Shows
Just ImagineEpisode 104 - A Focus on Puss In BootsThis 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...2025-05-0929 minJust ImagineEpisode 103 – The UK Pantomime AwardsThis 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.2025-04-2534 min
British Theatre Guide podcastMama G takes the panto dame from stage to picture bookMama G is an award-winning year-round storyteller whose work is driven by the magic of pantomime. She has appeared in professional pantomimes across the UK for almost twenty years and this year stars in Aladdin at the Beck Theatre, Hayes. She has also written, directed and produced pantomimes for numerous holiday parks and theatres, including Stanley Arts Centre, South Norwood. Since 2018, Mama G has been sharing stories with children and their families about being who you want and loving who you are. The work has taken her to libraries, theatres, schools and festivals throughout the United Kingdom...2024-12-0942 minJust ImagineEpisode 84 - A Focus on the Pantomime - Part 7 - Mother GooseSimon 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...2024-08-0226 min
In Our TimeAlice's Adventures in WonderlandMelvyn Bragg and guests discuss Lewis Carroll's book which first appeared in print in 1865 with illustrations by John Tenniel. It has since become one of the best known works in English, captivating readers who follow young Alice as she chases a white rabbit, pink eyed, in a waistcoat with pocket watch, down a rabbit hole that becomes a well and into wonderland. There she meets the Cheshire Cat, the Hatter, the March Hare, the Mock Turtle and more, all the while growing smaller and larger, finally outgrowing everyone at the trial of Who Stole the Tarts from the Queen...2024-03-1449 min
In Our Time: CultureAlice's Adventures in WonderlandMelvyn Bragg and guests discuss Lewis Carroll's book which first appeared in print in 1865 with illustrations by John Tenniel. It has since become one of the best known works in English, captivating readers who follow young Alice as she chases a white rabbit, pink eyed, in a waistcoat with pocket watch, down a rabbit hole that becomes a well and into wonderland. There she meets the Cheshire Cat, the Hatter, the March Hare, the Mock Turtle and more, all the while growing smaller and larger, finally outgrowing everyone at the trial of Who Stole the Tarts from the Queen...2024-03-1449 minJust ImagineEpisode 64 - Panto Set Pieces and RoutinesPanto Set Pieces and RoutinesSimon 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'!2023-10-2731 minJust ImagineEpisode 50 - Behind the Scenes at the 2023 UK Pantomime Association AwardsThis 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 UK...2023-04-1428 minJust ImagineEpisode 49 – The UK Pantomime AssociationThis 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 a...2023-03-3130 min
British Theatre Guide podcastEx-Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan takes panto onlineDuring the pandemic, Peter Duncan kept the panto magic alive with his online pantomimes Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella. This year, he has created his third streamed pantomime: Pantoland. BTG’s Panto Editor Simon Sladen spoke to Peter about his foray into film-making and turning a very live genre into one that can work equally well on screen. Simon and Peter also discuss Peter's first experience of pantomime, growing up in a theatrical household and writing, directing and starring in pantomimes across the country—and Blue Peter gets a mention, of course. For more infor...2022-12-2333 minJust ImagineEpisode 32 – A History of Pantomime with Simon SladenA 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. 2022-07-0834 min
Fusion Patrol556 – K•9 and Company – A Girl’s Best FriendJust in time for a very merry Fusion Patrol Xmas! It’s K•9 and Company – the failed 1981 Doctor Who spin-off pilot starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith and John Leeson as the voice of K•9. Simon and Eugene discuss this holiday classic! Synopsis: In the village near Chipping Norton, a Black Mass is ... Read more2021-12-2557 minPodcast Episode – Fusion Patrol556 – K•9 and Company – A Girl’s Best FriendJust in time for a very merry Fusion Patrol Xmas! It’s K•9 and Company – the failed 1981 Doctor Who spin-off pilot starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith and John Leeson as the voice of K•9.
Simon and Eugene discuss this holiday classic!
Synopsis:
In the village near Chipping Norton, a Black Mass is being held, presided over by a goat-masked high priest and priestess, the burn the photo of noted scientist, Lavinia Smith.
