Cinderella - Kettering Lighthouse Theatre Interview

Pantomime returns to the Lighthouse Theatre this Christmas, oh yes, it is!

Cinderella dreams of a more magical and exciting life far away from her Wicked Stepsisters. Luckily, she has her ever-faithful companion, Buttons, to brighten her days. When the dashing Prince Charming decides to throw a grand ball to find his future wife, Cinderella sees her chance to turn her pumpkin of a life into a sparkling carriage ride to happiness! With a wave of the Fairy Godmother’s wand and a little pumpkin spice, anything is possible!

This sparkling pantomime, presented by KD Theatre Productions, promises a dazzling spectacle with plenty of laughs, top-notch professional performers, stunning sets, and lavish costumes.

We caught up with the cast to learn more about this year's production.

What can you tell me about your role within this year's panto?

Maisie Asbury (Cinderella) - I’m playing Cinderella, she’s such an iconic role. Full of kindness, strength, and hope. What I love most about her is that while she’s gentle, she’s never weak. She believes in goodness and love even when life’s unfair, and I think that’s something everyone can connect with.

Jon-Scott Clark (Dandini) - So this year I’ll be playing Dandini, the Prince's right hand man. But I’m also choreographing the panto again this year which will be my 3rd at the Lighthouse Theatre, also as the Associate Director.

Jessie Waterfield (Fairy Godmother) - I’m playing the Fairy Godmother - everyone’s sparkly, slightly sassy guide through Cinderella’s story! I get to sprinkle some magic, keep the chaos under control (or try to!), and make sure everyone gets their happily ever after.

Dominic Mattos (Ugly Sister Claudia) - Even though I'm far too pretty for the role, I'm playing one of the Ugly Sisters. She's a bit mean, and a bit silly, and lots of fun.

What are your first memories of doing panto?

Jon-Scott - My first panto memory is dancing in my local pantomime in the Jr ensemble for centre players, in my home town of St. Ives in Cambridgeshire.

Jessie - My first memory of panto was going on a school trip to the Derngate to see Peter Pan. I remember being so excited to get on the bus and head to the theatre, it felt like the official start of Christmas! I think that’s where my love of panto magic began. My first professional job after graduating was with a touring pantomime company, and I’m so excited to be back in Kettering after having an absolute ball (pun intended!) last year as Morgiana, Queen of the Wolves, in Beauty and the Beast.

Dominic - My first memories of doing panto are my experiences of being the most important cast member of all... an audience member! I loved that feeling of being inside the story and feeling that the actors cared what the audience had to say and contribute.

Daniel Breakwell (Prince Charming) - In my first panto I was a member of the ensemble in a production of Beauty and the Beast. It was great to experience that wonderful on stage relationship with the audience that you mostly only get in panto, and have such an exciting and fun Christmas performing!

Sean “Rollo” Rollason (Buttons) - Well my first pantomime was in 1992 at Chatham at the Central Hall theatre.

My memory of doing panto there was when I first walked on the stage was just a black box, throughout the week the stage crew had transformed the dull stage into an Emperors palace.
So my memory was of the camaraderie between the stage crew, lighting, sound and cast all working together to make the show.

Joshua Stephens (Ensemble) - At a young age, taking part in the young ensemble. I remember being in awe of the professional actors and hoping one day I get to call that my job.

Maisie Asbury (Cinderella)

What can audiences expect from this year's show?

Maisie - Audiences can expect a proper Christmas treat, packed with big laughs, stunning costumes, catchy songs, and a few surprises! It’s got everything: romance, comedy, a little bit of magic, and a lot of heart. It promises a couple of hours of non-stop entertainment! 

Jon-Scott - I think the audience can expect lots of laughter, silliness alongside a spectacular show, filled with incredible singing and dancing!

Dominic - A lot of fun and a lot of heart. If last year's extravaganza is anything to go by then it will have an amazing set, visual effects and stunning costumes. But those things aren't what matters most. What matters most is a great story, told in a way that the whole family can enjoy, and luckily that's exactly what the Lighthouse panto promises. A lot of the cast members are returning from last year, a lot are local[ish], and the show has a real family feel both on and off stage.

Jessie - Plenty of sparkle, silliness, and a whole lot of heart! There’s brilliant music, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises along the way. It’s going to be a proper festive treat for all ages.

Daniel - After meeting our fab cast members I can confidently say that it will be great fun, full of energy and brilliant talented performers and creatives!

Joshua - Fun, laughter and magic! I have no doubt with this year’s cast the audience will be leaving the theatre with smiles on their faces. KD theatre will be sure to deliver a truly magical and memorable production.

How do you mentally and physically prepare for a pantomime run?

