Act One Pantomimes are bringing an all-star cast to Kings Langley this December, with their production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Rudolf Steiner School’s theatre.

The panto runs from December 18 to 22, with two shows per day. I spoke to the stars to find out more…

Rhianna Merralls – the princess

Where do you live?

Kings Langley

Talk me through your career to date.

I began acting in 2006 in The Bartered Bride at The Royal Opera House. I trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School, National Youth Theatre and the RADA Youth Company. I got my first TV role in 2015 in BAFTA nominated Camping (Sky Atlantic). In 2016 I filmed Carters Get Rich and a Disney Channel pilot. Millie Inbetween came in 2017, and I am currently filming a BBC period drama which will be released in 2019.

How did you get involved in the panto?

I got a phone call from Chris (the producer) offering me the role.

Tell me about your role.

I play the Princess. She is very sweet, kind and often scared. She falls hopelessly in love with Jack.

How are rehearsals going?

They’ve only just begun and it is looking great!

Are you excited for the performances and why?

So excited. I’m performing on my birthday which will be lovely and it’s great to be in my village.

What do you like about panto?

I’ve never done panto before, but I’ve always loved watching them, because the audience can boo and cheer!

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

The food (and family time).

Do you have any unusual Christmas traditions?

My family used to go bowling on Christmas Eve.

Gem Allen – the fairy

Where do you live?

Beckenham

Talk me through your career to date.

My first professional job was as a child dancer in panto. I performed in various musicals as a child, girl bands as I got older. Then into TV presenting almost 10 years ago. I’ve played Princess Aurora and Cinderella in panto before. I was a guest vocalist for 90s pop group Aqua for three years and most recently filmed a new TV series, Pure.

How did you get involved in the panto?

Chris found me!

Tell me about your role.

Fairy Sparkle - a little bit traditional and a little bit cool too.

How are rehearsals going?

Good, such a fab and friendly cast.

Are you excited for the performances and why?

This will be my first stage role since having my daughter Alara-Star who is now a year old and will be watching!

What do you like about panto?

It’s always fun, magical and gets you in the Christmas spirit

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Everything! The lights, mulled wine, parties, bringing friends and family together and Santa visits!

Do you have any unusual Christmas traditions?

We like to collect Christmas tree decorations from everywhere we go so that we have a tree full of memories.

Peter Dean – Fleshcreep, the baddie

Where do you live?

London.

Talk me through your career to date.

Plenty of small parts, Z Cars, Softly Softly, Young Ones, The Bill - break came with Law and Order which received critical acclaim and a TV award. Then EastEnders, Cradle to the Grave, Minder, Hammer House of Horror. I’ve also been in Shoestring, Chinese Detective, Coronation Street, and have played in most of the pantos!

How did you get involved in the panto?

I have worked with Chris Law (the producer) before. He believes in proper traditional panto which children enjoy.

Tell me about your role.

I am playing Fleshcreep, the baddie. I play him with a slight weakness - I don’t believe in frightening the audience too much.

How are rehearsals going?

We’ve just started and rehearsals are going very well. I’m working with some people I have worked with before, which is good.

Are you excited for the performances and why?

Excited because Chris has chosen a new venue and I am really hoping the people of Kings Langley and around support us.

Rob Forknall - Dame Judi Trot

Where do you live?

London.

Talk me through your career to date.

I trained at Drama Studio and have appeared in many plays and festivals as Noel Coward. First panto dame was at 21 and I have been doing it ever since. I appeared in Dr Who with David Tennant, Green Green Grass and many other TV shows including my own series Blast Off - a DIY show for kids. I also run Changeling Theatre Company.

How did you get involved in the panto?

Through my friend Luke Roberts, who appeared for Act One Pantomimes for the last two years.

Tell me about your role.

I’m Dame Judi Trot, mother of Jack, who discovers that her son has sold Buttercup the cow for a bag of beans. So she chucks them out of the window to discover a rather large weed!

How are rehearsals going?

Yes, early days but going well. It’s going to be funny.

Are you excited for the performances and why?

Yes! It’s a great week of shows and I get to have a Boxing Day at home for the first time in years.

What do you like about panto?

The glitter, the fun, the fact there are so many talented people working towards giving a lot of joy to people in a theatre

Do you have any unusual Christmas traditions?

I only ever usually get one day of Christmas because I’m always doing panto. So I usually sleep, eat and love Dr Who!

Tickets can be booked online via ticketsource.co.uk/act-one-pantomimes or by phoning 0333 666 3366.