As we gear up for the much-anticipated pantomime season of 2025, there's an infectious buzz in the air once more (oh yes there is!)
Pantomime not only entertains but also brings communities together in joyous celebration. In this series of interviews we sit down company members from a variety of pantomimes.
In this interview we speak with Kim Shepherd who will play Jasmine in Aladdin at Kirkcaldy.
What can you tell me about your role within this years panto?
This year, I’m playing Jasmine! She’s the daughter of a high profile citizen of the fictional town of ‘Kirkcaldia’ and is a little fed up with the restrictions put upon her! She’s looking for adventure and excitement and something to break the monotony of every day life!
This year, I’m playing Jasmine! She’s the daughter of a high profile citizen of the fictional town of ‘Kirkcaldia’ and is a little fed up with the restrictions put upon her! She’s looking for adventure and excitement and something to break the monotony of every day life!
What are your first memories of doing panto?
My first and favourite memories of panto are seeing all the children’s faces light up whenever they see some of their favourite characters take to the stage! To see the magic and the wonder take them on the journey with us is always a joy!
I remember going to see my first panto at Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline and 100% believing that the girl playing Cinderella was *actually* the real Cinderella! I was just amazed and got totally caught up in the story!
I also really enjoy the discipline that naturally has to come with panto season- it’s an absolute marathon and you need to look after yourself!
What can audiences expect from this years show?
This year, audiences can expect a lot of laughs, some catchy songs, magical effects and a night of escapism into the world of panto!
This year, audiences can expect a lot of laughs, some catchy songs, magical effects and a night of escapism into the world of panto!
We have a brand new script written specifically for us which is exciting and something I think the audiences will really value! So it’s going to be a new show dedicated to Kirkcaldy! And as a Fifer myself, its an honour to be doing a panto run at ‘home’ again!
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a pantomime run?
I always make sure to rest as much as possible in the run up! I take lots of supplements, try to stay fit with lots of exercise and I’m a bit obsessed with taking care of my voice! It’s so important to make sure I’m as physically fit as I can be! Mentally- again, rest wherever possible and just try to fully immerse myself into the panto season! Obviously we can’t avoid all the sniffles and bugs that go round but I try to mitigate things as much as possible by ramping up my efforts to stay well!
I always make sure to rest as much as possible in the run up! I take lots of supplements, try to stay fit with lots of exercise and I’m a bit obsessed with taking care of my voice! It’s so important to make sure I’m as physically fit as I can be! Mentally- again, rest wherever possible and just try to fully immerse myself into the panto season! Obviously we can’t avoid all the sniffles and bugs that go round but I try to mitigate things as much as possible by ramping up my efforts to stay well!
How do you approach bringing some new and fresh to the role and story?
As much as there are certain ‘traditions’ that tend to come with the ‘Princess’ style role... I always try to bring as much of myself to it as I can! I like to try and bring some strength and ambition to the character so she can be seen to be marking her own path and able to stand on her own two feet! I think it’s important for youngsters to see a confidence and self belief in these characters!
There's a real magic to panto, how much does that connection and instant reaction from an audience help drive a performance?
The audience really is a main character, the final piece in the panto jigsaw! You could rehearse the show for months but you’d still never feel like it’s quite finished until there’s an audience in! Their presence changes the energy in the room! Their reactions can change from show to show so it’s important to stay focused and ready for anything!
Can you tell us a pantomime joke?
‘Last night, I was dreaming that I had written Lord of the Rings! I kept shouting ‘Hobbit! Hobbit!!’… turns out, I was Tolkien in my sleep!’
‘Last night, I was dreaming that I had written Lord of the Rings! I kept shouting ‘Hobbit! Hobbit!!’… turns out, I was Tolkien in my sleep!’
If you were able to ask a Fairy Godmother for one wish, what would you ask for?
I would wish for the people that I care about to be happy and content and for my wee cat, Harley to live forever.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
I remember going to see the UK Tour of Grease when I was 7 years old at the Edinburgh Playhouse with my mum and Gran. I can still remember exactly how the stage looked during Greased Lightning, lots of green lasers swirling around the stage and how from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an actor!
I remember going to see the UK Tour of Grease when I was 7 years old at the Edinburgh Playhouse with my mum and Gran. I can still remember exactly how the stage looked during Greased Lightning, lots of green lasers swirling around the stage and how from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an actor!
What keeps you inspired?
Taking in as many different forms of art as possible! Whether it’s a play, musical, movie, tv show, live music – whatever! Having insightful conversations with people and always staying curious about the world! It can be hard to maintain a certain level of inspiration, especially if it’s been a tricky audition season or if you’re exhausted. I also think it’s ok to allow yourself some time to sit back and take a breather from it all sometimes too. Fill your cup with other interests and past-times… a little break can sometimes make you appreciate it more when you step back in a theatre!
What would you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the panto?
I would love if people left the theatre with a smile on their face, sore cheeks from laughing and feeling like they’ve had a great night out with their family!
Also, even if one little kid can leave feeling as amazed and inspired as I did the first time I saw a panto, then – I’ll be happy!
Aladdin runs at The Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy from 5th - 30th December 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.whatsonfife.co.uk/event/150149-aladdin:-panto-2025/
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