, to being a Cruise Director, to becoming Deputy Head of Wardrobe for Imagine Theatre and how his on stage theatrical experience influences his approach to his current role.
This week Martin talks to two key members of the Imagine team about how they got into the industry and their experiences of training in stage management.
Ruth Porter, Deputy Head of Stage Management and Props and Jazmyne Evans, Operations and Production Administrator talk to Martin about how their early experiences of theatre led them to work in the industry and what their current roles at Imagine entail. Plus Ruth talks about the skill behind making some good old fashioned panto slosh!
This week’s episode focuses on the roles of two key elements of any theatrical production – the lighting and the sound.
Lighting Designer and Programmer Matt Ladkin and Sound Designer and Head of Project Engineering and Head of Education at Orbital Sound Mike Thacker, join Martin to talk about these invaluable roles.
They talk through exactly what each role involves, how the process develops throughout the year from initial production meetings to being in venue for Tech and also discuss how the ever-changing technology has influenced their work.
This week Eric Potts and Palace panto regular James McAnerney join Martin on the podcast to talk about Snow White.
Snow White originated from the Brothers Grimm in the early 1800s and it grew and developed from there to become the version of the story we know today.
Eric and James discuss the history of the pantomime, the variations in the story, some of the iconic elements such as the magic mirror and the various approaches to casting.
A must listen episode for all fans of the panto genre!
We are already a third of the way through the year and this week on the podcast Sarah and Steve talk to Martin about where Imagine are in the panto process at the moment.
New set and costume designs are underway for the three brand news shows being created this year. This includes planning for the team to produce panto in a circus tent for the first time this year with a brand new show and the steps involved in bringing that to life.
They discuss how Imagine is integrating with parent company Trafalgar Entertainment as well as producing the first panto in the brand new Fareham Live Theatre. They also touch on the forthcoming Junior Ensemble auditions, their pre-school Santa shows and the exciting opportunities available for careers in stage management and wardrobe.
Episode 75 – The Role of the Director
This week the podcast focuses on the role of the director. Robert Marsden and Mairi Cowieson join Martin on the podcast to discuss what being a director actually involves.
They discuss how the role of director has developed from ancient times to present day, their routes into directing and their personal approaches to directing pantomime.
Joint CEO of Trafalgar Entertainment Dame Rosemary Squire and CEO and COO of Trafalgar Theatres Helen Enright are Martin’s guests on the podcast this week.
Despite an early love of theatre, neither Rosemary or Helen set out to have a career in the industry and both came to their current roles through very different paths.
Join us as they discuss their career development, the importance of both regional theatre and pantomime to the industry and the continuing growth of Trafalgar Entertainment.
This week Swansea legend Kev Johns joins Martin on the podcast.
Kev has been a panto dame for 30 years, with 25 of those at the Swansea Grand. He also presented numerous radio shows, including more than 20 years on the Breakfast Show, as well as being a match day announcer for his local football team, The Swans. Kev is also heavily involved in charity work, receiving an MBE in 2010 for his services to charity.
He discusses his long and varied career with Martin, including how he went from being a church minister to being in the entertainment business and why pantomime is so important to him.
The pantomime version of Beauty and the Beast is one of the most popular titles of all, along with being one of the most loved Disney classics.
This week Eric Potts and Liam Dolan join Martin on the podcast to discuss one of their favourite titles.
This week Steve Boden and Laura Taylor join Martin to talk about the role of the producer.
Producers are crucial to each production as they have overall responsibility for the show, but it is one of the roles that many people know little about.
Steve and Laura explain how they came to be panto producers and what it entails – from relationships with theatres, title choices, how the scriptwriters, creative team and cast for each production are chosen and much more.
Martin catches up with Sarah and Steve to discuss how the 2023 panto season went and what is in store for 2024.