Maisie - One of my favourite things about Panto is how high energy, fast paced and intense it is.. two show days certainly require lots of energy. It’s essential to maintain physical and mental health during the run to ensure we can deliver the best show possible…I find mince pies also help!

Dominic - Panto is an endurance sport. I prepare with good nutrition. Hydration for the nation. Stretching. Learning the lines inside out and back-to-front. Praying for deliverance in the dance routines. Getting those flu jabs and vitamins in... and making a freezer full of panto ready meals so that I can keep myself fed for the run.

Jon-Scott - Physically I try to make sure I’m fit and healthy as possible before we start the run so I have as much energy as possible, but also make sure I’ve learnt my lines and prepared most of the big show numbers. I’ll learn a page a day the month before and create a routine or two each week a couple of months before. So when we get into rehearsals we can hit the ground running.

Jessie - Lots of sleep, plenty of honey, lemon and ginger tea, and a good warm-up! Panto is such a high-energy show that you’ve got to pace yourself, but the buzz from the audience keeps you going every performance.

Daniel - During panto season I like to make sure that I am eating plenty of healthy nourishing foods, I try to get plenty of rest and down time between shows to make sure I am feeling physically and mentally ready for each show.

Joshua - Pack loads of home away from home essentials! Pictures, snacks and home comforts for my theatre digs and dressing room.

Sean "Rollo" Rollaston (Buttons)

How do you approach bringing some new and fresh to the role and story?

Maisie - Cinderella is such a classic role that we all know and love. I feel like it’s important to honour the traditional character but it can be fun to sometimes inject some 21st century fun when bringing her to life. I’m sure there will be some great choreography and songs that will transport Cinderella to 2025!

Jessie - Even though the story of Cinderella is well-loved, every cast brings their own chemistry and personality to it. For me, I try to find a balance between the classic fairytale magic and a bit of modern mischief - after all, this Fairy Godmother’s got a twinkle in her eye!

Joshua - This mostly comes down to working with new people and a new company. Each year we work with different artists and this alone allows us to create a fresh take on this story which has never been told in this way before. Cinderella might be on at over 20 venues across the UK, but our version is unique to us and solely down to what we individually bring to the stage and our relationships which each other as a cast.

Jon-Scott - I always bring big energy and full-out feeling with every show I do. I give my all to committing to telling the story and making sure the show is always for the audiences.

Dominic - With panto, each performance is going to be a bit different because the audience will always be different. There's always something new to react to. It's also important that, despite all the fun and silliness, we are telling great stories. Remembering that and committing to the story means it will always be fresh and exciting.

Daniel - After playing a Prince quite a few times now, I enjoy finding what makes that prince unique. Is he sensitive? Kind? A little spoilt? Big ego? Thoughtful? Brave and heroic? Grounded? Full throttle? I usually decide all of these things after reading the script, knowing the story and his background a little better, his interactions with the other characters and, of course, I try to match it to the cool song choices in each ponto.

There's a real magic to panto. How much does that connection and instant reaction from an audience help drive a performance?

Maisie - I can honestly say my favourite part about performing is watching the audience! Of course I love seeing children experience theatre for the first time and be truly taken away by the story. However, it’s great to watch the adults react to some of the more mature jokes that you often find in pantomime. It’s always such a great way to bring the family together, something for everyone. 

Jon-Scott - There is nothing better than a big round of applause after a number or routine. And the sound of laughter is just the best feel good medicine. So with my choreography and performance, I make sure it’s always for the audience, to engage them and impress them. Because if they are having a great time, then we will too.

Dominic -  Sometimes an audience member will shout out something hilarious, or weird, and you can react to that on stage and it makes that performance special for everyone there... but the real thing is that when panto is working well everyone in the room is invested in the story, and everyone [including the grumpy uncles] gets a little misty eyed when the cow gets sold or Cinderella goes to the ball. Then someone makes a joke about farting and the whole family laughs. 

Jessie - It’s everything! The audience is basically another character in the show. Their laughter, cheers, and boos keep the energy electric. That shared joy is what makes panto so special.

Daniel - The audience makes each show. Every show is very different because every audience is different. Some audience members get engrossed in the story and can be a little quieter. Some audiences really celebrate the permission to get involved with call and response interaction and really lift the energy of the cast and show. The fact you don't know what kind of show it's going to be until that curtain goes up is part of the fun.

Joshua - This is VERY important to any successful panto. The audience play a vital part in the show, the more they suspend their disbeliefs and get involved with the story the more magic they will see come to life on stage.

Jon-Scott Clark (Dandini)

Can you tell us a pantomime joke?

Dominic - Dandini threw a lump of cheese at me earlier. I thought, that's mature!

