Just Imagine Imagine Theatre

This week Eric Potts and Palace panto regular James McAnerney join Martin on the podcast to talk about Snow White.
Snow White originated from the Brothers Grimm in the early 1800s and it grew and developed from there to become the version of the story we know today.  
Eric and James discuss the history of the pantomime, the variations in the story, some of the iconic elements such as the magic mirror and the various approaches to casting.
A must listen episode for all fans of the panto genre!

We are already a third of the way through the year and this week on the podcast Sarah and Steve talk to Martin about where Imagine are in the panto process at the moment. 
New set and costume designs are underway for the three brand news shows being created this year. This includes planning for the team to produce panto in a circus tent for the first time this year with a brand new show and the steps involved in bringing that to life.
They discuss how Imagine is integrating with parent company Trafalgar Entertainment as well as producing the first panto in the brand new Fareham Live Theatre. They also touch on the forthcoming Junior Ensemble auditions, their pre-school Santa shows and the exciting opportunities available for careers in stage management and wardrobe.

Episode 75 – The Role of the Director 
This week the podcast focuses on the role of the director. Robert Marsden and Mairi Cowieson join Martin on the podcast to discuss what being a director actually involves. 
They discuss how the role of director has developed from ancient times to present day, their routes into directing and their personal approaches to directing pantomime. 

Joint CEO of Trafalgar Entertainment Dame Rosemary Squire and CEO and COO of Trafalgar Theatres Helen Enright are Martin’s guests on the podcast this week.
Despite an early love of theatre, neither Rosemary or Helen set out to have a career in the industry and both came to their current roles through very different paths.
Join us as they discuss their career development, the importance of both regional theatre and pantomime to the industry and the continuing growth of Trafalgar Entertainment.

This week Swansea legend Kev Johns joins Martin on the podcast.
Kev has been a panto dame for 30 years, with 25 of those at the Swansea Grand. He also presented numerous radio shows, including more than 20 years on the Breakfast Show, as well as being a match day announcer for his local football team, The Swans. Kev is also heavily involved in charity work, receiving an MBE in 2010 for his services to charity. 
He discusses his long and varied career with Martin, including how he went from being a church minister to being in the entertainment business and why pantomime is so important to him.

The pantomime version of Beauty and the Beast is one of the most popular titles of all, along with being one of the most loved Disney classics.
This week Eric Potts and Liam Dolan join Martin on the podcast to discuss one of their favourite titles.