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.