Imagine have had their biggest ever panto season with 19 pantomimes and 3 Santa shows. They have employed more people than ever before with around 500 people hired by Imagine to work on the productions, plus around 400 children who were part of Junior Ensembles.
January sees the start of debrief season when the team have internal debriefs as well as debriefs with the venues and as sets, costumes and props return the maintenance programme begins. Planning for 2024 is already underway with many pantos now on sale, budgets being finalised and sets and costumes allocated against productions.
So in good old panto tradition - ‘we’ll have to do it again then won’t we – woo!’
This week Martin goes backstage at DMH where he spent 10 years performing in panto himself to chat to the cast of this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk.
He finds out how Scott Mills has settled in to his first ever pantomime, learns Jarred Christmas’s process for choosing his final jokes for the show, discovers how son Jack Ballard is getting on playing his first ever Dame role as well as finding out about Mark Read’s theatrical background, catching up with DMH panto regular and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey and meeting Mark Beauchamp and Christina Harris who are appearing in their first DMH panto.
This is a fascinating podcast full of backstage banter and behind the scenes info.
Don’t miss it!
For the Christmas edition of the podcast Martin heads to Swindon to talk to the cast of Snow White at The Wyvern - David Ashley, Divina De Campo, Nathan Connor, Paul Burling and Samantha Dorrance.
This episode also features special Christmas messages from some of the Imagine team.
This week Martin is joined by radio presenter Scott Mills who is making his pantomime debut this year in Jack and the Beanstalk at De Montfort Hall.
Scott talks to Martin about how his decision to do a panto came about, the advice he has been getting from his showbiz pals and his past performing experience on Strictly Come Dancing.
Don’t miss Scott in panto at De Montfort Hall 15 Dec 2023 – 7 Jan 2024.
This week Imagine’s Joint CEO and Business and Marketing Director Sarah Boden joins Martin to talk through everything that is currently happening at Imagine Theatre HQ as well as on the pantomimes themselves.
Everything is in full swing with two shows now open, some shows in rehearsal and others due to start rehearsing shortly. The final touches to set, costumes and props are done and they are being loaded out of the building. Some of the team are already out on the road with others due to begin their travels around the country next week.
Sarah talks to Martin about all of the logistics involved for each panto, schedules for the season, how we try and encourage the next generation to work in the panto industry, new titles for the year and much more!
This week Martin is joined by Imagine Theatre’s Steve Boden and performer and director Steven Wren to talk about Peter Pan.
Peter Pan has been around for 120 years in numerous forms – firstly as a book and then a play, a musical, many different movie adaptations, and now as an increasingly popular panto.
They discuss the way that it has been adapted over the years, the way the story is evolving and some of the unique elements of the show, in particular the challenges of having to make numerous cast members and children fly!
They also discuss the way that the show is still important in supporting the wonderful work of Great Ormond Street Hospital today as J M Barrie wished it to.
Panto Set Pieces and Routines
Simon Sladen, Paul Morse, Janice Dunn join Martin on this week’s episode to talk about the traditional panto set pieces and routines such as slosh scenes, ghost gags, song sheets and call backs.
They delve back into the early days of panto to talk about where some of the routines originated as well as discussing some more modern innovations.
A must listen episode for panto fans - 'oh yes it is'!
This week on the podcast Martin is joined by actor and director Andrew Agnew.
From starting out in The Wizard of Oz at school and being mesmerized by panto as a child to playing PC Plum in Balamory, Andrew talks about how he got into the industry and how his career has developed.
He also talks about the differences between English and Scottish panto and the challenges of playing Dame as well as a Director and why he enjoys panto so much.
This week on the podcast Martin is joined by three guests to discuss the role of technology in pantomime. He talks to Imagine’s Artistic Director Eric Potts, Head of Operations, Dave Edmunds and Nina Dunn from PixelLux.
They discuss the innovations throughout the history of pantomime and how technology has helped with the evolution of the genre in a variety of ways from lighting, sound, automated flying, illusions and special effects to Imagine’s brand new digital sets.