Jessie - Why did Cinderella get kicked off the football team?

Because she kept running away from the ball!

Rollo - My favourite pantomime joke, well panto jokes are very corny but one I like is this…
Everyone in our village wears wooly jumpers two sizes too small.. It's a very tight knit community.

Joshua - I went to the library and asked "Do you have a book about pantomimes"?
'It's behind you' said the librarian

Jon-Scott - What did the drummer name his twins? Anna-1 Anna-2.

Daniel - There's a reason I get cast as Princes.. I leave the good jokes to the comics haha!

If you were able to ask a Fairy Godmother for one wish, what would you ask for?

Rollo - Well of course I’d wish for everyone in the Kettering area, all the families, all the children, to come along to watch Cinderella and have a wonderful happy Christmas..either that or one of those great big bars of Dairy Milk.

Jon-Scott - If I could have one wish it would be to have the ability to fly because that would be awesome. Then I’d no longer be Dan-Dan the Princes man, I’d be Dan-Dan the flying man.

Jessie - Unlimited glitter that never needs cleaning up. Truly the ultimate magic

Dominic - I'd wish that every child had access to theatre and could experience the joy of a pantomime.

Joshua - Endless supply of milky bar buttons and biscoff!!

Daniel - More kindness in the world.

Jessie Waterfield (Fairy Godmother)

What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?

Maisie - I remember seeing Cats the Musical at a young age… I must admit, I had no clue what was going on but I was so fascinated by the performers! I always wondered what it would be like to have a job in theatre, I mean who doesn’t want to play pretend all day?!

Jon-Scott - The first show I remember watching as a kid was the Lion King in the West End. I’ve never gone back to see the show, as the memories I have from it are so special to me.

Jessie - That Peter Pan trip definitely stuck with me, as did a visit to the ballet to see Swan Lake. Later on, seeing professional musicals and realising how storytelling, music, and performance can completely transport an audience made me want to be part of that magic. I’ve always loved performing, and I love the escapism of both being on stage and being an audience member. It’s so special and rare to be in a room where everyone is present and sharing an experience together.

Joshua - Matthew Bournes - Edward Scissor Hands. Seeing this production brought to life through dance and storytelling in such an authentic and unique way.

Dominic - It was Aladdin at my home town in Guildford. Bernard Cribbins was the dame.  I was four years old and I decided there and then that if I could dress up in ladies' clothing and throw toilet rolls around for a living it would be a very good thing. 

Daniel - Probably The Phantom of the Opera.

What keeps you inspired?

Maisie - 5 year old Maisie! I often picture my younger self in the audience and wonder what she would think of the show? Which parts would she enjoy most?

Jon-Scott - My wife Hannah and my newborn son Archie. Everything I do is for them. And my wife is a superhero.

Jessie - The people I work with! Seeing everyone bring their creativity, humour, and passion to rehearsals is infectious. And of course, the audiences who come back year after year remind me exactly why we do it. There’s something truly special about family theatre, knowing you might be a child’s first introduction to the magic of live performance is such a privilege.

Joshua - Seeing other artists and aspiring to learn and refine new skills from them.

Dominic - Audiences. To see a small child in a princess frock screaming "KILL HER" about the villain at the top of their lungs warms my soul. But seriously, it's seeing an audience engaged in the same story, despite age differences, different abilities, cultural differences, politics... Panto is a great shared experience. Seeing a room of strangers engaged in the same experience is always inspiring.

Daniel - Seeing others perform in exciting new productions, or seeing re-imagined versions of older shows that completely changes the way you understood or appreciated the show.

Daniel Breakwell (Prince Charming).

What would you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the panto?

Maisie - Joy! If nothing else, I hope every audience member is able to switch off for a couple of hours, forget everything that is happening in the outside world and enjoy the show, laugh with us, dance along with us and have fun!

Jon-Scott - What I hope the audience takes away is lots of family fun, happiness and incredible memories. The magic of theatre really can transport them to a world that will inspire them to dream big. And you never know they might be on that stage with us in years to come.

Jessie - A big smile, a few big belly laughs, and that warm, fuzzy feeling that only comes from sharing a bit of Christmas magic together.

Dominic - The desire to come back again and again, and the desire to support local live theatre.

Daniel - A little bit of magic, excitement and happiness. Perhaps even being inspired to try out performing themselves!

Joshua - Hopefully gets them in the Christmas spirit and makes them excited for Christmas and the magic of the holidays.

Cinderella will run at Kettering's Lighthouse Theatre from Friday, 12th, until Wednesday, 31st December 2025. Tickets are available from https://lighthousetheatre.co.uk/event/cinderella/