Soon, noted scientist Lavinia Smith is conversing with her friend, Juno Baker, about how her planned t...2021-12-2557 minFusion Patrol556 – K•9 and Company – A Girl’s Best FriendJust in time for a very merry Fusion Patrol Xmas! It’s K•9 and Company – the failed 1981 Doctor Who spin-off pilot starring Elisabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane Smith and John Leeson as the voice of K•9. Simon and Eugene discuss this holiday classic! Synopsis: In the village near Chipping Norton, a Black Mass is ... Read more2021-12-2557 min
British Theatre Guide podcastVikki Stone: panto for the 2020s in HammersmithWith Panto Season 2021 now well under way, BTG Panto Editor Simon Sladen caught up with award-winning writer, composer, actor and musician Vikki Stone. This year, Vikki has penned Aladdin for the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, having previously appeared at the venue as Abanazar and Fleshcreep. They discuss Vikki's pantomime career, challenges facing the genre today and top tips for budding pantomime writers. More information on Vikki's many projects can be found at her web site. Aladdin runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 2 January 2022. Award-winning writer, composer, actor and musician Vikki Stone...2021-12-0438 min
Dressed: The History of FashionFashion Adventures in Wonderland: Dressed x Dress Fancy with Lucy Clayton and Dr. Benjamin WildThis week we literally tumble down the rabbit hole exploring Alice's iconic style and Wonderland's influences in high fashion. RECOMMENDED READING:Bailey, Kate and Simon Sladen, Eds. Alice, Curious and Curiouser. London: V&A Publishing, 2020. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dressed-the-history-of-fashion/donations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2021-08-2459 min
Just ImagineJust Imagine Episode 10 - Panto Aficionado Simon SladenThere 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! 2021-07-2340 min
Doctor Who: The Sirens of Audio55. JOE SIMS - Seven of MarkIt is our privilege to welcome Joe Sims as our guest, who stars alongside David Tennant and Tom Baker in Doctor Who: Dalek Universe, a 10-part epic audio adventure that premiered in April 2021 with prequel Fourth Doctor story "The Dalek Protocol" and the first part of a 3-part box set series featuring the Tenth Doctor, all under the banner "Dalek Universe".
Joe speaks passionately about his acting career including his breakthrough television part in Broadchurch, and he speaks in depth about working in the audio medium.
Philip recommends Doctor Who: Planet of the...2021-04-281h 33
That Stagey BlogStagey Chat Ep. 4Irvine Iqbal. Luke Latchman. Simon Sladen.
In this episode I chat to West End performers Irvine Iqbal and Luke Latchman with Simon Sladen, Founder of Panto Day, Pantodatabase and Editor for British Theatre Guide.
We discuss panto casting and systemic racism within the industry.
As well as Aladdin
The RSC
The Boy in the Dress
Lyric Hammersmith
The National Theatre
St Helens Theatre Royal
Forum Theatre Billingham
Jacob McIntosh
Jack in Jack and the Two Metre Beanstalk
The Stag Theatre Sevenoaks
Yonah Higgins
Otterspool Adventure
Dick Whittington The Pompey Panto
The King’s Theatre Portsmouth
Marrlene Little Hill
The Stage
Th...2020-09-291h 10
British Theatre Guide podcastBTG podcast reaches 200: hear from our reviewersFor our 200th episode of the British Theatre Guide podcast, we decided to turn the microphone onto some of our longest serving reviewers to find out about how they joined BTG and some of their highlights from their time as reviewers. However this isn’t all about us, as we also asked them about the current state of theatre in their areas, how it has changed during their time reviewing and how they think it will change in the future. As our reviewers are scattered around the country, it gives an interesting picture of theatre around the UK...2020-01-131h 20
The Panto PodcastEp 35 - Simon SladenOne of the worlds leading experts on Pantomime, Simon Sladen is this weeks guest.
He's the Senior Curator of Modern and Contemporary Performance at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. We talk about what makes a good pantomime, his own writing and performance and the future of this art form.
Here's a link to Simon's Twitter accounts http://twitter.com/simonsladen https://twitter.com/theatrecurator
You can find more about the V&A and how to visit at the website https://www.vam.ac.uk
2019-07-191h 19
British Theatre Guide podcast"Follow your dream"—to the Marlowe's Cinderella2018 marks the second time Evolution Productions has produced Cinderella at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury after the venue re-opened in 2011. Simon Sladen speaks to the theatre's resident Dame Ben Roddy and Marlowe regulars Lloyd Hollett and Phil Gallagher as they star in their fourth panto together. Simon, Ben, Lloyd and Phil discuss this year's show, their approach to playing the Ugly Sisters and Buttons, the trio's affinity with the Marlowe as well as some top tips for those starting out in the industry.2018-12-0214 min
British Theatre Guide podcastEnter pantoland with Imagine Theatre at 14 UK venuesBTG panto editor Simon Sladen speaks to pantomime company Imagine Theatre’s Managing Director Steve Boden and Robert Marsden, director of the Victoria Theatre, Halifax’s pantomime and associate professor at Staffordshire University. 2018 will see Imagine Theatre present 14 pantomimes in venues across the United Kingdom having grown from 8 productions in 2009. In this episode, Steve and Robert discuss Imagine Theatre’s style of pantomime, the company and genre’s recent evolution and the state of the industry today. Steve and Robert also reveal where in Pantoland they’d like to travel to if they had their very own m...2018-11-1333 min