For this week’s podcast Martin joined the team at their largest photoshoot event of the year. Taking place over 4 days the August shoot brings people together from all over the United Kingdom to have their publicity photos taken and promo videos filmed. This is the final shoot of the year and is the last opportunity to gather marketing assets for the forthcoming season.
The shoot not only brings many of the cast members from different shows together it also gives the Imagine Team a rare chance to all get together in one place. Martin chats to members of the Imagine Team as well as some of the cast members to talk about the shoot and the season ahead.
The pantomime version of Dick Whittington has been around since the early 1800s and is believed to be the only pantomime based on a real person.
This week Eric Potts and Robert Marsden join Martin on the podcast to discuss one of their favourite titles. They discuss the delights and challenges of staging this particular panto as well as its versatility and history, and relive some of their favourite memories of performing and directing this iconic panto.
Daniel took an unusual route to being a professional musician having first studied Sports Science at University before going on to Mountview
Dan has worked with Imagine for a number of years as a Musical Arranger and Musical Director and he talks to Martin about how he came into the theatre profession, those that have influenced him, as well as more about what is involved in being an Arranger and an MD in the world of theatre.
This week on the podcast Martin catches up with Steve Boden to learn why there is no such thing as a restful summer for the Imagine Team.
With casting auditions for both adults and juniors, photoshoots, set maintenance, hires, props creation, script reads and much more going on, it is full steam ahead on panto planning during July and August.
Take a listen to the podcast to find out more!
This week Martin talks to Mark Thorburn.
Mark’s love of the theatre began with a pantomime at the Coventry Theatre aged 8 and he has gone on to be involved in theatrical industry in many different roles, some of which include Chief Executive of NODA, Editor of the Amateur Theatre Magazine, Artistic Director of YOG, a Coventry youth theatre group, as well as being part of the Imagine Team in its early years.
This week the tables are turned and it is Just Imagine podcast host Martin Ballard who is in the hot seat with Imagine MD Steve Boden taking over the role of interviewer.
Martin spent many years hosting on BBC radio and his links with Imagine go back 20 years from his time as Dame at Loughborough Town Hall. Steve discusses with him how he got into the entertainment business, how he came to be working on the radio and all about his deep love of pantomime.
This week Martin talks to Chris McGuigan from Trafalgar Theatres, which is part of the wider Trafalgar Entertainment group. Chris has had an extensive career in the theatre industry and is now Group Commercial Director for Trafalgar Theatres.
Imagine and Trafalgar Theatres began working together for the 2022 season and Chris, a lifelong panto fan, talks to Martin about panto from the perspective of the theatres. They discuss the importance of panto revenue in supporting theatres throughout the year, the widespread appeal of the genre, the way the experience of panto is different for the staff at the venue and the importance of panto in bringing in audience members who are not regular theatre-goers as well a finding out which panto is Chris’s personal favourite
This week’s podcast is all about the Junior Ensemble. A big part of the ethos at Imagine Theatre is to give as many children as possible the opportunity to experience performing in professional productions and Martin has a variety of guests on the pod this week to talk about the experience from different perspectives.
Martin speaks to Sarah O’Gleby who has gone on from the Junior Ensemble in Leicester to perform and choreograph on the West End and Broadway as well as working with artistes such as Beyonce, Harry Styles, Daniel Radcliffe and Hugh Jackman.
He also talks to two young performers who have spent many years appearing in the Junior Ensemble. They talk about what the auditions are like, the importance of keeping up with school work during the run, the benefits of appearing in a professional production and also offer a few important tips for auditionees and those successful in gaining a place in the show.
Martin also catches up with Head of Child Licensing at Imagine Theatre, Bethany Pearson, to learn more about the process of licensing more than 400 children each year.
Eric Potts and Iain Lauchlan join Martin on the podcast this week to talk about Jack and the Beanstalk.
