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 keeping every performance firmly under control.

The conversation covers the art of audience interaction, the importance of timing, improvisation and tradition, building unforgettable on-stage partnerships, and why the comic remains the beating heart of every great pantomime.

Joe also reflects on working alongside legends including Rod Hull, Ken Dodd and Bob Monkhouse, while Liam discusses the influence of the legendary Krankies and the unique skills required to entertain audiences of all ages.

Packed with hilarious stories, fascinating insights and decades of theatrical experience, this episode is an entertaining celebration of the performers who bring laughter, chaos and magic to pantomime every Christmas.

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 break on Opportunity Knocks, Su reveals how a chance encounter helped launch her career, the story behind her hit single Starting Together, and what it was like working with legendary comedy writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry.

With more than 40 pantomimes under her belt, Su also shares some unforgettable behind-the-scenes tales, from a fiery first appearance as the Blue Fairy to playing Principal Boy for 25 years and terrifying young audiences as the Wicked Queen! She explains why pantomime remains so special to her, the importance of its traditions, and why nothing beats bringing families together for a magical Christmas theatre experience.

Su is starring this Christmas as part of Imagine Theatre’s production of Sleeping Beauty at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre, and she tells us why pantomime continues to be one of her greatest loves.

Expect plenty of laughter, nostalgia and fascinating stories from a true national treasure!

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Just Imagine Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Find out more about Imagine Theatre and its Christmas productions at www.imaginetheatre.co.uk.

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, Martin and Richard explore the unique relationship between magic and pantomime, the art of bringing a silent puppet to life on stage, why slapstick remains such an important part of family entertainment, and how Sooty has continued to evolve for new generations of audiences.

Richard also reflects on directing and performing in pantomime, his favourite panto titles, the realities of producing theatre, and why creating unforgettable memories for young audiences remains the greatest privilege of all.

Packed with entertaining stories, behind-the-scenes insights and a genuine love of live theatre, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the industry's most versatile performers.

Subscribe now and join us for another celebration of the people who make pantomime so magical.