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About This Podcast
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 fan, theatre lover, or just curious about what it takes to stage hundreds of shows at once, Just Imagine offers a fun and fascinating listen.
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Recent Episodes
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Just Imagine has published 126 episodes since March 2021, covering topics in Arts, Performing Arts.
Just Imagine is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 30m.
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