This is the second of several ‘special’ podcast episodes where we work through the popular pantomime titles in turn, examining them in more depth by talking through the title’s roots, such as Jack’s origin in Cornish folklore, the background story and the unique elements of the title, like the giant, and much mo
This week Imagine Theatre is celebrating its 18th birthday and Martin talks to Steve about the history of the company – how the company came into being, how it came to be called Imagine, Mi workshops, the landmark moments and much more.
The podcast also features birthday wishes from some of the amazing people Imagine have worked with over the years.
Martin heads to Staffordshire University for this episode of the podcast to speak to the students on the MA in Contemporary Pantomime Practice as well as Robert Marsden and Richard Cheshire who created and run the course and Sarah Boden who was a guest speaker on the day.
This vocationally led course offers both research and practical study in the pantomime genre to enhance the students’ understanding of pantomime and develop their skillset. Martin talks to the students about their reasons for joining the course and what it is that they love about panto.
This week Martin went behind the scenes at the 2023 UK Pantomime Association Awards at the Trafalgar Theatre in the West End.
The event celebrates all things panto and is an opportunity for everyone from the panto world to come together to honour the genre. Martin spoke to Sir Ian McKellen, Vernon Kay, Debbie McGee, Joe McElderry, JP McCue, Anna-Jane Casey, Damian Williams, Sam Munday-Webb and Simon Sladen as well as our very own Steve and Sarah Boden about their love of the panto industry and their delight at picking up 3 awards.
Thank you to the UKPA for allowing us to record the podcast. Music by James Harrison. Official photos by Andrew Billington and Bekki Frost.
This week Martin talks to three members of the UK Pantomime Association - Simon Sladen, Samuel Munday-Webb and Nick Humby.
Founded in 2021 the UK Pantomime Association is a charity with the aim of exploring, sharing and celebrating pantomime. They ardently believe in the positive promotion of pantomime and inspiring and encouraging others to engage with the genre.
In addition they hold the annual pantomime awards each April to celebrate the industry at Trafalgar Theatre in the West End.
On the podcast learn more about the Association, their motivation, practices and aims as well as the impending award ceremony.
This week sees Martin catching up with Steve and Sarah to see what is happening at Imagine during March.
He talks to Sarah about the huge workload she and the accounts team have in reconciling accounts for the end of the financial year and how this affects budgeting for the 2023 season. Also under discussion are the current challenges faced by both the industry and the general public by the rising costs and any potential strategies that may arise as a result.
The Imagine team also talk to Martin about their delight at the Imagine shows receiving 12 nominations for the UK Pantomime Association Awards this year.
Something different for the ‘Just Imagine’ podcast series, Martin sits down with Imagine’s Managing Director Steve Boden, and our Artistic Director and renowned pantomime writer Eric Potts to talk about the pantomime Cinderella.
This is the first of several ‘special’ podcast episodes, spread over the next 2 years, where we work through the popular pantomime titles in turn, examining them in more depth by talking through the title’s roots, the background story, the unique elements of the title, things to consider such as set, costume, scripting, music, box office popularity etc. They then also consider how Cinderella might move forwards into the future…
This week Martin interviews the incredible Nigel Ellacott, pantomime dame extraordinaire and the brains behind the encyclopaedic pantomime website www.itsbehindyou.com. Join them both in this fascinating walk-through pantomime over the years. Listening to Nigel talk, you’ll soon understand why the UK Pantomime Association chose him as the recipient of their 2022 award for Outstanding Achievement in the field of pantomime.
This week Martin catches up with Steve and Sarah and finds, contrary to popular belief, they are not able to put their feet up now the panto season has finished and have a well-earned rest. Join him as he talks to them about how the 2022 panto season went, how it was to have six brand new venues for 2022, their pride at having almost half a million people watch an Imagine pantomime and why the team are still so busy even though all of the Imagine pantomimes have closed.
