Ahead of panto season, we caught up with children’s TV star, Callum Donnelly, who will be playing Buttons in Chequer Mead Theatre’s upcoming pantomime, Cinderella!

How long have you been performing for Chequer Mead Theatre?
“This is my ninth Christmas in a row and my tenth panto overall at Chequer Mead, including the Big Easter Panto in 2024.”

Who should come see this show and why?
“Everybody! The beauty of pantomime is that there really is something for everyone. For me there’s nothing better to see from the stage than a family of young kids, teenagers, parents and grandparents all having the best time together!”

What are you most excited for audiences to see in this pantomime?
“The transformation scene is a really special moment in any version of Cinderella, but with our unique (!) casting of the Fairy Godmother, I think our version this year will have that extra bit of Chequer Mead magic!”

Do you have a favourite line or moment for your character?
“I really enjoy when Buttons pretends to have “Punbagitis” to wind up the Wicked Sisters. I also love the song “If I Were Not in Pantomime” which we haven’t performed since 2019 and is always crazily chaotic!”

What’s your go-to pre-show ritual?
“I like to stand in the wings and peak through the gaps to watch the audience taking their seats and chatting. Feeling the excitement in the auditorium both relaxes me and fills me with energy.”

What’s your favourite thing about performing in pantomime?
“It’s the collaboration of so many amazing people with such different specialisms. Singers, dancers, actors and comedians on stage of course, but also choreographers, musicians, lighting designers, sound designers backstage, and the amazing front of house team, too. It’s like one big theatrical family we join every Christmas.”

Book your tickets to Cinderella at Chequer Mead Theatre at www.chequermead.co.uk