British Theatre Guide podcastMichael Harrison on producing pantos and West End musicalsMichael Harrison is Managing Director of Qdos Entertainment and has produced a wide range of musicals with his production company Michael Harrison Productions. In this podcast episode, he speaks to Simon Sladen about Qdos's 2015 pantomime season, his love of Dames and his latest project, Mrs Henderson Presents, which recently transferred to the West End.2016-02-2335 min
British Theatre Guide podcastDonovan Christian Cary in panto in AldershotDonovan Christian Cary has been the resident Dame at the Princes Hall, Aldershot for over a decade. He speaks to BTG Panto Editor Simon Sladen about playing Dame and his pantomime career that has gone from auditioning in a car for the role of Genie to playing the Fairy Superior in 2015's Cinderella.2016-01-0325 min
British Theatre Guide podcastPanto Dame Leon Craig in Oxford and Keith Jack and Olly Pike in Cinderella in Horsham2014 sees Leon Craig celebrate his 13th pantomime Dame and first Beauty and the Beast at Oxtord Playhouse. He speaks to Simon Sladen about breaking into the industry, his favourite pantomime titles and reveals some of his experiences from daming up and down the country. Keith Jack and Olly Pike star as Prince Charming and his valet Dandini in the Capitol Theatre, Horsham's pantomime Cinderella. One of panto's best-established double acts, the two roles are rarely thought of in such a way. Simon Sladen speaks to Jack and Pike about their characters and careers encompassing Any Dream Will...2014-12-2328 min
British Theatre Guide podcastPanto writer and director Simon AylinSimon Aylin has ticked off almost every role both front and backstage in panto. Now best known as a writer and director, he speaks to Simon Sladen about the season ahead and his first time as a pantomime producer. Simon's pantomimes this year include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Beck Theatre, Hayes featuring Linda Robson, Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon with Nigel Havers, Aladdin at the White Rock Theatre, Hastings starring Louie Spence, as well as Peter Pan at the Chelmsford Civic Theatre and Sleeping Beauty at the Stahl Theatre, Oundle. 2014-12-0217 min
British Theatre Guide podcastPanto: Nottingham Playhouse's Jack and the Beanstalk and Birmingham Hippodrome's Snow WhiteThe Nottingham Playhouse and Birmingham Hippodrome are two of the UK's leading pantomime powerhouses. Simon Sladen speaks to Rebecca Little of the Nottingham Playhouse's Jack and the Beanstalk and Danielle Hope, Gary Wilmot and Matt Slack of Birmingham Hippodrome's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs about their pantomime careers and this year's festive productions. Nottingham Playhouse's Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 29 November 2013 to 18 January 2014. Birmingham Hippodrome's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs from 19 December 2013 to 2 February 2014.2013-12-1733 min
British Theatre Guide podcastKat B and Matt Dempsey on Hackney Empire Puss in Boots and Phil Gallagher on Marlowe Canterbury Jack and the BeanstalkKat B and Matt Dempsey have appeared in many Hackney Empire pantomimes. The two performers speak to Simon Sladen about the pantomime rehearsal process, their love for the Hackney Empire and their roles as Puss and Tom in this year's production of Puss in Boots. Having returned to the UK after filming Mister Maker Around the World for CBeebies, Phil Gallagher speaks to Simon Sladen about his pantomime career, his love of Kent and his role as Billy Trot in this year's Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.2013-12-1143 min
British Theatre Guide podcastPaul Holman and Lee Waddingham of pantomime producers Paul Holman AssociatesPaul Holman Associates has produced over 200 pantomimes since 1995. Simon Sladen speaks to Paul Holman (founder, company chairman and Managing Director) and Lee Waddingham (Artistic Director / Associate Producer) about their pantomime careers, producing pantomimes and Paul Holman Associates' 2013 season, which sees the company produce thirteen pantomimes and one Christmas musical in venues across the UK.2013-11-2421 min
British Theatre Guide podcastBen Roddy on playing panto dame for the first time at the Marlowe Theatre in CanterburyBen Roddy is an experienced pantomime performer and, in his 15th season, he takes on the role of Dame for the first time. Simon Sladen speaks to him about his theatrical career and playing Nurse Nellie in this year's Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.2013-01-1315 min
British Theatre Guide podcastSimon Fielding on panto at the Towngate Theatre Basildo2012 marks Simon Fielding's sixth pantomime for the Towngate Theatre, Basildon. A pantomime producer, performer, director and choreographer, Fielding speaks to Simon Sladen about his pantomime career.2013-01-0512 min
British Theatre Guide podcastPaul Hendy of Evolution ProductionsPaul Hendy launched Evolution Productions in 2005 with his wife Emily. Since then the business has grown from an initial four productions to seven and 2012 will mark the second year the Company has produced at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon. This year's production Jack and the Beanstalk boasts face of CBeebies Sid Sloane in the role of Jack and Laila Morse, Big Mo from EastEnders, in her pantomime debut as the Fairy. Simon Sladen speaks to Paul Hendy about his career, the pantomime industry and gains some valuable advice for those wishing to start out in the...2012-11-0514 min