Vernon Kay has done almost everything from playing American football, to modelling, radio and TV presenting, to taking part in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but until this year one thing he had never done was appear in a panto. Now he is getting rave reviews as Dandini in Cinderella in Wycombe and he joins us for our festive special podcast which also features Christmas messages and festive jokes from the team at Imagine.
From falling in love with ballroom dancing and sequins as a youngster to developing a passion for drama and musical theatre through school, Christian Patterson has become a well-respected performer, writer and director.
Christian talks to Martin about his extensive career, his influences and his love of the panto genre.
Martin visits Imagine HQ to see exactly what happens when the company is in the midst of the panto season.
The team are all very busy with panto season just around the corner. Equipment is being tested, final props such as time machines are being created, lots of things are being glittered, final costume preparations are underway and being packed in trundles and wigs are being coiffured.
Join Martin for this fascinating look into exactly what it is like during the height of the season for a pantomime producer.
Graeme is a performer, choreographer, casting associate and author and this week he joins Martin on the podcast to talk about his varied career and how having worked in a huge variety of genres has helped his career to develop. He has worked with Imagine Theatre for a number of years and this year will be choreographing Aladdin at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe.
To celebrate our 40th episode we are taking a look back over some of our previous episodes to discover some of our guests first experiences of panto, favourite panto titles and why panto is so special to them as well as their most memorable moments of something going wrong!
The fabulous Sean Dodds is the regular comic for The Spa Centre panto each year and Martin caught up with him at the photoshoot for this year’s pantomime, Cinderella.
Sean has worked with Spa Centre Dame JP McCue since 2014 and he talks about how important their bond is and why this helps to make the Spa Centre panto such a hit with the audience and just what it is that makes him love panto so much.
They also discuss how his early years in Leicester developed his interest in becoming a professional performer and the other types of projects he works on when not working on pantomime.
Martin catches up with Steve and Sarah to find out what is happening now we have reached the Autumn and panto season is just around the corner.
It is all go at Head Office - with the majority of marketing assets captured the marketing team are hard at work on promoting the shows, the admin team are busy working on the performance licenses following the casting of the Junior Ensemble, the ops team are working on the season logistics as well as creating and maintaining sets, props and costumes as well as working on those elements we are hiring out for the season and numerous production meetings are happening each week which involve our creative teams and venue teams – it really is full steam ahead now!
Take a listen to find out more.
This week Martin talks to the multi-talented award-winning British Indian presenter, performer and producer Parle Patel who will be starring in Cinderella this Christmas at The Beck Theatre in Hayes.
Parle and Martin discuss the strong parallels between pantomime and forms of entertainment already popular with South Asian Communities and how he hopes his role in panto can act as a bridge to introduce more members of the South Asian community to the world of pantomime. Parle also explains how he got into the entertainment industry and talks about his hugely successful and varied career that developed from a childhood love of performing.
This week Martin talks to AJ and Curtis Pritchard who will be starring in their second Imagine pantomime this Christmas at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall.
They talk about their love of panto and performance as well as how they got into dancing and how this has opened up so many career opportunities for them, from Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars to I'm a Celebrity, Love Island and SAS Who Dares Wins.
This week Martin talks to some of the Imagine Team about marketing and publicity. They chat about things such as how casting affects the marketing strategies, the timelines involved in marketing the show, the role of photoshoots and publicity days in gathering content to support the campaigns, the importance of artwork and branding, the growing influence of social media and the challenges of keeping on top of the latest trends and developments in an ever-changing landscape.
Author of Inside the Rehearsal Room Rob Marsden returns to the podcast to discuss some of the exciting developments taking place in the pantomime world at the moment. He and Martin discuss the aims and objective of the UK Pantomime Association as well as Rob’s work on developing a Masters in Pantomime for Staffordshire University.
