Just Imagine
Just Imagine – a podcast series from Imagine Theatre, one of the world’s leading producers of professional pantomime. With over 250 productions to their name, Imagine are true experts in this uniquely British theatrical tradition.Join host Martin Ballard as we go behind the scenes to meet the people who bring the magic to life – discovering their stories, their roles, and answering that all-important question: what do they do for the rest of the year?Along the way, we’ll explore the pantomime genre itself – its quirks, its history, and why it continues to delight audiences across the UK. Whether you’re a panto f...
Episode 142 - Su Pollard
Just Imagine Podcast – Episode 142: Su Pollard
This 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 br...
Episode 141 - Kev Orkian
Just Imagine Podcast – Episode 141: Kev Orkian
In 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 reflec...
Episode 140 - Gethin Jones
Episode 140 – Gethin Jones: From Blue Peter to Pantomime
In 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 h...
Episode 139 - A Year In The Life Of A Producer - Part Three with Sarah Boden
Episode 139 – A Year in the Life of a Producer: July, August & September
In 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...
Episode 137 - Susie McKenna
Episode 137 – Susie McKenna: Reimagining Pantomime for a New Generation
In 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 he...
Episode 136 - David Ashley
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...
Episode 135 - 'The Comic' featuring Joe Pasquale & Liam Dolan
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...
Episode 138 - The Little Mermaid with Steve Boden & Fraser Boyle
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 whe...
Episode 134 - Richard Cadell
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, Mart...
Episode 133: A Year in the Life of a Pantomime Producer (Part 2) with Sarah Boden
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 fi...
Episode 132 - Sustainability
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.
Episode 131 - Brad Fitt
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 ch...
Episode 130 - Focus On Title: Goldilocks
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...
Episode 129 - UK Pantomime Awards 2026
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 o...
Episode 128 - Ste Johnston
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.
Whethe...
Episode 127 - Matt Ladkin
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...
Episode 126 - Richie Anderson
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...
Episode 125a - Celebrating Neurodiversity
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...
Episode 125 - A Year In The Life Of A Producer - Part One
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 –...
Episode 124 - Sue Holderness
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 ab...
Episode 123 - Sarah & Steve Boden
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.
Episode 122 - JP McCue & Sean Dodds
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.
...
Episode 121 - Andy Ford
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 Davi...
Episode 120 - Suzanne Shaw
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 Em...
Episode 119 - Elaine C Smith
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 Focus on Aladdin
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...
Episode 117 - Hilary O'Neil
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...
Episode 116 - The Panto Baddie
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.
UKPA - Pantomime Scriptwriting Panel
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 i...
Episode 114 - Anita Harris
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.
Episode 113 – The Road to Panto: Anton Stephans, Andrew Pollard & Cathy Breeze in Conversation
Episode 112 - Panto Legend Bobby Bennett
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 tra...
Episode 111 - Surinderella
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, Sur...
Episode 110 - Jarred Christmas
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.
Episode 109 - The Role of the DSM
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!
Episode 108 – La Voix
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...
Episode 107 – The History of Cross-Dressing in Theatre
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 societ...
Episode 106 – Open Day at Imagine’s New HQ, Trafalgar House
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.
Episode 105 - Joe Pasquale
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...
Episode 104 - A Focus on Puss In Boots
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 h...
