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!