This week Martin is behind the scenes at one of Imagine’s Junior Ensemble auditions. He speaks to members of the Imagine Team about how the day runs and what happens after the children have been selected as well as talking to some of the children auditioning and their parents about the audition experience.
A very different podcast this week as Simon Sladen returns to the hot seat with Martin to talk about the history of pantomime. From its beginnings in Commedia dell’arte to current trends and where it might go in the future this is a fascinating and unmissable episode for any fans of the pantomime genre.
Over a thirty-year career Steve Power has worked with artists such as Gary Barlow, Kylie Minogue, Kim Wilde and Rick Astley as well as musical direction for numerous national theatre tours and, of course, panto! He takes time out from his hectic schedule this week to join Martin on the podcast where they talk about his varied career and he explains how the music is developed for numerous panto productions all across the country each year.
Jason is a man of many talents and has worked with Imagine Theatre for a number of years and this season will be taking on the role of the Director as well as playing Dame. In addition when not in pantoland he is heavily involved in training up the performers of tomorrow at Emil Dale Academy and this week he joins Martin on the podcast to talk all things panto!
Join us as Martin talks to Acting Head of Wardrobe Aaron Gibson. With around 25,000 costumes, 17 pantomimes plus numerous hires over the season the wardrobe department is a crucial part of the Imagine team and Aaron discusses with Martin just how all they manage to get so many fabulous looking costumes onto stages across the UK each season.
This week Martin is joined by the woman with the longest job title of all at Imagine Theatre, Laura Taylor, who is Associate Producer and Head of Celebrity Casting. They discuss the process of casting celebrity names, exactly what being an Associate Producer entails, as well as Laura’s role on the board of the UK Pantomime Association and her love of the pantomime industry.
This week Martin talks to Steve and Sarah to learn how Imagine has evolved under their leadership since they took sole ownership of the company. They discuss the ethos of the Imagine Theatre, the highs and lows of life as panto producers as well as their own personal highlights and ambitions.
Working for a panto company people often ask “what do you do the rest of the year?” On this episode Eric talks to Martin about why we are working on panto all year, how the season comes together and the timelines involved in getting the season on, as well as how we choose songs, what informs our decisions on sets and the factors we take into account when writing our scripts. Don’t miss this fascinating insight into life in a panto production company!
This week Martin returns to the Imagine head office to talk to some of the ops team about their roles and just how a season involving 17 pantomimes as well as numerous set and costume hires comes together. They talk about everything from hiring stage management, to making props, to the logistics of transporting so many large sets all across the country, as well as how each of them found themselves working in the wonderful world of panto!
In the hot seat this week is Business and Marketing Director Sarah Boden. Learn how Sarah went from working in the corporate sector to being owner of one of the largest pantomime companies in the United Kingdom and just what being a Business and Marketing Director of a pantomime company entails.
Ever wondered what a normal day in February is like at Imagine Theatre Head Office? In the next group of episodes of Just Imagine, we're going to delve into the workings of Imagine as a company. For Episode 23, Martin takes a walk around Imagine HQ on a normal day in February, chatting to the team and finding out what we do when the curtain is down and we're preparing for our next pantomime season. It certainly isn't a quiet on the day he pops in!
Martin Ballard talks to members of the Imagine Theatre team about the highs, the lows, and the unique challenges of the 2021 panto season.
With all the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing pandemic 2021 was a season unlike any other and the team discuss the various issues that they encountered and the way the company and the productions had to adapt to ever changing circumstances in a heartfelt and honest look back at the season.
Laura Taylor is the guest on this festive edition of the podcast. She talks to Martin about her extensive career in the panto world, including some of the fascinating people she has worked with, and they even find the time to pull a few Christmas crackers!
Compared to Aretha Franklin by the legendary Tom Jones and Bette Midler by Louis Walsh, Barbara Bryceland’s amazing career has led to her appearing on both The Voice and The X-Factor and she has recently been spending the festive season in her home-town panto at FTH Theatre in Falkirk.
