Just Imagine – The Pantomime & Family Theatre Podcast

Just Imagine Podcast – Episode 142: Su PollardThis week on the Just Imagine Podcast, Martin Ballard is joined by the fabulous Su Pollard, one of British television’s best-loved comedy legends, whose career has spanned more than 50 years!Best known for her iconic roles in Hi-de-Hi!, You Rang, M’Lord? and Oh, Doctor Beeching!, Su reflects on her remarkable career in television, musical theatre and pantomime, sharing wonderful stories, hilarious anecdotes and memories from a lifetime in showbusiness.From her early days performing in amateur theatre in Nottingham to her big break on Opportunity Knocks, Su reveals how a chance encounter helped launch her career, the story behind her hit single Starting Together, and what it was like working with legendary comedy writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry.With more than 40 pantomimes under her belt, Su also shares some unforgettable behind-the-scenes tales, from a fiery first appearance as the Blue Fairy to playing Principal Boy for 25 years and terrifying young audiences as the Wicked Queen! She explains why pantomime remains so special to her, the importance of its traditions, and why nothing beats bringing families together for a magical Christmas theatre experience.Su is starring this Christmas as part of Imagine Theatre’s production of Sleeping Beauty at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre, and she tells us why pantomime continues to be one of her greatest loves.Expect plenty of laughter, nostalgia and fascinating stories from a true national treasure!🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Just Imagine Podcast so you never miss an episode.Find out more about Imagine Theatre and its Christmas productions at www.imaginetheatre.co.uk.

Just Imagine Podcast – Episode 141: Kev OrkianIn Episode 141 of the Just Imagine Podcast, host Martin Ballard sits down with the multi-talented Kev Orkian, actor, comedian, concert pianist and pantomime favourite, who is returning to the stage as Smee in Imagine Theatre’s Peter Pan at the Wycombe Swan this Christmas.Kev shares the incredible story of his journey from growing up in North London to landing a leading role in Fame the Musical after a rather unconventional audition, building a successful stand-up comedy career and appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. He also reflects on more than 30 pantomimes, performing around the world, and the magical moment that made a lasting impression on Nicole Kidman!Along the way, Kev discusses his love of pantomime, his classical piano skills, his Armenian heritage and his ever-growing entertainment empire, including Jongleurs, British Pantomimes and his work training the next generation of performers.Full of hilarious anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories and heartfelt reflections on why pantomime remains such a special tradition for audiences of all ages, this is a fascinating conversation with a performer whose mission is simple: to make people smile.🎭 See Kev Orkian as Smee in Peter Pan at the Wycombe Swan this Christmas, with Imagine Theatre. Visit imaginetheatre.co.uk for more information.Subscribe to the Just Imagine Podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts, and join Martin for more conversations with the stars of pantomime and theatre.

Episode 140 – Gethin Jones: From Blue Peter to PantomimeIn Episode 140 of the Just Imagine podcast, Martin Ballard is joined by TV favourite Gethin Jones, who is returning to his home city of Cardiff this Christmas to star as Gaston in Imagine Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast at the New Theatre.Gethin chats about growing up in Cardiff, his early love of music and rugby, and how his career took him from Welsh-language television to becoming a presenter on Blue Peter. He reflects on some of the extraordinary experiences he had during his time on the show, as well as his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, It Takes Two, Celebrity MasterChef and much more.The conversation then turns to pantomime, with Gethin sharing his memories of seeing panto as a child, his first experiences performing in pantomime and why he has fallen in love with the unique combination of comedy, live performance and audience interaction.He also talks about the challenge of learning a pantomime in just a couple of weeks, the importance of keeping the energy going through multiple shows a day, and how every audience can change a performance.Now, after playing princes in previous Cardiff pantomimes, Gethin is taking on a very different role as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He reveals what attracted him to the character and why he's looking forward to returning to the New Theatre for another Christmas season.From rugby and violin to Blue Peter, Strictly, Soccer Aid, cooking and pantomime, it's a fascinating conversation with one of television's most versatile presenters.Listen now and subscribe to the Just Imagine podcast so you d