From class clown to actor, writer and director and one of Scotland’s top dames, Fraser Boyle, joins Martin on the podcast this week to talk about where his love for panto comes from, the characters that influence his dame and his excitement at being back on the stage in Kilmarnock this Christmas.
This week Martin talks to the versatile Jenny Phillips who is a singer, actor, dancer and choreographer. She has done everything from being a Tweenie to being the current Choreographer of the Belgrade and Porthcawl pantomimes and she joins the podcast to talk about her love of working in children’s entertainment.
Award winning panto dame Paul Morse is on the hot seat this week talking about his love of panto, reminiscing about some very comical panto moments, and discussing his very unusual day job!
This week we talk to the hilarious John Evans who will be doing his first Imagine panto this year at Venue Cymru. Martin chats to him about how he started out in amateur panto as a youngster, working on the comedy circuit and an unfortunate incident with a pantomime donkey!
The owner of some of the highest heels in showbusiness JP McCue plays dame in Leamington each Christmas and has a huge following for his alter-ego Mary Mac. Join him as he talks to Martin about his career as well as his love for pantomime.
This week it is Robert Marsden’s turn in the hot seat as he talks to Martin about how his love for theatre stems from his theatrical experiences as a child, why he thinks pantomime is so special and his love of teaching.
A highly recognisable face due to her roles on television shows such as Still Game, Jane McCarry joins Martin to talk about her career on both stage and screen as well as sharing some hilarious anecdotes from her time in the industry.
If performing and directing were not challenging enough individually Steven performs both roles for Imagine Theatre at Eden Court each Christmas. Steven joins Martin to talk about his long and varied career, his close relationship with Imagine Theatre and about wearing high heels on a plane!
There are not many people who know more about pantomime than Simon Sladen and this week Martin chats to the V&A’s Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Performance and creator of Panto Day about the history of the genre and just what it is about panto that he loves so much!
Despite being told “people like us don’t do that” when she said she wanted a career in theatre, Janice Dunn has gone on to be a hugely successful director and writer and she joins Martin to talk about how a working-class girl from Liverpool fell in love with theatre and just what the industry means to her.
This week Martin is joined by lighting designer Jamie Corbidge. With his first word ever being ‘lights’ it is not surprising he has gone on to have a hugely successful career which has covered everything from pantomime to working at Knebworth and the Millennium Dome.
Iain Lauchlan, co-creator of The Tweenies, panto dame extraordinaire and key figure in the history of Imagine Theatre joins us to talk about his television career, his love of panto and how the pandemic has led to him undertaking some exciting new projects.
Chief Executive Officer of Eden Court, James Mackenzie Blackman, joins us to discuss his life-long dream of working in the theatre and helping to provide opportunities for young people, the current challenges facing the industry and how Eden Court became a huge part of the Highland’s humanitarian response during the pandemic.
She stole the hearts of millions on The X Factor but could just have easily ended up a professional footballer. Join us to learn more about Sam’s fascinating life and career as well as her love of all things panto.
Martin talks to renowned set and costume designer Mark Walters about his unusual route into theatre design, those that have inspired him, how the creative process works and some of his favourite and most challenging designs.
On the podcast this week is West End star and choreographer Jane McMurtrie. She talks about how she knew from an early age she wanted to be a performer, how she came to star in the West End, what it’s like being married to a fellow performer and a strange mermaid mishap!
This week Martin talks to actor, writer and director Eric Potts about his long career in showbusiness including how he started out in the industry and the fellow performers that inspire him.
Join us as we talk to Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, about his road to becoming one of the country’s top pantomime producers, his love of theatre, how the company has coped during the pandemic and some of his most memorable industry moments.
Find out more about Just Imagine, the new podcast from Imagine Theatre, one of the world's biggest pantomime producers. Join us as we go behind the scenes and 'Just Imagine' what it would be like to work in the world of theatre and pantomime...