Episode 139 – A Year in the Life of a Producer: July, August & SeptemberIn Episode 139 of the Just Imagine podcast, Martin Ballard is joined once again by Imagine Theatre Joint CEO Sarah Boden for the third instalment of our four-part series looking at a year in the life of a pantomime producer.As the summer draws to a close, the countdown to pantomime is gathering pace. Children's auditions are underway across the country, with hundreds of young performers being selected for this year's junior ensembles – and thousands of documents being processed to make sure they're ready to take to the stage.Martin and Sarah explore the many moving parts happening behind the scenes during July, August and September, including casting, children's licensing, costume fittings, music and script choices, backstage recruitment, technical planning and the preparation of sets, costumes, wigs and props at Imagine's production facilities.They also discuss why every pantomime needs to be tailored to its individual venue and audience, from knowing when to keep much-loved traditions such as The Twelve Days of Christmas to adapting backstage teams and technical requirements to suit very different theatres across the UK.There's also a fascinating look at F2 budgeting – the stage of the production year when costs for cast, crew, lighting, sound, transport, costumes and other elements are being locked in – as well as the huge amount of planning required to organise payroll for hundreds of people working across the pantomime season.And, as always with pantomime, there's room for a few last-minute surprises… including the memorable story of the producer who suddenly realised they had forgotten to order a giant!This episode offers another behind-the-scenes look at just how much work goes into getting 21 pantomimes ready to open, long before the audiences arrive.Just Imagine is the podcast series from Imagine Theatre, hosted by Martin Ballard. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and catch up with the previous episodes in the A Year in the Life of a Producer series.

Episode 137 – Susie McKenna: Reimagining Pantomime for a New GenerationIn Episode 137 of the Just Imagine podcast, host Martin Ballard is joined by the acclaimed writer, director and actor Susie McKenna, whose groundbreaking work at the Hackney Empire helped redefine what modern pantomime could be.From her early days performing with her parents and training in Leicester, to becoming a Principal Boy under the mentorship of the legendary Kenneth Alan Taylor, Susie reflects on the experiences that shaped an extraordinary career spanning theatre, musical theatre and pantomime.The conversation explores her journey from performer to writer and director, the creation of the iconic Hackney Empire pantomimes, and how she transformed traditional fairy tales into productions that reflected the communities they served while remaining true to the heart of pantomime.Susie also discusses the importance of storytelling, creating authentic and diverse characters, writing for the actors in the company, and why pantomime should never be afraid to tackle contemporary themes. She shares the inspiration behind some of her most celebrated productions, including Mother Goose, Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots and her acclaimed reimagining of Dick Whittington through the story of the Windrush generation.Packed with warmth, humour and fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the enduring power of pantomime to entertain, inspire and bring communities together.Subscribe now and join us for another behind-the-scenes journey into the wonderful world of pantomime.

Episode 136 – David Ashley: Four Decades as a Pantomime DameIn 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 138: The Little Mermaid – Can a New Pantomime Title Become a Classic?In this episode of the Just Imagine Podcast, we dive under the sea to explore one of pantomime’s newer titles – The Little Mermaid.Martin Ballard is joined by Imagine Theatre Joint CEO Steve Boden and actor, writer and director Fraser Boyle, who wrote Imagine’s production of The Little Mermaid for the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy.Originally written by Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, The Little Mermaid is a relatively young fairy tale when compared with many of pantomime’s traditional titles. But with the enduring popularity of the story through Disney’s animated and live-action films, could it become a pantomime classic in its own right?Fraser talks about adapting the original story for the pantomime stage, developing new characters and finding the right balance between the familiar story and the comedy, music and traditions audiences expect from panto. Steve explains the production challenges and opportunities of creating an underwater world, from spectacular sets and costumes to flying and special effects.The conversation also explores why Imagine chose The Little Mermaid for the reopening of the Adam Smith Theatre, how audiences responded to a new title, and why innovation and choice are so important to the future of pantomime.Could The Little Mermaid become a regular fixture in the pantomime calendar? And what does it take for a new title to earn its place alongside Cinderella, Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk?Listen now for a fascinating look behind the scenes of creating a new pantomime classic.

Episode 135 – The Comic: The Heart of Pantomime with Joe Pasquale & Liam DolanWhat 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 PantomimeIn 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.